If you’re searching for a show-stopping main dish that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful, look no further than Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. Succulent turkey gets a shimmering coat of citrus-sweet glaze, studded with juicy cranberries and kissed with warm spices, making every bite pop with festive cheer. Whether it’s for a cozy holiday gathering or an elevated weeknight meal, this dish is pure comfort with a tangy twist—impressively easy yet irresistibly elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe plays an important role, bringing color, fragrance, and a harmony of flavors to the final result. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- Boneless turkey breast (2–3 lbs): The centerpiece—lean, juicy, and the perfect blank canvas for our bold glaze.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness to the exterior and helps the seasonings cling to the turkey.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple but essential to bring out the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A modest kick of warmth that complements both the herbs and the sweet glaze.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Lends an earthy, aromatic note that echoes classic holiday roasts.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle depth and delicious savory undertones.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): Bursting with tartness, these are the star of the glaze and lend an eye-catching hue.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Balances the cranberries’ acidity with bright citrus sweetness.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the orange flavor and perfumes the glaze beautifully.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Gives the glaze a velvety texture and a floral, natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of cozy spice that ties everything together.
- Salt (Pinch): Just a touch helps deliver all the glaze flavors to their full potential.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, take a moment to pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels; this simple step ensures a beautifully browned exterior. Massage the turkey all over with olive oil, then generously season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder—this delicious flavor layer infuses every slice.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine your cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. As the mixture heats up, give it a gentle stir every now and then. You’ll want to simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cranberries start to pop and the glaze thickens just a bit. The transformation is magical—the berries will burst, and the whole kitchen will smell like a winter wonderland!
Step 3: Glaze and Roast
Once your glaze has thickened slightly, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Arrange the prepared turkey breast in a roasting dish, then generously brush half of the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast goodness all over the meat. Pop it in the oven and roast for 45 to 55 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through. The aroma alone is a major hint at how delicious this will be.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Slice
When the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle so every slice stays tender and moist. Take a moment to admire the glossy, deep red glaze before slicing—it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 5: Serve with Extra Glaze
Slice the turkey breast into thick, juicy pieces and arrange them on a platter. Serve the remaining Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast sauce on the side for drizzling—trust me, everyone will want an extra spoonful!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Garnishes
For a wow-worthy table presentation, sprinkle fresh orange zest over the sliced turkey and dot the platter with a handful of extra cranberries or fresh thyme sprigs. Not only does it look stunning, but those zesty and herby scents add another layer of excitement to every bite.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast pairs effortlessly with creamy mashed potatoes or fork-tender roasted vegetables. Think roasted Brussels sprouts, garlicky green beans, or even a simple wild rice pilaf—the slightly sweet and citrusy glaze brings out the best in classic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Arrange the turkey slices in a fan shape over fluffy mashed potatoes and drizzle generously with glaze. Or, for a more rustic feel, serve on a wooden board with fresh herbs and sliced oranges scattered around. Individual turkey medallions on small plates with a tiny cranberry garnish make a fantastic plated dinner look, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let the turkey cool, then store it in an airtight container along with a cup of reserved glaze so the flavors continue to meld together.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your turkey breast for future meals, wrap sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. The glaze can be frozen separately—both will thaw and reheat well, keeping the flavors (and vibrant color!) intact for up to three months.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place turkey slices and glaze in a covered baking dish and warm in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. A splash of broth or water helps keep everything juicy. You can also microwave in short intervals if you’re in a hurry, but slow oven reheating best preserves tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Just adjust the roasting time—a bone-in breast may take up to 20 minutes longer depending on size. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work perfectly well for the glaze, and you don’t even need to thaw them beforehand. If cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with whole-berry cranberry sauce, though the texture will be a bit different.
Can the glaze be made ahead?
Yes, and it’s actually a wonderful time-saver! Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container. Warm it gently before brushing on the turkey breast so it spreads easily.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little grated ginger to the glaze while it simmers. The spicy notes complement the sweetness beautifully and wake up the whole dish.
Is Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions—just double-check the ingredient labels for any added gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings a celebratory flair to any table—without any stress. The sweet-tart glaze and juicy turkey are a match made in culinary heaven, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too. Give it a try, and get ready for some serious applause from your family and friends!
Print
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is a delightful twist on a classic holiday dish. Tender turkey breast is roasted to perfection and then coated with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze, creating a flavorful and festive main course.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the glaze:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Place in a roasting dish.
- Make glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Glaze turkey: Brush half the glaze over the turkey breast. Roast for 45–55 minutes, basting with additional glaze halfway through.
- Rest and serve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Notes
- Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
