Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of a Thanksgiving feast filling your home? As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning the menu for the big day. To help you create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner that your friends and family will love, we’re sharing one of our absolute best Thanksgiving recipes that is sure to become a timeless favorite at your table.
**Roasted Herb Turkey with Cranberry Glaze**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels both inside and out.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey from the meat by gently inserting your fingers between them. Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly over the breast and thighs.
4. Rub the remaining herb butter over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle the turkey generously with salt and pepper.
5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Cover the turkey loosely with foil.
7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2.5-3 hours. Remove the foil, baste the turkey with the pan juices, and continue roasting for another 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
8. While the turkey is roasting, make the cranberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry juice and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
9. Add the cranberries to the saucepan and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Once the turkey is done, transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve the roasted herb turkey with the warm cranberry glaze on the side.
Enjoy this flavorful and juicy Roasted Herb Turkey with Cranberry Glaze as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of aromatic herbs and sweet-tart cranberry glaze will have your guests coming back for seconds. This recipe is a wonderful way to add a twist to the traditional roasted turkey and create lasting memories with your loved ones around the dinner table.
