Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

ByAileenrecipes

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Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a spectacular and elegant centerpiece that delivers the festive flavors of a holiday feast without the commitment of roasting a whole bird. The turkey breast is incredibly juicy and tender, enveloped in a glossy, vibrant glaze that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and savory. Bright cranberries and zesty orange juice reduce into a rich sauce, enhanced with a touch of maple syrup and aromatic herbs. This dish is impressively flavorful yet surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, a special Sunday dinner, or any occasion that calls for a memorable and delicious meal.

Perfect for:

A smaller, more intimate Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.
A show-stopping Sunday family dinner.
A special occasion meal like Easter or a birthday.
A protein-rich option for weekly meal prep.
A potluck dinner where you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of a simple herb rub and the sweet-tart glaze basted onto the turkey creates a deeply flavorful crust and keeps the white meat exceptionally moist.

Impressively Elegant with Minimal Effort: This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality presentation and taste with straightforward techniques, making you look like a culinary pro without the stress.

Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: A bone-in turkey breast provides all the traditional flavor of a whole turkey but is perfectly sized for a family meal, with plenty of leftovers.

Versatile Glaze: The cranberry-orange glaze is a classic for a reason, but it can be easily adapted with different juices or spices to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 calories

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):

Calories: 350-450 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g

Nutritional Disclaimer

aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast:

  • 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 1/2 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

  2. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic into a paste. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb paste directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining paste all over the outside of the skin.

  3. Roast Initially: Place the turkey breast on a rack set inside a roasting pan. Transfer to the preheated oven and roast, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

  4. Prepare the Glaze: While the turkey roasts, combine the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cranberries have burst and softened.

  5. Thicken the Glaze: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cranberry mixture. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

  6. Glaze the Turkey: After the initial 45 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the turkey from the oven. Brush a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze all over the top and sides of the turkey breast.

  7. Finish Roasting: Return the turkey to the oven and continue to roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with more glaze every 15-20 minutes during this final cooking period.

  8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in the most tender meat. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Carved and served as the stunning main course for a holiday feast with all the classic trimmings.
Sliced and served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes.
Shredded for incredible turkey sandwiches or wraps with a smear of the leftover glaze.
Served over a bed of wild rice or quinoa with a simple green salad.
Sliced thin for a elegant dinner party entrée.

Additional Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

For the crispiest skin, ensure the turkey breast is thoroughly dried before applying the oil and seasoning.
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy turkey without any guesswork.
If the turkey skin is browning too quickly, tent the breast loosely with foil partway through the cooking process.
Let the turkey rest for a full 15 minutes after roasting. This step is non-negotiable for juicy meat.
For a smoother glaze, you can strain the cooked cranberry mixture after it has simmered to remove the berry skins before adding the cornstarch slurry.

Recipe Variations of Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Spicy Chipotle Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the glaze for a smoky, spicy kick.
Herb-Roasted Version: Skip the cranberry glaze and instead, place fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) and sliced onion in the bottom of the roasting pan with a cup of chicken broth for a more savory, traditional roast.
Apple Cider Version: Substitute the orange juice with apple cider and use apple cider vinegar in place of the soy sauce for an autumnal twist on the glaze.

Freezing and Storage for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Storage: Store leftover carved turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze can be stored separately for the same amount of time.
Freezing: Sliced or shredded cooked turkey freezes very well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or microwave with a bit of broth or water to prevent drying. The glaze does not freeze well due to the cornstarch, so it is best made fresh.

FAQ Section about Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, a boneless turkey breast can be used. Be aware that the cooking time will be significantly reduced. Start checking the internal temperature after 30-40 minutes of total cooking time.

My glaze is too thick. What can I do?
If the glaze becomes too thick, either in the saucepan or after cooling, simply whisk in a tablespoon of orange juice or water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use a 14-ounce can of whole-berry cranberry sauce. Gently warm it with the orange juice, maple syrup, and soy sauce until combined. Omit the cornstarch slurry as the canned sauce is already thick.

Conclusion of Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a guaranteed way to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. It masterfully combines the simplicity of a weeknight roast with the dazzling flavors of a holiday centerpiece. The juicy, herb-rubbed meat paired with the vibrant, sweet-tart glaze creates a harmonious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply treating your family to a special dinner, this recipe is a reliable, impressive, and utterly delicious addition to your culinary collection.