Wholesome Roasted Herbed Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

A mouthwatering, easy-to-prepare Christmas main course featuring a tender and flavorful herbed turkey, complemented by a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze.

Time: - Preparation Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 90 minutes (plus resting time)

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Allergens

Turkey contains protein allergens; cranberries contain salicylates and natural rubber latex allergens; and orange zest contains citral allergens.

Ingredients

1 (4
6 lb) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat dry the thawed turkey with paper towels, removing any giblets or excess fat.
In a small bowl, mix together the dried sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
Rub the olive oil over the entire surface of the turkey, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly inside and outside the bird.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large, shallow roasting pan. Roast the turkey for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
While the turkey is cooking, prepare the cranberry orange glaze by combining the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a couple of teaspoons of water, then stir it into the glaze to thicken further.
Remove the turkey from the oven when it is cooked through. Brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey, then return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the glaze has set.
Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Chef’s Insight

This recipe creates a moist, flavorful turkey that is perfect for a small gathering or as a main dish for a holiday meal. The cranberry-orange glaze adds a festive touch to the dish, while the herbed seasoning blend enhances the natural flavors of the turkey.

Notes

Be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey regularly to ensure it is cooked through safely.

Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, this recipe is already suitable. To make it vegan, replace the turkey with a large, prepared roast vegetable such as a pumpkin or squash, and use a commercial vegan glaze.

Alternative Preparations

This recipe can be prepared using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for a more hands-off approach.

Alternative Methods

The turkey can also be grilled over indirect heat, following the same guidelines as in the oven roasting method.

Best Storage Practice

Leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking and consumed within 3-4 days.

Shelf Life

Fresh cranberries can be stored for up to 1 month in the refrigerator, while cooked cranberry glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Plating Tips

Serve sliced turkey on a platter with cranberry-orange glazed on top and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest.

Nutrition Facts

This dish provides protein from the turkey, vitamin C from the cranberries, and a burst of flavor and color from the orange zest. The seasoning blend adds essential minerals such as iron and magnesium from the sage, rosemary, and thyme.