There’s something magical about the way sweet and savory flavors come together in a holiday dish. One of my fondest memories is standing by my grandmother’s oven as the aroma of roasted turkey filled the kitchen. She always believed that turkey didn’t need to be complicated to shine, it just needed care and balance. That’s exactly what this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast delivers. With tangy cranberries, zesty oranges, and tender roasted meat, this recipe feels festive but approachable. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family meal, this glazed turkey breast turns a simple evening into something worth remembering.
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Why You Will Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a show-stopping centerpiece that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this dish is it. The cranberry orange glaze adds a glossy finish that looks elegant and tastes even better. You’ll love how the tart cranberries pair with bright citrus, giving the turkey breast a depth of flavor that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s a smaller, easier alternative to roasting a whole bird; perfect for small gatherings or intimate holiday dinners. The result is juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort, and a glaze that doubles as a sauce for serving. Pair it with classics like a Thanksgiving stuffing recipe for a complete holiday spread.
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Juicy and tender cranberry orange glazed turkey breast roasted with a sweet-tangy glaze made of cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, and herbs. Perfect for small holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 pounds)
1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
2 tablespoons orange zest
½ cup honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a roasting pan.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens.
3. Season the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place it in the pan.
4. Brush the turkey generously with cranberry orange glaze.
5. Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze on top for serving.
Notes
Make glaze ahead: prepare the cranberry orange glaze a day before serving.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer flavor.
Bone-in turkey breast can be used but requires additional cooking time.
Save some glaze before roasting to serve fresh on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients
To make cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples. Everything comes together in a single roasting pan, and the glaze can be made in minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cranberries | Adds tart, festive flavor |
| Orange juice & zest | Brightens and balances the glaze |
| Honey | Sweetens and thickens the glaze |
How to Make It
Making this cranberry orange glazed turkey is straightforward and stress-free:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a roasting pan.
- Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Season the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place it in the pan.
- Brush with glaze: Coat the turkey with a generous layer of cranberry orange glaze.
- Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the turkey sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze on top for serving.
Cooking tip: keep a little glaze aside before basting so you’ll have a fresh batch to spoon over the final dish.
Tips and Variations
- Make ahead: Prepare the glaze a day early to save time on busy holidays.
- Add spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cloves gives the glaze extra warmth.
- Swap sweetener: Maple syrup brings a deeper, richer flavor than honey.
- Try bone-in breast: If you prefer, bone-in turkey works too; just increase cooking time slightly.
- Pair with sides: Roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes complement the sweetness of the glaze.
For those who enjoy experimenting, try using the glaze on chicken or even pork for a fun twist. It’s a versatile sauce that makes any protein shine, much like how stuffing recipes adapt to different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but if you only have dried, soak them in orange juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?
Baste every 15 minutes with the glaze and let the turkey rest before slicing. This keeps the meat juicy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the seasoned turkey breast on low for 4–5 hours, then broil it in the oven with glaze for 10 minutes to caramelize the top.
What can I serve with cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?
Classic holiday sides like stuffing, green beans, or roasted carrots pair beautifully with the tangy-sweet flavors.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast proves that holiday meals don’t need to be overwhelming to feel special. With minimal ingredients, a simple cooking method, and a glaze that doubles as a sauce, it’s both practical and festive. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe gives you tender, juicy turkey with a glossy, flavorful finish. Try it once, and it might just become your new holiday tradition.
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