This cranberry orange glazed turkey brings a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy cranberry, bright orange, and fragrant rosemary to the holiday table. Roasted until golden and juicy, the turkey is finished with a glossy homemade glaze and flavorful pan gravy for a festive meal that feels special without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavor: Tart cranberry and citrusy orange create a delicious contrast with savory roasted turkey.
- Simple preparation: The turkey is seasoned with pantry-friendly ingredients and roasted in the oven.
- Beautiful presentation: The glossy glaze gives the turkey an inviting golden finish.
- Family-friendly: The sweet-tangy flavor is approachable and pairs well with classic holiday sides.
- Homemade gravy: The flavorful pan juices combine with extra glaze to create a rich finishing sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 11-pound turkey, cut into 6 pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- Fresh herb sprigs, for garnish
- Orange wedges, for garnish
- Whole cranberries, for garnish
For the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse the turkey pieces and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Brush all sides with olive oil, then season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the turkey pieces skin-side up on a baking sheet. Place the thick ends of the breasts and thighs toward the corners and the drumsticks in the center.
- Roast for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and generously brush it with the cranberry orange glazed turkey mixture. Pour the chicken broth onto the baking sheet around the turkey to help prevent the drippings from burning.
- Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes. If the skin becomes too dark, loosely cover the turkey with foil.
- Check the thickest part of the thigh with an instant-read thermometer, making sure the thermometer does not touch the bone. Cook until it reaches 165°F to 170°F.
- Transfer the turkey to a serving platter. Brush generously with additional glaze and let it rest for 25 to 30 minutes.
- While the turkey rests, scrape the pan juices and browned bits from the baking sheet into a large measuring cup. Carefully spoon off and discard the excess fat from the surface.
- Transfer the degreased pan juices to a medium heavy saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cranberry-orange glaze, or more to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook briefly until the flavors come together.
- Slice the turkey and arrange it on the platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, orange wedges, and whole cranberries. Serve warm with the homemade gravy.
To Make the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- Add the thawed orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, orange marmalade, and chopped rosemary to a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Continue boiling for about 15 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Whisk in the butter until smooth.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips & Tricks
- Dry the turkey well: Patting the turkey dry before seasoning helps the skin brown more effectively.
- Watch the glaze: Because the glaze contains fruit concentrates and marmalade, it can darken quickly. Cover the turkey loosely with foil if needed.
- Use a thermometer: The most reliable way to check doneness is with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
- Let it rest: Resting for 25 to 30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Don’t skip the broth: Adding broth to the baking sheet helps protect the pan drippings from scorching.
- Adjust the gravy: Add more or less glaze to the pan juices depending on how sweet and citrusy you want the gravy.
- Fresh rosemary works best: Fresh rosemary gives the glaze a brighter herbal flavor, but dried rosemary can be used in a smaller amount if necessary.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 25–30 minutes
- Glaze Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, alcohol-free
Notes
For a classic holiday spread, serve this turkey with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, stuffing, or a crisp seasonal salad.
The turkey can also be served with extra cranberry-orange glaze on the side for guests who prefer a stronger sweet-tart flavor. Fresh rosemary, orange slices, and cranberries make simple garnishes that complement the colors of the dish.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving will vary according to portion size and the amount of skin, glaze, and gravy served.
- Calories: Approximately 520
- Protein: Approximately 62g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 18g
- Fat: Approximately 22g
FAQ
Can I make cranberry orange glazed turkey with a whole turkey?
Yes. The glaze can be used with a whole turkey, although the roasting time will need to be adjusted according to the turkey’s size and your preferred cooking method. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to determine when the turkey is safely cooked.
What gives cranberry orange turkey its flavor?
The combination of cranberry juice concentrate, orange juice concentrate, orange marmalade, and fresh rosemary creates the signature sweet, tart, citrusy flavor.
Can I make the cranberry-orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it in a covered container. Warm it gently before brushing it onto the turkey.
How do I keep the orange glazed turkey from becoming too dark?
Keep an eye on the turkey during the final stage of roasting. If the glaze is browning too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with foil and continue cooking until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
Can I use the glaze to make gravy?
Yes. Whisking a few tablespoons of the glaze into the degreased pan juices creates a flavorful gravy with a subtle cranberry-orange taste.
What can I serve with this cranberry turkey recipe?
Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, green beans, stuffing, rice pilaf, and seasonal salads all pair nicely with the sweet and savory flavors of the turkey.
Storage
Refrigerator: Place leftover turkey and gravy in airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of serving. Enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer: Remove the turkey meat from the bones and store it in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Gravy can be frozen separately.
Reheating: Reheat turkey gently in a covered baking dish with a small splash of broth or gravy to help retain moisture. Heat until thoroughly warmed.
Similar Recipes
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 11- pound turkey cut into 6 pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- Fresh herb sprigs for garnish
- Orange wedges for garnish
- Whole cranberries for garnish
For the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate thawed
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse the turkey pieces and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Brush all sides with olive oil, then season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the turkey pieces skin-side up on a baking sheet. Place the thick ends of the breasts and thighs toward the corners and the drumsticks in the center.
- Roast for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and generously brush it with the cranberry orange glazed turkey mixture. Pour the chicken broth onto the baking sheet around the turkey to help prevent the drippings from burning.
- Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes. If the skin becomes too dark, loosely cover the turkey with foil.
- Check the thickest part of the thigh with an instant-read thermometer, making sure the thermometer does not touch the bone. Cook until it reaches 165°F to 170°F.
- Transfer the turkey to a serving platter. Brush generously with additional glaze and let it rest for 25 to 30 minutes.
- While the turkey rests, scrape the pan juices and browned bits from the baking sheet into a large measuring cup. Carefully spoon off and discard the excess fat from the surface.
- Transfer the degreased pan juices to a medium heavy saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cranberry-orange glaze, or more to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook briefly until the flavors come together.
- Slice the turkey and arrange it on the platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, orange wedges, and whole cranberries. Serve warm with the homemade gravy.
To Make the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- Add the thawed orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, orange marmalade, and chopped rosemary to a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Continue boiling for about 15 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Whisk in the butter until smooth.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
Conclusion
This cranberry orange glazed turkey is an easy way to give a traditional roasted turkey a fresh, festive twist. The combination of juicy turkey, bright citrus, tart cranberry, and rosemary creates a centerpiece that’s both beautiful and full of flavor. With a simple glaze and pan gravy, you can serve a memorable holiday dinner with confidence.