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