Name: Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed and giblets removed; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Zest of 2 oranges; Zest of 1 lemon; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 orange, quartered; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 small onion, quartered; 2 sprigs rosemary; 2 sprigs thyme; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup honey; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt

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If you’re looking to truly impress at your next holiday feast, the Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey is the showstopper you’ve been waiting for. This dish offers a brilliant twist on tradition, marrying the savory succulence of roast turkey with the vibrant, tangy sweetness of citrus and cranberries. With every bite, you get juicy, aromatic turkey meat, a fragrant hit of fresh herbs, and a glossy, jewel-toned cranberry glaze that makes the centerpiece as beautiful as it is flavorful. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday table—trust me, friends and family will be asking for this recipe every year!

Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its impressive appearance, the Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey relies on straightforward ingredients that work together to create something extraordinary. Each element brings depth—whether it’s citrus for brightness, herbs for aroma, or cranberries for that delightful tartness and color.

Turkey (12–14 lbs): The star of the show—choose a high-quality bird for juiciest results.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Helps achieve crisp, golden skin and rich flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the rub and enhances browning.
Orange zest (from 2 oranges): Infuses the turkey and glaze with fresh, aromatic brightness.
Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Lifts the flavor profile with a subtle, zippy tang.
Fresh orange juice (¼ cup, plus ½ cup for glaze): Adds moisture and sweet citrus notes to both turkey and glaze.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Balances sweetness and brings the flavors alive.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Lends bold, warm undertones to the herb butter.
Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, chopped, plus 2 sprigs for cavity): Offers an earthy, piney aroma that screams holiday.
Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons leaves, plus 2 sprigs for cavity): Subtle and fragrant, essential for classic stuffing flavors.
Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a peppery robustness that perfectly rounds out the herb mix.
Salt (1½ teaspoons, plus ¼ teaspoon for glaze): Don’t skimp—salt boosts all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the herbaceous notes.
Orange (1, quartered for cavity): Steams gently inside, aromatizing the meat from within.
Lemon (1, quartered for cavity): Infuses the turkey with clean, fresh citrus steam.
Small onion (1, quartered for cavity): Sweetens and deepens the flavor profile.
Fresh or frozen cranberries (2 cups): For the glaze—brings punchy color and tartness.
Honey (½ cup): Balances the cranberries with natural sweetness and helps create a glossy finish.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon, for glaze): Adds an extra flash of citrus to the glaze.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Deepens the glaze and adds sophisticated tang.
Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon, for glaze): Lends subtle warmth and holiday spirit.

How to Make Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels to ensure that coveted crispy skin. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, citrus zests, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast (I like to use my fingers or a spoon) and rub half of the aromatic butter mixture under the skin, directly over the meat. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside, making sure to get into every nook and cranny—don’t be shy here! This ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Step 2: Stuff the Cavity

With the outside deliciously seasoned, it’s time to turn attention to the inside. Fill the cavity of your turkey with the quartered orange, lemon, onion, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. These aromatics will infuse the meat with incredible flavor and fragrant moisture as the bird roasts. For a picture-perfect presentation, you can also tie the turkey’s legs together with kitchen twine.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey

Place your prepared turkey breast-side up on a rack in a sturdy roasting pan. Roast at 325°F (165°C), allowing about 13–15 minutes per pound—so for a 12–14 lb turkey, you’re looking at 2½ to 3 hours. Every 30–40 minutes, baste the turkey with the delicious pan juices; this guarantees a golden, juicy finish. If the skin threatens to get too brown before the turkey is cooked through, loosely tent it with foil. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. Always check in a few spots to be sure!

Step 4: Make the Cranberry Glaze

About thirty minutes before your turkey is done, start the cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, fresh orange juice, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. For a smooth glaze, blend briefly with an immersion blender or let it stay a bit chunky for rustic charm. This glossy glaze not only complements the turkey, but also adds a festive pop of color to the platter.

Step 5: Glaze & Rest

When your turkey is about 20 minutes from completion, brush it generously with the cranberry glaze—this is when the magic happens! The glaze will caramelize slightly, creating a gorgeous, jewel-like finish. After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving (this makes for juicier slices). Serve extra warm glaze on the side for drizzling. The Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey will truly shine on your table, both visually and flavor-wise.

How to Serve Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey

Garnishes

To elevate your Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey, scatter fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs around your platter along with slices of orange and lemon. Pomegranate seeds, extra cranberries, and even a few edible flowers can make your presentation sing—almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, everyone will dig in)!

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs brilliantly with imaginative and classic sides. Think creamy garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, pillowy dinner rolls, or a zesty citrus salad for balance. Don’t forget a generous scoop of cranberry glaze on every plate—it ties all your holiday flavors together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of drama, place your turkey on a large wooden board or a gleaming white platter. Rim the base with greenery, citrus slices, and dollops of extra glaze. Want a restaurant-style wow factor? Carve the bird in the kitchen and reassemble artfully with fanned-out slices, or go rustic and carve tableside, bringing excitement straight to your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey should cool to room temperature before storing. Slice the meat off the bones and place it in airtight containers, drizzling with leftover glaze or pan juices to keep it moist. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—these leftovers make for the best sandwiches and salads.

Freezing

If you have more turkey than you can eat in a few days, slice or shred the meat and wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Add a bit of glaze or broth before freezing to prevent dryness. Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just be sure to label it so you’ll remember how delicious your holiday was!

Reheating

To reheat, place turkey slices in a baking dish, drizzle with a little broth or leftover glaze, and cover tightly with foil. Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 25 minutes. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Either way, your Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey will taste fresh and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute with dried herbs, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will be a bit different, but your Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey will still be wonderfully fragrant.

What if I don’t have a roasting rack?

No roasting rack? No problem! Simply fashion a rack from sturdy aluminum foil, or place thickly sliced onions or carrots under the turkey. This elevates the bird and ensures even cooking and crisp skin.

Is the cranberry glaze too tart?

The balance of cranberries and honey in this glaze makes it just right—not overly tart, nor cloyingly sweet. If you prefer a slightly sweeter finish, stir in an extra tablespoon of honey to suit your palate. The Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey shines thanks to this perfectly balanced glaze.

Can I prep any components ahead of time?

Absolutely! The butter herb rub can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge, and the cranberry glaze can be prepared up to two days in advance—just rewarm before serving. This makes the actual holiday much more relaxed and enjoyable!

How do I keep the breast meat moist?

The trick is basting regularly and letting the turkey rest after roasting. Loosening the skin and rubbing the butter mixture directly on the meat is another moisture-sealing secret. Follow these tips, and your Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey will be juicy every time.

Final Thoughts

If you want to dazzle your guests and create memorable holiday moments, give the Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey a try. This dish is as inviting to look at as it is delicious to eat, and every step is do-able for home cooks of every skill level. I can’t wait for you to share it with the people you love!