Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey – Perfect for Thanksgiving

When it comes to Thanksgiving, few dishes make a grander entrance than a perfectly roasted turkey. This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey combines the bright tartness of cranberries, the zesty sweetness of oranges, and the savory depth of a buttery roasted bird to create a stunning holiday centerpiece. The citrus-cranberry glaze caramelizes into a glossy coat that not only looks incredible but delivers a mouthwatering contrast of flavors — tangy, sweet, and rich.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy dinner for a few, this recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful turkey that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

• A Flavor Explosion: The sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze enhances the natural richness of the turkey.
• Moist and Tender: Butter, citrus, and aromatics keep the bird juicy from the inside out.
• Impressively Easy: Despite its show-stopping look, this recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and foolproof.
• Perfect for the Holidays: A modern twist on the traditional roast turkey that feels festive yet fresh.

🍊 Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

For the Turkey:

• 1 (12–14 lb) whole turkey, thawed and giblets removed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 orange, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
2. Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
   In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, brown sugar, honey, butter, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cinnamon. Let cool; it will thicken as it sits.
3. Prepare the Turkey for Roasting:
   Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs using your fingers or a spoon. Rub the softened butter under the skin and over the top to ensure even coverage. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Stuff and Truss:
   Place the orange halves, onion quarters, and garlic cloves inside the turkey cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the bird.
5. Roast the Turkey:
   Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast uncovered for about 2½ to 3 hours (about 13 minutes per pound).
6. Glaze Time:
   In the last 45 minutes of roasting, begin brushing the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 15 minutes. Continue basting until the skin is golden brown and glossy.
7. Check Doneness:
   The turkey is ready when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Carve:
   Let the turkey rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices redistribute and every slice stays moist.
9. Serve with Extra Glaze:
   Rewarm any remaining glaze and drizzle over carved turkey slices before serving.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

A juicy, tender Thanksgiving turkey coated in a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze for a perfect holiday centerpiece.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 people

Course: Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving

Calories: 410

Ingredients

  

Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lb) thawed and giblets removed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 orange halved
• 1 onion quartered
• 6 garlic cloves smashed

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1 orange zest from one large orange
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar optional
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Saucepan
• Basting brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare the turkey by bringing it to room temperature.
2. Combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, brown sugar, honey, butter, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
3. Pat turkey dry, rub with butter and olive oil, and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff cavity with orange halves, onion, and garlic; truss the legs.
5. Roast turkey for 2½–3 hours, brushing with glaze during the last 45 minutes.
6. Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Serve with remaining glaze.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor. Glaze can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3 days.

🧠 Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Dry the turkey well before applying butter and oil — this helps the skin crisp beautifully.
• Don’t skip the resting time! Cutting too early will cause the juices to escape, leaving the meat dry.
• Add more glaze flavor: Stir in a splash of cranberry juice or orange liqueur for a gourmet touch.
• Use a roasting rack: Elevating the turkey ensures even cooking and allows the fat to drip away.
• For extra shine: Brush the turkey with melted butter before the final glaze coat.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This cranberry orange glazed turkey pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Try these for a balanced feast:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the glaze.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Adds a smoky crunch to the plate.
• Sausage Stuffing – A savory companion that balances the sweet glaze.
• Cranberry Apple Salad – Adds freshness and a tangy note.
• Homemade Dinner Rolls – For mopping up every drop of that gorgeous glaze!

💡 Variations

• Maple-Cranberry Glaze: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for heat.
• Herb-Infused: Steep fresh rosemary or sage in the glaze for an aromatic twist.
• Mini Version: Use the glaze for turkey breasts or Cornish hens for smaller gatherings.

🍷 What Wine to Serve

This dish shines alongside medium-bodied wines that complement both its sweet and savory elements. Try:

• Pinot Noir – Light and fruity, with cranberry notes that echo the glaze.
• Chardonnay – Buttery and smooth, pairing perfectly with roast turkey.
• Zinfandel – For those who like bolder, spicier flavors with their feast.

🕯 Fun Facts: A Twist on Tradition

Did you know that cranberries and oranges weren’t traditionally used together in early American turkey recipes? The pairing gained popularity in the mid-20th century as families looked for ways to modernize their holiday menus with bolder, fresher flavors. Today, this sweet-tart combination is a symbol of festive cheer and culinary creativity — turning the humble turkey into a masterpiece worthy of your holiday table.

🍴 Storage and Reheating

• Store: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freeze: Wrap sliced turkey tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Gently reheat covered in foil at 300°F (150°C) until warm, brushing with leftover glaze to restore moisture and flavor.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration on a platter. The tart cranberries, citrusy brightness, and aromatic herbs bring new life to the classic Thanksgiving turkey, offering a dish that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated.

Whether it’s your first time hosting or your twentieth, this recipe will make you look (and feel) like a holiday hero.