If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that combines festive flavors with a juicy, tender texture, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe. It’s bursting with a vibrant glaze that perfectly balances tart cranberries and zesty oranges, all infused with fragrant herbs to elevate every bite. This recipe is a delightful way to bring a splash of color and a burst of bright, fresh flavor to your holiday table or any special occasion where turkey takes center stage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe truly shine. Each element plays an essential role: the cranberries add tartness and color, orange juice and zest bring brightness, herbs lend an earthy aroma, and honey offers the perfect touch of natural sweetness.
- Turkey breast (3-4 lbs), bone-in and skin-on: The star protein for tender, juicy results with crispy skin.
- Fresh cranberries (2 cups): Adds vibrant tartness and beautiful red hue to the glaze.
- Orange juice (1 cup): Brings citrusy brightness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Balances tartness with a natural, golden sweetness.
- Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the citrus flavor with fragrant oils.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Adds savory depth and a touch of warmth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and helps herbs adhere to the turkey skin.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (1 tablespoon): Brings piney, woody fragrance that pairs beautifully with poultry.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Offers delicate, earthy undertones.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by combining fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a lively boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer until the cranberries burst open and the glaze thickens to a luscious consistency. Set the glaze aside so it can cool slightly — this will help it stick perfectly to the turkey.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
With the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C), pat your turkey breast dry thoroughly to ensure the skin gets crispy. Whip up a simple herb rub mixing olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the turkey skin and massage half the herb mixture underneath for maximum flavor infusion. Then, rub the remaining blend generously all over the skin and inside the cavity.
Step 3: Roasting the Turkey
Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan, then slide it into the preheated oven. Roast it for about 20 minutes per pound, making sure the internal temperature hits a safe 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This slow roasting allows the turkey to cook evenly while keeping the meat incredibly moist.
Step 4: Glazing During Roasting
About 30 minutes before your turkey finishes cooking, begin brushing the cranberry orange glaze onto the breast every 10 minutes. This layering not only locks in moisture but creates a stunning, sticky, and flavorful crust that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
When your turkey reaches perfect doneness, pull it from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Then, carve and get ready to savor the bright, herby, and sweet symphony of the cranberry orange glaze paired with perfectly roasted turkey.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra fresh rosemary or thyme leaves over the carved slices. A handful of whole cranberries or thin orange slices work beautifully as a garnish, adding pops of color and enhancing the citrus theme on your plate.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with classic roasted vegetables like honey-glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or wild rice pilaf. The zesty glaze also complements fresh green beans tossed with almonds or a simple arugula salad topped with toasted pecans and a citrus vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive crowd-pleaser, serve the turkey breast on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by clusters of fresh cranberries, sprigs of herbs, and sliced oranges. You can also create individual plates by fanning out sliced turkey with a drizzle of glaze, a microgreen salad on the side, and a dollop of cranberry sauce for an elegant touch that impresses without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover turkey breast in airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. Keep any extra cranberry orange glaze separately to freshen up the meat when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, slice the turkey and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze the glaze separately in small portions. Frozen turkey breast will stay good for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices of turkey in a covered dish with a splash of broth or leftover glaze to prevent drying out. Using a low oven or microwave setting preserves the juicy texture and layered flavors of this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless turkey breast will work just fine and often cooks a little faster. Just be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking since boneless cuts tend to dry out quicker.
Is it possible to make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze 1 or 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just warm it slightly before using it during the last 30 minutes of roasting your turkey.
Can this recipe be made without fresh cranberries?
While fresh cranberries offer the best texture and brightness, frozen cranberries can be substituted with equally delicious results. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before making the glaze.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the turkey is juicy, safe to eat, and perfectly cooked through.
Can I add other spices or herbs to the glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to customize by adding a pinch of cinnamon, ground cloves, or even a touch of ginger for a warm, festive twist that complements the cranberry orange flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is one of those unforgettable dishes that effortlessly brings joy, warmth, and a splash of vibrant flavor to your table. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe invites you to enjoy a juicy, herb-infused turkey breast wrapped in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that everyone will adore. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new family favorite!
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection and accented with a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange glaze. The fresh herbs and citrus zest add a refreshing aroma and flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday meals or special family dinners. The glaze is created by simmering fresh cranberries with orange juice, honey, and zest, then brushed during roasting to create a beautiful, flavorful caramelized crust.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
Glaze
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
Herb Mixture
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an optimal roasting temperature for the turkey breast to cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Once done, set the glaze aside to cool.
- Prepare Turkey and Herb Mixture: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant herb mixture.
- Apply Herb Mixture: Gently loosen the turkey skin without detaching it completely. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat, for deep flavor infusion. Apply the remaining herb mixture evenly over the skin and inside the turkey cavity.
- Place Turkey in Roasting Pan: Set the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan, ensuring it is stable and ready for oven cooking.
- Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, checked with a meat thermometer for safe doneness.
- Glaze During Roasting: During the final 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cooled cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This step creates a deliciously sticky, caramelized glaze coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Rest and Carve: Once the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and makes carving easier.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking for even roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- You can prepare the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time to save time on cooking day.
- Resting the turkey before carving is essential to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Leftover cranberry orange glaze can be served as a sauce alongside the turkey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
