Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-roasted turkey paired with a vibrant, spiced cranberry relish perfect for holiday gatherings. This american-inspired holiday ready in about 240 minutes pairs whole turkey, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 210 min Serves 10 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry the 12 lbs whole turkey and rub all over with 3 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter mixed with 4 minced garlic cloves. Tuck 4 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme, and 6 fresh sage leaves under the skin.
  2. Step 2: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
  3. Step 3: While turkey roasts, combine 12 oz fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup water, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the relish thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve slices with the warm spiced cranberry relish spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (30 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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