Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

That beautiful cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that whispers of cozy gatherings and festive cheer, all without the fuss of a whole bird. Honestly, who says you need a special occasion to feast like royalty? This recipe is my go-to for a stunning Sunday dinner that feels incredibly special yet is surprisingly simple to pull off.

We’re talking about juicy, herb-rubbed turkey breast smothered in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. So, preheat your oven and get ready to create some magic, because this dish is about to become your new kitchen superstar.

WHY MAKE THIS CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST RECIPE

A Showstopper Without the Stress

Let’s be real, roasting a whole turkey can be a daunting task. It’s a commitment of time, oven space, and frankly, nerves. This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, however, is the elegant solution. It cooks in a fraction of the time, stays wonderfully moist, and delivers all the classic holiday flavors you crave. It’s perfect for a smaller gathering or when you simply want those incredible leftovers without being overwhelmed by a giant carcass.

Unbeatable Flavor in Every Bite

The combination here is simply divine. The rich, savory flavor of the turkey is the perfect canvas for the vibrant glaze. Tart cranberries and sunny, sweet oranges create a harmony that is both refreshing and deeply comforting. This glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a slightly sticky, incredibly flavorful crust that seals in the turkey’s natural juices. Furthermore, the aroma that will fill your kitchen is nothing short of intoxicating.

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HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast:

• 1 (3-4 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Pat it completely dry with paper towels for crispy skin.

Season & Flavor: Rub the turkey all over with olive oil. Mix the salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder, then season the turkey generously. Gently loosen the skin and place the onion quarters and rosemary sprigs underneath to infuse the meat.

Initial Roast: Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, tent loosely with foil, and roast for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze: While the turkey roasts, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Glaze & Finish: Remove the foil and brush the turkey with the glaze. Return to the oven, uncovered, brushing with more glaze every 15-20 minutes. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 60-90 minutes more).

Rest & Serve: Let the turkey rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes. Warm the remaining glaze and serve it on the side. Carve and enjoy!

NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

A Lean Protein Powerhouse

Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. It’s also packed with important nutrients like selenium, B vitamins, and zinc. Compared to dark meat, it is significantly lower in fat, making this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast a healthier centerpiece option.

Understanding the Glaze

While the glaze does contain natural sugars from the honey and cranberries, it’s made with whole ingredients. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking by reducing the honey slightly. For a lower-sodium version, use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. All things considered, this dish is a wonderfully balanced choice for a nutritious and delicious meal.

HOW TO SERVE CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST

The Perfect Holiday Plate

This turkey breast truly shines as the star of a holiday feast. For a traditional spread, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, and green bean casserole. The tangy glaze cuts beautifully through the richness of these classic sides. Don’t forget a big spoonful of extra cranberry sauce on the side!

For a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Who says you have to wait for a holiday? This recipe is fantastic for a special weeknight meal. I love serving it with much simpler sides like roasted carrots and parsnips, which can cook in the oven alongside the turkey, or a quick arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the glaze. It’s a surefire way to turn an ordinary Tuesday into something memorable.

HOW TO STORE CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST

Refrigerating for Freshness

Once completely cooled, store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. For the best results, store the turkey and any remaining glaze separately. This helps the turkey meat maintain its perfect texture.

Freezing for Later

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this! Place sliced or shredded turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze the glaze separately. It will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. The turkey is fantastic for soups, salads, and sandwiches, so you’ll be glad you have it on hand.

TIPS TO MAKE CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST

Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

• Bring to Temp: Letting the turkey sit out before roasting is a small step with a big impact. It promotes even cooking from edge to center.
• Dry Skin is Key: Don’t skip patting the skin dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Thermometer is a Must: The most reliable way to know if your turkey is done is with a good meat thermometer. Guesswork can lead to dry meat.

Details

If you can’t find a bone-in breast, a boneless one will work, but reduce the cooking time significantly as it will cook much faster. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature. For a smoother glaze, you can use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry and simply whisk it with the other ingredients.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with the herbs! Rubbed sage or poultry seasoning are fantastic substitutes for the thyme. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also use a mix of orange and a splash of lemon juice for a brighter, more complex citrus flavor.

Notes

If the turkey skin is browning too quickly during the final roasting stage, you can loosely tent it with foil again. Remember, the turkey will continue to cook as it rests (carryover cooking), so taking it out at 165°F is perfect.

CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST FAQs

Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

Absolutely, but you must thaw it completely first. The safest way is to thaw it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before you plan to cook it. A partially frozen turkey will not cook evenly.

What can I use instead of fresh orange juice?

While fresh is best for its bright flavor, you can use bottled, 100% pure orange juice in a pinch. I would not recommend using orange juice concentrate, as it can be overly sweet and artificial-tasting.

My glaze is too thin. How can I thicken it?

No problem! Simply simmer it for a few more minutes on the stove to reduce it further. If it’s still not thickening, you can make a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisking it into the simmering glaze. Cook for another minute until it thickens.

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

You sure can! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir and warm it up slightly before brushing it onto the turkey.

CONCLUSION

This stunning cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe or a whole day in the kitchen to create a truly memorable meal. It’s a dish that’s as forgiving as it is flavorful, as suited for a festive holiday table as it is for a simple family dinner. The vibrant, tangy-sweet glaze perfectly complements the savory, juicy turkey, creating a combination that is downright irresistible. I truly hope this recipe finds a cherished spot in your kitchen and brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking!