Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast combines bright citrus and tart cranberries to create a stunning, flavorful centerpiece for any meal. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, delivering moist, tender turkey with a sweet and tangy glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half the herb mixture under the skin. Spread the remaining mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Step 6: Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
7. Step 7: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
8. Step 8: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry glaze while simmering.
• If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work well—no need to thaw before cooking.
• Use dried thyme and rosemary if fresh herbs aren’t on hand, but reduce quantities by half for a balanced taste.
• To keep the turkey juicy, tent it loosely with foil during resting.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature, covered with foil to prevent drying out. The cranberry orange glaze can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast but adjust roasting time accordingly. It will likely take less time—check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before brushing it onto the turkey during roasting.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 92 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. A succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast is roasted to juicy perfection and glazed with a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and citrus zest. Infused with fresh herbs and garlic, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of savory and sweet that will delight your taste buds.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
2. Prepare Cranberry Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the herb mixture adheres well. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply Herb Mixture: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without detaching it completely. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly. Then, spread the remaining mixture on top of the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Roast Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Glaze Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the prepared cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build up a beautiful, sticky, and flavorful glaze.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve and serve garnished with extra glaze if desired.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness at the thickest part of the turkey breast.
• Letting the turkey rest ensures juicy, tender meat when carved.
• The cranberry-orange glaze can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
• If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by one quarter.
• Leftover glaze can be saved as a sauce for serving alongside the turkey or other dishes.

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, cranberry orange, herb roasted turkey, festive turkey recipe