Orange Cranberry Glazed Holiday Turkey

Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Roasted
Bring a burst of festive flavor to your dinner table with this Orange Cranberry Glazed Holiday Turkey. It’s everything a holiday centerpiece should be: tender, juicy meat coated in a glossy glaze that combines the tang of cranberries with the bright citrus of orange. This holiday turkey recipe is both elegant and approachable, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. The aroma of roasted herbs, citrus, and caramelized glaze will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 to 12

Ingredients List

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds), thawed if frozen
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 orange, quartered
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 2 rosemary sprigs
• 2 thyme sprigs

For the Glaze

• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water, if needed for thickening

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe is simple and straightforward with tools most home cooks already have:

• Roasting pan with rack
• Saucepan
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp knife for carving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
2. Butter and Season: Rub softened butter and olive oil all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with orange, onion, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, depending on size, or until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
4. Make the Glaze: Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard, orange zest, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. If desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken further.
5. Glaze the Turkey: During the final 45 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with the glaze every 15 minutes. This builds a rich, caramelized coating that enhances flavor and shine.
6. Rest Before Carving: Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Pro Tips

• Moist Meat Tip: Always let your turkey rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Double the Glaze: The glaze is so good you’ll want extra. Save some to serve as a sauce at the table.
• Add Depth: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a deeper, more complex glaze.
• Make Ahead: The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat before brushing on the turkey.

Nutrition Table

Conclusion

This Orange Cranberry Glazed Holiday Turkey combines classic roasted turkey with a bright, modern twist. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the savory flavor of the meat, while the golden, caramelized exterior makes it a true showpiece. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family feast, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor and presentation every time.

Orange Cranberry Glazed Holiday Turkey

A festive holiday turkey with a glossy glaze of cranberries and orange, perfect for special gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 11 servings

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Turkey

• 1 whole whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds), thawed if frozen
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 whole orange, quartered
• 1 whole onion, cut into chunks
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme

For the Glaze

• 1.5 cups fresh cranberries
• 0.75 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 0.5 cups maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water if needed for thickening

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
• Rub softened butter and olive oil all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with orange, onion, rosemary, and thyme.

Roasting

• Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, depending on size, or until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
• During the final 45 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with the glaze every 15 minutes.

Make the Glaze

• Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard, orange zest, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
• If desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken further.

Serving

• Remove the turkey from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Moist Meat Tip: Always let your turkey rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Double the Glaze: The glaze is so good you’ll want extra. Save some to serve as a sauce at the table. Add Depth: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a deeper, more complex glaze. Make Ahead: The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat before brushing on the turkey.

Keyword Christmas, Cranberry Glaze, Holiday Recipe, Thanksgiving, Turkey