Stuffed Roast Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Glaze 

Ingredients

Turkey

• 12-14 lbs (5.5-6.5 kg) whole turkey, thawed if frozen

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tbsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 oranges, halved

• 1 onion, quartered

• 4 garlic cloves

• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Stuffing

• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp dried sage

• 1 tsp dried thyme

Cranberry-Orange Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp orange zest

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Turkey:

   • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry. Rub with softened butter, salt, and pepper.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté celery and onion until softened. Add bread cubes, dried cranberries, pecans, sage, and thyme. Stir in chicken stock to moisten.

3. Stuff the Turkey:

   • Fill the cavity with the prepared stuffing. Tuck the wings under and tie the legs with kitchen twine.

4. Roast the Turkey:

   • Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan. Add orange halves, onion quarters, garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Roast, basting every 30 minutes, for about 3-3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

   • While the turkey roasts, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 10 minutes.

6. Glaze the Turkey:

   • During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey generously with the cranberry-orange glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Carve the turkey at the table for a grand presentation. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and warm dinner rolls. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a festive touch.

Additional Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked and not overdone.

• For extra crispy skin, roast uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.

Wrap-Up

This Festive Stuffed Roast Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Glaze is a holiday masterpiece that combines classic flavors with a citrusy twist. Did you know turkeys have been a part of Christmas feasts since the 16th century? Serve this beauty and make your Christmas dinner both traditional and unforgettable!