Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

The Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a festive meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners, this recipe offers a beautiful glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange that enhances both taste and presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Loosen the skin of the turkey breast carefully and rub half the herb mixture under the skin. Spread the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Step 6: Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
7. Step 7: In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build a flavorful coating.
8. Step 8: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, brine the turkey breast in saltwater for a few hours before cooking.
• Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but rinse and drain them well before cooking.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of wild rice to complement the citrus and cranberry notes.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze in a separate container to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Reheat turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth to keep them moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, a boneless turkey breast can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, typically roasting for about 15 minutes per pound and checking the internal temperature.

Is it possible to prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cranberry orange glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before brushing onto the turkey during the last stages of roasting.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 125 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners. It features a juicy bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection with a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zesty orange peel, complemented by aromatic herbs and garlic. The glaze caramelizes during roasting, creating a beautiful, glossy finish that pairs wonderfully with the savory, herb-infused turkey.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly and thoroughly.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. This herb mixture adds deep flavor and aroma.
4. Apply Herb Mixture: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without detaching it. Rub half of the herb mixture underneath the skin, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat. Spread the remaining mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity for maximum taste.
5. Roast Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, ensuring it is completely cooked.
6. Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This repeated glazing helps develop a glossy, flavorful crust.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. Carve and serve with remaining glaze or your favorite sides.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Allow the glaze to cool slightly before brushing to avoid washing off seasoning from the turkey.
• Letting the turkey rest after roasting ensures juicy, tender meat.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme if fresh are unavailable.
• The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time on cooking day.

Keywords: turkey breast recipe, cranberry orange glaze, holiday turkey recipe, roasted turkey breast, festive turkey dish