Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
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.
- 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
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 prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly and thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
