Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

If you want to impress your family or guests with a centerpiece that bursts with festive flavors and juicy tenderness, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries and zesty orange with soothing herbs and a honeyed glaze, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the humble turkey breast to something truly spectacular. Moist on the inside and gloriously caramelized on the skin, this recipe comes alive with layers of sweet, savory, and citrus notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building the glorious cranberry orange glaze to infusing the turkey breast with herbal and garlicky goodness. These simple yet vibrant essentials make the whole process approachable, ensuring a rich texture, vibrant color, and mouthwatering depth of flavor.

• 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on: Provides juicy meat with the skin perfect for crisping up under the glaze.
• 2 cups fresh cranberries: The star of the glaze, adding a natural tartness that balances sweetness.
• 1 cup orange juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and helps create a glossy glaze.
• 1/2 cup honey: Natural sweetener to complement the tart cranberries and make the glaze shine.
• 2 tablespoons orange zest: Boosts the orange flavor with aromatic oils for extra zing.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the turkey with subtle savory warmth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the turkey moist and allows the herbs to cling beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Adds fragrant woodsy notes perfect for poultry.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Lends a delicate herbal earthiness balancing the sweet and tart.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the bird perfectly.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

Start by combining the cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring this vibrant mix to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens beautifully—about 10 to 15 minutes. This step delivers that luscious, jewel-toned sauce that gives the dish its name and unforgettable flavor.

Step 2: Season the Turkey Breast

While your glaze cools, pat the turkey breast dry to ensure crispy skin. Mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey and rub half of this fragrant herb mixture beneath it to infuse the meat directly. Then spread the remaining mixture all over the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey

Place your lovingly seasoned turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Slide it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and roast for roughly 20 minutes per pound, or until its internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). This slow roast ensures tender, juicy results with beautifully rendered skin ready for glazing.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Roasting

During the final 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with your cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This gradual basting builds up layers of sticky, shiny sweetness that caramelize to a gorgeous finish, locking in moisture and amping the flavor to perfection.

Step 5: Rest and Carve

Once out of the oven, resist the urge to slice immediately. Give the turkey breast a solid 15 to 20 minutes to rest — this lets the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. Then carve, serve, and watch everyone delight in this showstopping Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Garnishes

Think fresh — bright sage leaves or sprigs of rosemary complement the herbal notes perfectly. A scattering of whole fresh cranberries adds a festive pop of color and a tangy contrast to the glossy glaze. Orange slices around the platter not only elevate the presentation but also echo the citrus notes of the glaze.

Side Dishes

This turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides that soak up and balance the glaze’s flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or silky sweet potato puree offer comforting richness, while roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans bring in a crisp freshness to counterbalance the sweet and tart. Don’t forget a warm bread to scoop up any remaining glaze!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests visually, carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out on a large serving tray, then drizzle some extra cranberry orange glaze over the top. Layer with fresh herbs and festive fruits for a centerpiece worthy of your holiday table or any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to keep the glaze separate if you want it fresh and vivid as when just made.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced or whole cooked turkey breast wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Freeze the glaze in a separate container and thaw both in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring the turkey back to juicy life, reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying. Warm the cranberry orange glaze in a small saucepan or microwave and brush onto the turkey before serving to refresh those glorious flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a turkey breast without skin or bone?

While you can, using a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor. The skin is essential for crispiness and holds the glaze perfectly. Without it, the texture and taste might not be quite as rich.

Is it possible to make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply warm it gently before brushing it onto the turkey during roasting.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Dried cranberries won’t work well here because they won’t break down into a glaze. Frozen cranberries are a fine substitute, though you may need to add a little extra orange juice and cook them a bit longer until they burst and thicken.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone. It’s done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and optimal juiciness.

Can I make this recipe using a whole turkey?

This recipe is designed for turkey breast due to timing and glaze application. For a whole turkey, you would need to adjust cooking times and glazing frequency, but the flavors would still be magnificent. Consider doing a smaller bird to replicate these results more easily.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like the magical combination of tangy cranberries, lively orange, and herb-infused turkey breast for a dish that feels both festive and comforting. The Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast truly shines as a centerpiece for any special meal, delivering delicious flavor and beautiful presentation. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it just might become your new holiday favorite!

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