This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the answer to your holiday meal prayers. It delivers a perfectly moist, incredibly flavorful turkey breast with a vibrant, tangy-sweet glaze that’s simply unforgettable. Forget the stress of a whole bird; this recipe is straightforward, easy to manage, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner, this dish will be the star of the show.
We’ve all been there—fearing the dreaded dry turkey. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, ensuring a juicy result every time. The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange citrus, and a hint of warm spice creates a spectacular glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the roasted turkey.
Why This is the Ultimate Holiday Recipe
When it comes to holiday cooking, you want a recipe that is both stunning and simple. This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast checks every box. It’s a fantastic option for smaller gatherings where a whole turkey is too much, reducing both cooking time and food waste. The glaze itself is a showstopper, adding a gorgeous, glossy finish and a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the savory turkey.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create its signature holiday flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Turkey Breast:
- Bone-In Turkey Breast: A 4-5 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast is ideal. The bone helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor during roasting.
- Olive Oil: Used to help the skin crisp up and turn a beautiful golden-brown.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning the turkey before roasting.
- Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of thyme and rosemary to tuck around the turkey for aromatic flavor.
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
- Fresh Cranberries: The star of the glaze, providing a tart, festive flavor.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the cranberries.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of vinegar balances the sweetness.
- Spices: A cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground cloves add warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for a flawless holiday main course. We’ll walk through preparing the turkey, making the glaze, and the roasting process.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for crispy skin. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and rub it all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs around the base of the turkey breast.
Step 2: Create the Signature Glaze
While the oven preheats, you can make the cranberry orange glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon stick, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick before using.
Step 3: Roast and Glaze
Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour. After the first hour, begin brushing the turkey breast with a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze. Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting, brushing with more glaze every 15-20 minutes, for another 30-45 minutes. The turkey is done when the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest, Carve, and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This is a critical step that allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender. Serve the turkey with any remaining glaze on the side. For a delicious side dish, consider this classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the turkey to rest is non-negotiable for a juicy result.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to guarantee a perfectly cooked turkey is to use a meat thermometer. Cooking times can vary based on the exact size of the breast and your oven.
- Start with a Dry Bird: Patting the skin dry removes excess moisture and is the key to achieving that perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin everyone loves.
- Glaze Towards the End: The sugar in the glaze can burn if applied too early. Start glazing during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking for a perfect caramelized finish. Looking for another impressive main course? This easy baked pork chops recipe is a weeknight winner.
What to Serve With Your Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday sides. Classic choices like sweet potato souffle, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole are always a hit. For something a little different, try serving it alongside a vibrant autumn harvest salad to balance the richness of the main course.
FAQs About This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat before brushing it on the turkey.
Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast. Be aware that it will cook faster than a bone-in breast, so start checking the internal temperature earlier to avoid overcooking. A 3-pound boneless breast may take around 60-75 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. This prevents the turkey from drying out.
It’s best to bake the turkey breast uncovered to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. If you notice the skin is browning too quickly before the turkey is cooked through, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
The turkey breast is fully cooked and safe to eat when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (without touching the bone) registers 165°F (74°C).
The Only Holiday Turkey Recipe You Need
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration on a plate. It’s designed to be as stress-free as it is delicious, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. We are confident this will become a new family tradition.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place it in a roasting pan.
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange thyme and rosemary sprigs around the turkey.
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon stick, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the glaze for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Roast the turkey for 1 hour. After the first hour, begin brushing the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze.
- Continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15-20 minutes. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with remaining glaze.
Notes
Letting the turkey rest before carving is crucial for keeping the meat juicy and tender.
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