Name: Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4.5 lbs turkey wings; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons Lawry's seasoning salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 cup water or chicken stock; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole cranberries; 4 sprigs thyme; 1 cup pomegranate juice; 1/2 cup organic brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons warm water; lemon slices (optional)

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The holiday season brings a whirlwind of scents, sights, and sounds that warm the heart and fill our homes with joy. Imagine biting into a golden, crisp turkey wing, where the savory, tender meat meets the luscious sweetness of a cranberry pomegranate glaze. Each bite is a vibrant explosion of flavors, with tart cranberries dancing along the rich and juicy pomegranate notes. This delightful combination embodies the essence of celebration and creates memories that linger long after the last bite is savored.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Growing up, the kitchen became the heart of our holiday gatherings, filled with laughter and the heady aroma of roasting meats. My grandmother would lovingly prepare her turkey wings, expertly seasoned and perfectly baked. Something about that tradition made each Thanksgiving memorable, and it’s a moment I cherish to this day. As we prepare to bring this recipe to life, it’s not just about the meal—it’s about connecting with loved ones and sharing in the joy of good food. Get ready to indulge in Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings that will surely become the star of your next festive gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and around 1.5 hours of cook time, you can easily whip these up for dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet-tangy glaze brings a mouthwatering contrast to tender turkey meat.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These wings look stunning on any table, thanks to their shiny glaze and vibrant colors.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or even as impressive finger food at parties.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt with gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey Wings: Look for 4.5 lbs of fresh wings (about six pieces) to ensure tenderness during cooking. Frozen wings work too, but they should be fully thawed before use.
Extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and flavor. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil for a different taste.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. Regular paprika can be used, but it won’t have the same smokiness.
Lawry’s seasoning salt: A great blend that adds umami. If you prefer, make your own seasoning mix with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a flavor base to the wings. Fresh minced garlic and onion can also be used for a more robust flavor.
Water or chicken stock: This adds moisture while cooking. Stock gives a deeper flavor, so choose it if available.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce slightly; gluten-free flour can be substituted for those with dietary restrictions.
Whole cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries bring tartness and juicy texture to the dish.
Thyme sprigs: Freshly picked thyme adds a lovely aromatic element. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, about half the quantity.
Pomegranate juice: A premium choice balances sweetness and tartness, enhancing the glaze. Make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.
Organic brown sugar: This sweetener deepens the flavor. Coconut sugar or honey can serve as alternatives.
Cornstarch + warm water: This mixture helps thicken the glaze nicely.
Lemon slices (optional): These can add brightness and enhance the dish’s flavor. You can leave them out if you prefer a purer glaze.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a standard 9×13 baking dish or griddle pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter for a non-stick finish.

Marinate the Turkey Wings: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned turkey wings with olive oil, smoked paprika, Lawry’s seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly so every wing is coated in those delicious spices. Allow them to rest for about 30 minutes to marinate, or for a boost in flavor, let them sit in the fridge, sealed in a ziplock bag, for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Arrange the Wings: Place the marinated turkey wings side by side in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.

Whisk the Liquid: In a bowl or a measuring cup, combine the water or chicken stock with all-purpose flour, whisking until it forms a smooth, milky consistency. This will help create moisture in the oven.

Add the Mixture: Pour the flour mixture evenly over the arranged turkey wings. Scatter the cranberries and tuck the thyme sprigs around them for extra flavor. This step adds a beautiful pop of color and texture.

Bake and Cover: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. You want to ensure that the wings are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. They might look a little dry after this first bake, but don’t worry; they’ll be smothered in that delicious glaze soon enough!

Make the Glaze: While the wings are baking, prepare the cranberry pomegranate glaze. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine pomegranate juice, cranberries, brown sugar, and lemon slices if you’re using them. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute to thicken it further before removing from heat.

Apply the Glaze: After the initial baking time, remove the turkey wings from the oven and uncover them. Spoon the pomegranate glaze generously over each wing, ensuring they’re well coated. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the wings are golden and the glaze has caramelized beautifully.

Serve with Love: Once your wings are done, remove them from the oven and let the aroma fill your kitchen! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides like cornbread, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking dish over the wings for that extra shiny touch!

Storing & Reheating

Once your turkey wings have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours if it’s a hot day or in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wings for up to three months. Just be sure to seal them well to avoid freezer burn. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You might notice that the texture changes slightly, but a quick drizzle of fresh glaze can refresh things beautifully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid dry wings by not overcooking; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For an extra crispy skin, remove the foil in the last baking step, letting heat circulate.
Use room temperature turkey wings to ensure even cooking.
Spice up the marinade by adding cayenne pepper for a hint of heat or some herbs de Provence for an aromatic touch.
Make these wings ahead of time and simply reheat before serving to reduce your workload on busy days!

These Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings are a fantastic way to elevate any gathering or holiday meal. The blend of sweet and tart, combined with juicy turkey, creates a dish that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this recipe your own. Your family and friends are sure to savor every last bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings?

Absolutely! Chicken wings can work just as well for this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they will likely cook faster than turkey wings, usually around 40-50 minutes at the same temperature.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of regular flour. Ensure that your ingredients, such as chicken stock, are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the turkey wings in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the turkey wings a day ahead. Simply follow the marinade steps and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh the next day for the best results.

What sides pair well with these wings?

These turkey wings are wonderfully versatile! They pair beautifully with cornbread, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. Feel free to mix and match your favorite sides to create a festive spread!