Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is an excellent choice for holiday meals or family gatherings. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the cranberries and oranges makes this dish stand out. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for your table. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to impress their guests with a stunning turkey dish.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

2 (3–4 lb) Turkey Breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
4 cups Fresh Cranberries
2 cups Fresh Orange Juice
1 cup Honey
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
4 tbsp Orange Zest
4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
4 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
2 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
½ tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional)
Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Garnish: Fresh orange slices, rosemary sprigs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the turkey breasts dry and place them in a large roasting pan.
Mix the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper into a paste.
Rub this mixture generously under and over the skin of each turkey breast.
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like.
Spoon half of the glaze over the turkey breasts.
Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and glaze.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Slice the turkey and drizzle with the remaining warm glaze.
Garnish with fresh orange slices and rosemary.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Serve this wonderful turkey breast with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. The sweet glaze pairs well with savory sides, making your meal complete. You can also add a fresh salad for a light contrast.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze the turkey for longer storage, which is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves preparation time on cooking day.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the right temperature.
Let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it moist.

Variation

For a different twist, you could substitute the orange juice with apple cider for a sweeter flavor. You can also add other herbs like sage or thyme to the rub for added depth.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole turkey instead of turkey breasts?
Yes, you can use a whole turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. How can I make the glaze spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and prepare the turkey breasted a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast it.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

A delicious turkey breast glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce, perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 45

Total Time 2 15

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Turkey and Marinade

2 pieces Turkey Breasts (bone-in, skin-on, 3–4 lb each)
4 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
2 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
to taste Salt & Black Pepper

Glaze

4 cups Fresh Cranberries
2 cups Fresh Orange Juice
1 cup Honey
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
4 tbsp Orange Zest
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
½ tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional)

Garnish

as needed Fresh orange slices
as needed Rosemary sprigs

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the turkey breasts dry and place them in a large roasting pan.
Mix the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper into a paste.
Rub this mixture generously under and over the skin of each turkey breast.

Cooking

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like.
Spoon half of the glaze over the turkey breasts.
Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and glaze.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Slice the turkey and drizzle with the remaining warm glaze.
Garnish with fresh orange slices and rosemary.

Notes

Make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking temperature. Let the turkey rest before slicing to retain moisture. For a variation, substitute orange juice with apple cider.

Keyword Cranberry Orange Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Glazed Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Turkey Breast Recipe