Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup orange juice; ½ 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

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the perfect holiday centerpiece. The sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted turkey, creating a delicious balance that’s both festive and flavorful. The turkey is juicy and tender, thanks to the herb rub under the skin, while the glaze adds a glossy finish with every brush. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice
½ 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Glaze:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Turkey:

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast, being careful not to tear it. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin.
Rub the remaining herb mixture over the skin and inside the cavity of the turkey breast.
Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.

Roast the Turkey:

Roast the turkey for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey every 10 minutes with the cranberry orange glaze, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a deliciously sticky coating.

Rest and Serve:

Once done, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.

Serve:

Slice and serve the turkey breast with extra cranberry orange glaze on the side, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on the size of the turkey breast)
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including resting time)

Variations

Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cranberry orange glaze for a bit of heat.
Herb Infused Butter: Instead of olive oil, you can use a mixture of butter and fresh herbs to rub under the skin for an extra rich flavor.
Citrus Variation: Add lemon juice and zest to the glaze along with the orange for a more vibrant citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the turkey with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the turkey.

2. Can I make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before using.

3. How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

4. Can I make this recipe with a whole turkey?

Yes, you can use the same glaze and herb mixture for a whole turkey. Just increase the roasting time accordingly, depending on the size of the bird.

5. Can I use frozen cranberries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh cranberries for the glaze.

6. How can I prevent the turkey skin from burning?

If the skin starts to get too dark during roasting, you can tent the turkey with aluminum foil for the last part of cooking to prevent it from burning while the inside cooks.

7. Can I make this turkey in a slow cooker?

While the roasting method gives the turkey skin a crispy texture, you can cook the turkey breast in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours. You may want to finish it in the oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.

8. Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pomegranate, blueberry, or even apple for a unique twist on the glaze.

9. Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

You can prepare the turkey by rubbing it with the herb mixture and refrigerating it overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting.

10. How should I serve this turkey breast?

This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra cranberry orange glaze on the side.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a perfect dish for any festive occasion. The sweet-tart glaze complements the savory, herb-infused turkey, creating a beautifully balanced and flavorful main dish. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a special Sunday dinner, this turkey breast will impress your guests and leave them asking for more!