A Cozy Christmas Feast: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

Allergens

Contains wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, milk, sulfites (natural occurring in cranberries), tree nuts (in poultry seasoning).

Ingredients

• 1 (12
• 14 pound) whole turkey, thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the turkey giblets and rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. Rub the olive oil all over the skin of the turkey.
3. Generously sprinkle the herb mixture inside the cavity of the turkey and rub it on the skin, massaging it into the breast and legs.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the bird and tie the legs together if needed for even cooking.
5. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey occasionally with its own juices to keep it moist.
6. While the turkey is roasting, prepare the cranberry orange glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
7. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and brush the cranberry orange glaze over the skin of the turkey. Return the turkey to the oven for an additional 20 30 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the turkey is fully cooked.
8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
9. Carve the turkey into portions and serve alongside your favorite holiday sides. Enjoy!

Chef’s Insight

To prevent the turkey skin from becoming too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the first 2 hours of roasting. Remove the foil for the last hour to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Notes

For an additional festive touch, garnish the carved turkey with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries.