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Irresistible Cranberry Mustard Glazed Turkey Recipe for Perfect Holiday Dinners

cranberry mustard glazed turkey - featured image

A perfectly roasted turkey glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry mustard sauce, ideal for unforgettable holiday dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey, about 1214 lbs, thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup chicken stock

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the turkey from its packaging, pat it dry with paper towels, and remove giblets and neck from the cavity. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, Dijon mustard, honey, orange juice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Let the glaze cool slightly.
  4. Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack. Pour chicken stock into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist. Roast in the oven, basting every 30 minutes, for about 3-3.5 hours or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the cranberry mustard glaze all over the turkey. Return it to the oven and let the glaze caramelize.
  6. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

[‘If the skin browns too quickly while roasting, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.’, ‘Taste the glaze before using it and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.’, ‘Save the drippings in the roasting pan for homemade gravy.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday turkey, cranberry mustard glaze, Thanksgiving recipe, Christmas dinner, roasted turkey, holiday centerpiece