Harvest Turkey Platter

Featured in: Main Dishes

This harvest platter celebrates autumn with juicy turkey breast roasted to perfection alongside caramelized root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The dish is complemented by a tangy cranberry-orange sauce that adds a bright, citrusy note. Roasting spices include thyme, sage, and smoked paprika, enhancing the seasonal aromas. Cooking takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a resting period to keep the meat tender. Ideal for festive gatherings, this balanced main showcases warm, comforting flavors perfect for the harvest season.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:17:00 GMT
A Harvest Turkey Platter featuring juicy, roasted turkey breast beside colorful autumn vegetables. Save
A Harvest Turkey Platter featuring juicy, roasted turkey breast beside colorful autumn vegetables. | cheerfulchefs.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 turkey platter always brings the family together around the table to celebrate the season.

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:
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.
Prepare 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.
Golden-brown Harvest Turkey Platter, drizzled with savory cranberry sauce for a delicious holiday meal. Save
Golden-brown Harvest Turkey Platter, drizzled with savory cranberry sauce for a delicious holiday meal. | cheerfulchefs.com

This dish has become a family tradition with memories made every year around the harvest table.

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

Plump slices on Harvest Turkey Platter served alongside roasted carrots, perfect for sharing and savoring. Save
Plump slices on Harvest Turkey Platter served alongside roasted carrots, perfect for sharing and savoring. | cheerfulchefs.com

This harvest turkey platter is sure to impress your guests and bring warmth to your table season after season.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure the turkey breast stays moist?

Pat the turkey dry before applying oil and seasonings, then let it rest covered with foil for 10 minutes after roasting to retain juices.

What vegetables are best for roasting in this platter?

Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions roast evenly and develop a natural sweetness that complements the turkey.

Can I prepare the cranberry-orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm gently before serving for best flavor.

What seasoning enhances the autumn flavors here?

Thyme, sage, smoked paprika, and rosemary bring out warm, earthy notes that pair beautifully with turkey and root vegetables.

Is it possible to substitute the turkey breast with another protein?

Chicken breast can be used as a substitute, adjusting cooking times to ensure it stays tender and juicy.

Harvest Turkey Platter

Tender roast turkey breast with roasted root vegetables and a cranberry-orange sauce embracing autumn flavors.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
80 minutes
Overall Time
110 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Background American

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll 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

Step-by-Step Guide

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, pepper, dried thyme, 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 tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 04

Roast Turkey: Place the turkey on the center oven rack. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Roast Vegetables: After the turkey has roasted for 30 minutes, place the vegetable tray in the oven. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are golden and tender.

Step 06

Prepare Cranberry-Orange Sauce: Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 07

Rest and Slice Turkey: Remove turkey from oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 08

Plate and Serve: Arrange sliced turkey on a large platter alongside roasted autumn vegetables. Serve cranberry-orange sauce on the side.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify individual spice ingredients for gluten or additives if required.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams