Harvest Turkey Platter

Featured in: Sunday Dinner Plates

This harvest-inspired dish features succulent roast turkey breast seasoned with thyme, sage, and smoked paprika. Roasted carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onion add autumnal warmth, while a bright cranberry-orange sauce balances the plate with sweet and tangy notes. The turkey roasts to juicy perfection alongside the golden vegetables, delivering a festive main dish perfectly suited for seasonal gatherings. Resting the turkey before slicing ensures tender, flavorful servings that pair beautifully with a dry Riesling or light-bodied red wine.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:38:00 GMT
Vibrant Harvest Turkey Platter featuring juicy sliced turkey, tender roasted veggies, and cranberry sauce. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Harvest Turkey Platter featuring juicy sliced turkey, tender roasted veggies, and cranberry sauce. | recipesforevers.com

A festive autumn-inspired turkey platter featuring tender roast turkey breast, roasted root vegetables, and a savory cranberry-orange sauce—perfect for celebrating the flavors of the harvest season.

This dish brings back fond memories of family gatherings during the harvest season where the table is filled with warmth and gratitude.

Ingredients

  • Turkey: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) boneless turkey breast, skin-on, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Roasted Autumn Vegetables: 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into sticks, 2 parsnips peeled and cut into sticks, 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed, 1 red onion cut into wedges, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Cranberry-Orange Sauce: 200 g (7 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 120 ml (1/2 cup) orange juice, Zest of 1 orange, Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two large baking trays with parchment paper.
Prepare turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and smoked paprika. Place on a roasting rack in a baking dish.
Prepare vegetables:
Arrange carrots parsnips sweet potatoes and red onion on one of the prepared trays. Drizzle with olive oil sprinkle with salt pepper rosemary and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
Roast turkey:
Place the turkey in the oven on the center rack. Roast for 50 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Roast vegetables:
At the 30-minute mark place the tray of vegetables in the oven. Roast for 35 40 minutes stirring once halfway until golden and tender.
Make sauce:
While turkey and vegetables are roasting prepare the cranberry-orange sauce. In a saucepan combine cranberries sugar orange juice orange zest and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10 12 minutes stirring occasionally until cranberries pop and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Rest turkey:
Once the turkey is done let it rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve:
Arrange sliced turkey on a large platter with roasted autumn vegetables. Serve with the cranberry-orange sauce on the side.
Close-up of a bountiful Harvest Turkey Platter: The turkey, surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a bountiful Harvest Turkey Platter: The turkey, surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables. | recipesforevers.com

This recipe has been a centerpiece at many family dinners bringing everyone together with its comforting flavors.

Required Tools

Roasting rack and baking dish, Two large baking trays, Saucepan, Sharp knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens as listed but double-check processed ingredient labels (e.g., spices) for hidden gluten or additives if required. Cranberries and oranges are generally safe but verify for individual allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 28 g per serving

Golden-brown, delicious Harvest Turkey Platter served with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, delicious Harvest Turkey Platter served with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce. | recipesforevers.com

Enjoy this harvest turkey platter as a celebration of seasonal flavors and comforting traditions.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure the turkey breast stays moist?

Rub the turkey with olive oil and herbs, then roast it uncovered on a rack to allow even heat circulation. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes after roasting to redistribute juices.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry-orange sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving to maintain its fresh flavor.

What vegetables work best roasted with turkey?

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions roast well, offering sweetness and a tender texture that complements turkey.

How long should I roast the vegetables?

Roast vegetables for 35–40 minutes at 200°C (400°F), stirring halfway to ensure even browning and tenderness.

What seasoning enhances the turkey's flavor?

Combining thyme, sage, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper creates a balanced savory profile that highlights the turkey’s natural taste.

Harvest Turkey Platter

Tender turkey breast with roasted carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and cranberry-orange sauce.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Time to Cook
80 minutes
Complete Duration
110 minutes

Recipe Type Sunday Dinner Plates

Complexity Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You Need

Turkey

01 2.6 lbs boneless turkey breast, skin-on
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 1 tsp dried thyme
06 1 tsp dried sage
07 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Roasted Autumn Vegetables

01 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
02 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
03 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
04 1 red onion, cut into wedges
05 2 tbsp olive oil
06 1/2 tsp salt
07 1/2 tsp black pepper
08 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
09 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

01 7 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 cup orange juice
04 Zest of 1 orange
05 Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare trays: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two large baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 02

Season turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry. Rub evenly with olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, and smoked paprika. Place on a roasting rack set inside a baking dish.

Step 03

Prepare vegetables: Arrange carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onion on one prepared baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Toss to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 04

Roast turkey: Position the roasting rack with turkey in the center of the oven. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Roast vegetables: After the turkey has roasted for 30 minutes, place the tray with vegetables into the oven. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 06

Prepare cranberry-orange sauce: While roasting, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 07

Rest turkey and serve: Once cooked, cover the turkey loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and arrange on a large platter alongside roasted vegetables. Serve with cranberry-orange sauce on the side.

Essential Tools

  • Roasting rack
  • Baking dish
  • Two large baking trays
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • No major allergens present; verify processed ingredients for hidden gluten or additives.
  • Check individual tolerance to cranberries and oranges.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 340
  • Total Fat: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams