Orange Honey Glazed Turkey: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Favorite

A beautifully browned turkey with glistening, sweet-tangy glaze is the crowning centerpiece of many holiday feasts. While plain roasted turkey is delicious, an orange honey glaze can bring this classic bird to the next level. The combination of citrus, honey, and herbs makes a simple turkey feel extra festive. In this article, we’ll explore how to make orange honey glazed turkey along with tips for maximizing flavor.

Why Orange and Honey?

Honey and orange make natural partners for glazing a roasted turkey. The honey lends mild sweetness along with richness from its viscosity. Orange juice provides bright acidity to balance the honey’s sugariness. It also infuses tangy citrusy flavors.

When reduced into a syrupy glaze, the honey and orange meld together while concentrating their flavors. Painting this over the roasted turkey allows the meat to absorb all the sweet-tart tastiness The glaze also forms a shiny, candied-like coating as it caramelizes.

Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove accentuate the orange and honey flavors. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage add woodsy nuance while complementing the turkey meat.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Orange Honey Turkey

Here are some tips to ensure your orange honey glazed turkey turns out moist and full of flavor:

• Brine the bird – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine solution seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture during roasting.
• Pat turkey dry – Thoroughly drying the skin allows it to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Rub an herb mixture – Massaging dried herbs under the skin infuses flavor all the way to the bone.
• Roast at a lower temp – Slow roasting between 275-325°F gives time for the collagen to melt into tender, juicy meat.
• Baste frequently – Brushing the glaze over the turkey every 30 minutes glazes the skin and keeps it from drying out.
• Let rest before carving – Allowing the turkey to rest seals in the juices so they don’t spill out when sliced.

How to Make Orange Honey Glaze

Making an orange honey glaze is simple. Here is one tasty recipe combination:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon grated orange zest
• Pinch of cloves or ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer over medium heat until thickened and reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Let cool slightly before brushing over roasted turkey.
4. Reserve leftover glaze to continue basting turkey in the oven.

The glaze can be made 1-2 days ahead. Gently reheat before using.

Sample Orange Honey Turkey Recipe

Here is one method for making a complete orange honey glazed turkey:

Ingredients:

• 12-15 lb whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• For the brine:
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 oranges, juiced
  • 2 gallons water
• For the herb rub:
  • 1 tbsp dried sage
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
• Orange honey glaze (recipe above)

Instructions:

1. Make brine by boiling salt, sugar, and orange juice in water. Chill thoroughly.
2. Submerge turkey in brine 12-24 hours.
3. Remove turkey and pat very dry. Let stand at room temp 30 mins.
4. Combine herb rub ingredients. Massage mixture under skin and in cavity.
5. Roast turkey at 325°F, basting with glaze every 30 minutes, until 165°F internal temp.
6. Rest 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra warmed glaze.

The tangy orange and sweet honey make for a festive, memorable turkey the whole family will love!