Tangy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe for Holidays

Succulent cranberry orange glazed turkey breast promises a festive twist on traditional holiday cooking.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside tart berries, creating a vibrant flavor profile.

Juicy meat becomes a canvas for zesty seasonings that sing with personality.

Home cooks can effortlessly elevate their culinary skills with this straightforward recipe.

Seasonal ingredients merge in a delightful symphony of sweet and tangy sensations.

Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and comfort.

Pack your plate with this delectable dish that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Why Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Feels Festive

• Elevate Holiday Dining: Transform your holiday meal with a stunning cranberry orange glazed turkey breast that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
• Simplify Festive Cooking: Create a gourmet-style dish with straightforward steps that require minimal culinary expertise, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: Combine sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and aromatic herbs to deliver a mouthwatering main course that delights taste buds and impresses guests.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting herb quantities or glaze intensity to match personal preferences, making it a versatile centerpiece for special gatherings.

Everything You Need For Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Turkey Breast: A lean and flavorful cut of poultry perfect for roasting.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute herbs and creates a golden, crispy skin.
• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that provide depth and savory notes to the turkey.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cranberries: Tart fruit that adds vibrant color and tangy flavor to the glaze.
• Orange Juice: Provides sweetness and bright citrus notes to the glaze.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps create a glossy and sticky glaze.

Simple Steps To Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Create Vibrant Cranberry Orange Glaze

• Cranberries
• Orange juice
• Honey
• Orange zest

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Watch the cranberries burst and transform into a thick, glossy sauce. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Herb Seasoning

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chopped rosemary
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients into a fragrant herb mixture that will infuse incredible flavor into the turkey.

Step 3: Season Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast completely dry using paper towels.

Gently loosen the skin without tearing. Massage half of the herb mixture directly under the skin, ensuring even coverage.

Spread the remaining seasoning over the exterior and inside the cavity.

Step 4: Roast Turkey

Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan.

Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F. Roast approximately 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest section.

Step 5: Glaze Turkey

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This creates a beautiful caramelized exterior with tangy-sweet notes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes, which helps redistribute the juices.

Carve into beautiful slices and serve with extra glaze on the side.

Best Tips For Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Choose a fresh turkey breast with minimal moisture for the crispiest skin and best herb absorption.
• Create an even glaze coating by using a silicone pastry brush to distribute the cranberry mixture smoothly.
• Monitor internal temperature closely with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy meat.
• Enhance flavor depth by marinating the turkey breast in the herb mixture for 2-3 hours before roasting.
• Consider substituting honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile if desired, keeping the same measurement.

Flavorful Twists On Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Maple Pecan Glazed Turkey Breast: Replace the cranberry glaze with a mixture of maple syrup, chopped pecans, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a sweet and nutty flavor profile.
• Herb Garlic Mediterranean Turkey Breast: Swap the cranberry glaze with a lemon-herb sauce using fresh parsley, oregano, mint, olive oil, and minced garlic, creating a bright Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Spicy Chipotle Honey Turkey Breast: Create a glaze using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice for a smoky, spicy, and tangy coating that adds bold southwestern flair.

Top Pairings For Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the turkey's citrusy and herbal notes with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Complementary Side of Wild Rice Pilaf: Create a harmonious flavor profile by serving a wild rice blend with toasted almonds and dried cranberries, echoing the dish's fruity glaze and adding textural contrast.
• Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Select root vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, and carrots roasted with rosemary and thyme to mirror the turkey's herb-infused seasoning and provide earthy undertones.

How To Store Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, keeping it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice turkey breast into portions, place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Maintain quality by preventing freezer burn.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste occasionally to retain moisture.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Questions

• Why use rosemary and thyme in this recipe?

These herbs provide a classic, earthy flavor that complements the turkey’s natural taste and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• How can I ensure the turkey stays moist?

Rubbing herb mixture under the skin and brushing with cranberry orange glaze helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out during roasting.

• Is it important to let the turkey rest after cooking?

Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice more tender and flavorful. Skipping this step can result in dry, less appealing turkey.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work as a substitute. If using dried, reduce the quantity by half since they are more concentrated than fresh herbs.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent turkey breast meets zesty cranberry orange glaze in this festive holiday centerpiece. Tangy citrus and sweet cranberry elevate classic roasted turkey with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors that promise a memorable meal for family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (3-4 pounds / 1.4-1.8 kilograms) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on

Fresh Produce:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for uniform cooking.
2. Create a vibrant glaze by simmering cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a saucepan. Cook for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, then allow to cool completely.
3. Thoroughly dry the turkey breast using paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
4. Craft a fragrant herb mixture combining olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently separate turkey skin and massage half the herb blend underneath, ensuring even distribution.
6. Apply remaining herb mixture over the exterior skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
7. Position turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan, allowing proper heat circulation.
8. Roast approximately 20 minutes per pound, monitoring until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest section.
9. During final 30 minutes, generously brush turkey with cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
10. Extract from oven and permit turkey to rest 15-20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute before carving and serving.

Notes

• Choose bone-in turkey breast for extra flavor and moisture retention during roasting.
• Pat turkey completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in juices.
• Apply herb mixture under the skin and evenly across the surface for maximum seasoning penetration.
• Baste frequently with cranberry orange glaze during final roasting stage to create delicious caramelized exterior and prevent drying out.
• Use meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and food safety without overcooking.
• For gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially honey and seasonings.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan alternative or reduce sugar content.
• Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor compared to dried varieties, so opt for fresh rosemary and thyme when possible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg