Slow-Roasted Turkey with Spiced Cranberry Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) 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.

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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