Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
This classic dish is a festive favorite, combining succulent roast turkey with the sweet, tart punch of cranberry sauce. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a delightful centerpiece for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Roast turkey with cranberry sauce offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s great for special occasions but can also be adapted for any family dinner.
Key Ingredients:
- Turkey: Choose a whole turkey or a turkey breast, seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Cranberry Sauce: A simple homemade sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
How to Make Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce:
- Prepare the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs. Roast the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the turkey roasts, simmer cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and water until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Serve the turkey slices with a generous topping of the cranberry sauce.
Tips & Tricks:
- Brining the Turkey: Brine the turkey beforehand for extra moisture.
- Making Ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans for a complete holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use turkey breast instead of a whole turkey? Yes, turkey breast is a great alternative for smaller gatherings.
- How long can I store leftovers? Store turkey and cranberry sauce separately in the fridge for up to three days.
This recipe is a festive favorite for a reason. Its balance of flavors is sure to impress your guests. Try it and let me know how it turns out!
looking for more christmas dinner ideas ?
- Bacon & Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
- Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin: A Decadent Comfort Dish
Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Roast Turkey:
- 12-14 lb whole turkey thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh herbs optional, like rosemary, thyme, sage for stuffing
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- Zest of 1 orange optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the turkey:
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Season the turkey:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
Stuff the turkey (optional):
- Stuff the cavity with fresh herbs if desired, for extra flavor.
Roast the turkey:
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey, basting occasionally, for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Cover with foil if it browns too much.
Make the cranberry sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, and orange zest (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
Rest and serve:
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with the cranberry sauce.
Notes
This Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce is a holiday staple, combining tender turkey and sweet-tangy cranberry sauce to create a flavorful feast for your celebration!
