Roast Turkey with Cranberry Honey Glaze: A Holiday Favorite

Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings are simply incomplete without a beautifully roasted turkey. This recipe, featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry honey glaze, is sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your table. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make this showstopping dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Ocean Spray® Cranberry Sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 fresh or thawed frozen turkey (8-12 pounds)
• 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cranberry Honey Glaze
   Begin by combining the cranberry sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently until the mixture is smooth. Set aside – this will make about 1 cup of glaze, perfect for basting and finishing.
   
   
2. Prepare the Turkey
   Make sure your turkey is fully thawed if previously frozen. Remove it from its packaging, take out the neck and giblets, and rinse the bird under cold water. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels, then tuck the wing tips under the back and secure the drumsticks with a clip or skin band.
   
   
3. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   
   
4. Add the Lemon
   Thinly slice the lemon and gently loosen the skin around the breast area. Slide the lemon slices under the skin on both sides to infuse a hint of citrus flavor.
   
   
5. Roast the Turkey
   Place the turkey breast-side up on a wire rack inside a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the inner thigh, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bone. Brush the turkey liberally with the cranberry honey glaze and season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, if desired.
   
   Roast the turkey uncovered until the skin is golden brown. Then, tent it loosely with foil for the remaining roasting time. Continue basting with the cranberry honey glaze throughout, roasting until the thermometer reads 180°F (82°C). This should take around 2 3/4 to 3 hours for an unstuffed bird.
   
   
6. Rest and Serve
   Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier serving.

Tips for Perfect Turkey

• Stuffing: If you plan to stuff the turkey, prepare and loosely pack the stuffing just before cooking. This will require extending the roasting time to about 3 to 3 1/2 hours until the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Food Safety: Always remove the stuffing after cooling if there are leftovers. Storing it inside the bird can lead to bacterial growth.

Turkey Cooking Times (USDA Guidelines)

If you’re roasting a turkey at 325°F, here’s a handy guide for approximate cooking times:

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. Serve and enjoy your beautifully glazed holiday turkey!

Source: https://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/By-Course/Main-Courses/Roast-Turkey-with-Cranberry-Honey-Glaze