Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Family Seasonal Food Recipes

Experience the festive flavors of the season with this delicious Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:07:35.251Z

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the savory flavors of the turkey, making it a must-have for festive feasts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy turkey infused with a sweet and tart cranberry glaze
A stunning presentation that wows your guests
Perfectly seasoned for a comforting, home-cooked meal

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

When it comes to holiday gatherings, a beautifully roasted turkey is often the centerpiece of the table. This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze not only looks stunning but also brings a festive touch that your guests will love. The vibrant cranberry glaze adds a dash of color and a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory turkey perfectly.

Serving a whole turkey can feel daunting, but with this recipe, you'll find it straightforward and rewarding. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as the turkey roasts, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. This dish is not just a meal; it's the heart of the celebration.

Flavorful and Moist

One of the biggest challenges of roasting a turkey is ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful. This recipe tackles that with a simple yet effective technique: rubbing the turkey with olive oil and seasoning it generously. This helps to lock in moisture and creates a beautifully golden skin.

The cranberry glaze plays a crucial role in keeping the turkey moist during the roasting process. Basting it periodically with the glaze not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing shine to the skin. The result is a turkey that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

While this Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it's also a fantastic option for any special occasion. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, a festive brunch, or even a summer barbecue, this dish can be adapted to suit any season. The sweet and tart cranberry glaze can be adjusted according to your taste, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Moreover, leftovers from this turkey can be transformed into delightful dishes such as sandwiches, salads, or casseroles, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This recipe not only fills your home with warmth and joy but also provides you with delicious meals long after the festivities are over.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

For the Cranberry Glaze

1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start roasting!

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub the olive oil all over it. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Stuff the cavity with onion, carrots, and celery.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Set aside.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, removing the foil halfway through. Baste the turkey with the cranberry glaze every 30 minutes for the last hour of roasting.

Check for Doneness

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Serve the turkey with extra cranberry glaze on the side for an added burst of flavor!

Pro Tips

For the best results, brine the turkey overnight to ensure it stays moist during roasting.

Tips for a Successful Roast

To achieve the best results with your roasted turkey, consider brining it a day prior to cooking. This enhances the flavor and moisture retention, ensuring a juicy turkey. Additionally, allow the turkey to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven; this helps it cook evenly.

Don’t forget to check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Using this method eliminates guesswork and guarantees a perfectly cooked bird every time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your roasted turkey with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or stuffing for a classic holiday meal. For a modern twist, consider serving it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a fresh cranberry salad to balance the richness of the turkey.

Don’t forget about the sauces! Serve with extra cranberry sauce, gravy, or even a dollop of apple chutney on the side. These accompaniments enhance the overall flavor profile and make each bite even more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

After the festivities, store any leftover turkey in airtight containers to keep it fresh for longer. Shredded turkey can be frozen for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy turkey sandwiches or delicious soups later on.

When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of broth can help revive the turkey’s juiciness. With proper storage and reheating, your delicious roasted turkey can be savored long after the celebration ends.

Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I cook a turkey?

A general rule is to cook the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).

→ Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What should I serve with roasted turkey?

Consider serving mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing for a complete holiday meal.

→ How do I store leftover turkey?

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.