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 (12–14 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
- 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.
- Step 2: Stuff the Cavity – Fill cavity with orange, lemon, onion, and herbs. Tie legs together.
- Step 3: Roast the Turkey – Roast turkey breast-side up at 325°F, basting every 30–40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Make the Cranberry Glaze – Cook cranberries, honey, orange juice, zest, vinegar, cinnamon, and salt until thickened.
- 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
