Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that combines festive flavors with juicy, tender meat, the Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. This recipe brings together the tangy brightness of cranberries, the rich sweetness of pomegranate, and the smoky depth of seasoned turkey wings, all baked to perfection. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday meals or any special gathering where you want to impress without the fuss. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavor and a beautiful balance of tart and sweet, making this a delightful centerpiece on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures in this Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s enhancing the meat’s savory notes, adding a pop of color, or enriching the sauce’s complexity.

• 4 ½ lbs. turkey wings: This weight usually amounts to about 6 wings, providing plenty for sharing and ample meaty richness.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Helps to keep the wings moist and delivers a subtle fruity undertone while roasting.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that beautifully complements the tangy glaze.
• 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt: A perfect seasoning blend that offers a balance of salt and spices to boost flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a savory aroma and enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the turkey wings.
• 1 cup water or chicken stock: Used to maintain moisture while cooking and to form a flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the pan juices into a luscious gravy-like sauce.
• 1 cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen: These tart berries contribute a burst of color and tang to the dish’s sauce.
• 4 thyme sprigs: Add an earthy, herbal note that balances the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
• CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE GLAZE Ingredients:
• 1 cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen: For that vibrant tartness and texture in the glaze.
• 1 cup premium pomegranate juice: Offers a rich, fruity sweetness that deepens the glaze’s flavor.
• ½ cup organic brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the glaze for a glossy finish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoons warm water: Used together as a slurry to thicken the glaze perfectly.
• 1 lemon, sliced (optional): A fresh zing that can brighten the plate and elevate the sauce’s complexity.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Turkey Wings

Start by thoroughly patting the turkey wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the wings with the extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle smoked paprika, Lawry’s seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the wings. Toss everything together so each wing is coated beautifully in this savory, smoky spice blend. This step sets the foundation for a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish.

Step 2: Arrange Wings and Add Liquid

Place the seasoned turkey wings in a large baking dish in a single layer for even cooking. Pour in the water or chicken stock carefully around the wings to keep them moist during baking. Scatter the fresh or frozen whole cranberries and 4 thyme sprigs over and around the turkey. These additions will release their flavors slowly, infusing the meat with subtle herbal and fruity notes throughout the roasting process.

Step 3: Bake the Turkey Wings

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the turkey wings are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone. Halfway through baking, baste the wings with the cooking juices to keep the wings moist and flavorful. This gentle, slow roasting allows the wings to absorb all the aromatic spices and sweet-tart cranberry essence.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Pomegranate Glaze

While the turkey wings are baking, it’s time to craft the luscious glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cup of cranberries, pomegranate juice, and brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, mix the cornstarch with warm water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the bubbling sauce to thicken it just right. Optionally, add a few lemon slices to the glaze for an extra touch of brightness.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

Once the turkey wings are tender, remove the foil and brush generously with the warm cranberry pomegranate glaze. Return the wings to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky and shiny. This final step adds a breathtaking color and decadent flavor layer that truly elevates the Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe.

How to Serve Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive and fresh finishing touch, scatter a few fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley over the turkey wings before serving. A few whole fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top add a jewel-like pop of color and an extra burst of tartness that complements the shiny glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

The rich and flavorful turkey wings pair wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a holiday-inspired meal, consider serving alongside wild rice pilaf or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that delicious glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation-wise, arrange the turkey wings on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh thyme and lemon slices for a natural, inviting look. Alternatively, serve each wing on a decorative plate, topped with a drizzle of the cranberry pomegranate glaze and a few scattered pomegranate arils. This dish also shines when paired with a deep-colored serving bowl holding extra glaze for guests to dip and drizzle as they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover turkey wings and any reserved glaze to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay deliciously flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save these wings longer, place cooled wings in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to keep the glaze separate if possible or within its own container so you can reheat and reapply for fresher taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thoroughly warm the turkey wings in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Reheat the glaze gently on the stove or microwave, then brush it back onto the wings for that signature sticky sweetness. This approach prevents dryness and keeps the wings tasting freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen turkey wings work great—just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is there a substitute for pomegranate juice?

If you don’t have pomegranate juice, cranberry juice or a mix of red grape juice and a splash of lemon juice can mimic a similar tart and fruity flavor in the glaze.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free variety, such as rice flour or cornstarch, to thicken the sauce without losing any flavor or texture.

How spicy is the seasoning on the turkey wings?

This recipe leans more towards smoky and savory than spicy. The smoked paprika offers depth without heat, so it’s generally mild and suitable for all palates.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger roasting pan and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the wings bake evenly. The flavors scale up beautifully, making it an excellent option for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings Recipe enough for anyone wanting to bring something fresh, delicious, and a bit unexpected to the table. Whether it’s for a festive holiday feast or a comforting weekend meal, these wings deliver on flavor, tenderness, and wow factor. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be making this your go-to turkey wings recipe in no time!

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