
Roasted Orange Turkey
- 12 Servings
- Prep: 20 min.
- Bake: 3 hours + standing
“I like to bake my turkey a little different every year, so I came up with an orange mixture to rub under the skin. It gives the meat a delicate orange flavor that tastes even better the next day."
—Brenda B., Bowie, MD
Ingredients
- 1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup grated orange peel
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large navel orange, quartered
- 1 large apple, quartered
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Directions
- Place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange peel and ginger. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the turkey breast; rub some of the butter mixture under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks.
- Rub remaining butter mixture inside turkey cavity; fill with orange, apple and onion. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Carefully pour juices over turkey.
- Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3 to 3-3/4 hours or until a thermometer inserted into thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.
- Discard toothpicks. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving. Discard fruit and onion from cavity. Skim fat and thicken pan juices if desired.