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
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for uniform cooking.
- 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.
- Thoroughly dry the turkey breast using paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
- Craft a fragrant herb mixture combining olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gently separate turkey skin and massage half the herb blend underneath, ensuring even distribution.
- Apply remaining herb mixture over the exterior skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
- Position turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan, allowing proper heat circulation.
- Roast approximately 20 minutes per pound, monitoring until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest section.
- During final 30 minutes, generously brush turkey with cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- 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