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Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey Recipe

Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Festive Citrus-Cranberry Holiday Turkey recipe combines the flavors of citrus, herbs, and cranberry glaze to create a delicious and impressive centerpiece for your holiday table.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Turkey

  • 1 whole turkey (1214 lbs), thawed and giblets removed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 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 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Aromatic Cavity

  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme

For the Cranberry Glaze

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Turkey – Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry. Mix butter, oil, citrus zests, juices, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture under turkey skin and all over.
  2. Step 2: Stuff the Cavity – Fill cavity with orange, lemon, onion, and herbs. Tie legs together.
  3. Step 3: Roast the Turkey – Roast turkey breast-side up at 325°F, basting every 30–40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Make the Cranberry Glaze – Cook cranberries, honey, orange juice, zest, vinegar, cinnamon, and salt until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Glaze & Rest – Brush turkey with glaze during last 20 minutes of roasting. Let rest before serving.

Notes

  • For a crispy skin, pat the turkey dry before roasting.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.
  • Adjust sweetness in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Holiday, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 55 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg