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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

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

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

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