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Close up of a juicy roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing

Sandwiches

turkey cranberry delight

By Oliver Peterson

Published: 04 Mar 2025

This Turkey Cranberry Delight recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's the culmination of aromas, textures, and flavors that evoke feelings of warmth, family, and celebration. Picture this: the golden-brown skin of the turkey glistening under the oven light, the sweet and tart cranberry sauce adding a vibrant pop of color, and the savory stuffing, infused with herbs and spices, complementing the rich turkey meat. This recipe is a labor of love that will create memories to be cherished for years to come. It's a dish that brings people together and reminds us of what truly matters—the company we keep and the simple joys of life.

A beautifully presented roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing on a rustic table

I remember one Thanksgiving when my Aunt Mildred forgot to put the turkey in the oven. Let's just say, we had a very interesting Thanksgiving that year. Avoid that fiasco with this easy-to-follow recipe. Every step is meticulously described to guide you through the process, even if you're a complete kitchen novice. From the initial preparation to the final carving, we'll ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection. We'll cover everything, from preheating the oven correctly to basting the turkey for optimal moisture.

Step-by-step photos of roasting a turkey

Required Equipments

Large Roasting Pan
Mixing Bowls (various sizes)
Whisk
Wooden Spoon
Meat Thermometer
Basting Brush

Turkey-Cranberry-Delight

This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a classic Thanksgiving turkey, complete with cranberry sauce and savory stuffing. It's a delightful feast fit for any occasion!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 60 minutes

Cook Time: 180 minutes

Total Time: 240 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial for even cooking. Don't skip this step, trust me!
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Seriously, dry that bird!
Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you love. I like to use a little sage and thyme. Get creative!
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Make sure it fits comfortably; you don't want it crammed in there!
Prepare your cranberry sauce and stuffing. I've included recipes for these below, but feel free to use your own favorites. Home made cranberry sauce is the way to go!
Once the turkey is in the pan, carefully place the stuffing around it. Don't over stuff though! you need some room for proper air circulation.
Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Now for the long wait...!
Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings or chicken broth. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Trust me on this one--it's worth it!
Cook the turkey for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). This is the most important step to avoid a nasty case of food poisoning!!
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Carve the turkey and serve immediately with the cranberry sauce and stuffing. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving (or any day!) feast!