Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the star of my holiday table every year providing amazing flavor with minimal fuss This juicy turkey breast is coated in a tangy sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries and oranges resulting in a meal that is both beautiful and simple enough for a small gathering or a cozy weeknight

When I first made this for a Friendsgiving years ago my friends raved so much that now it is requested every December as well as at smaller Sunday gatherings The smell alone gets everyone excited for dinner

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless or bone in skin on turkey breast: around three to four pounds choose one with smooth moist skin and plump flesh for juiciness
• Fresh cranberries: deliver natural tart flavor and vivid color frozen berries work if fresh are unavailable
• Orange juice: use fresh squeezed if possible for the brightest citrus taste avoid anything labeled from concentrate for best flavor
• Honey: brings a balanced touch of sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize raw or local honey has the most character
• Orange zest: pumps up citrus aroma wash the orange first and zest only the colorful outer peel
• Olive oil: for richness and helping the herbs stick extra virgin delivers wonderful fruity undertones
• Garlic: minced gives robust flavor use fresh cloves not jarred for the best results
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: these fragrant herbs add earthiness pick bright green sprigs and strip off any woody stems
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning choose a good quality sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for a clean precise punch

How to Make It

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius Allow at least fifteen minutes for the oven to heat fully for even roasting

Make the Glaze:

In a small saucepan combine fresh cranberries orange juice honey and orange zest Bring to a boil then lower to a gentle simmer Simmer for ten to fifteen minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens stir often to avoid scorching Cool for a few minutes so it can thicken to a brushable consistency

Season the Turkey:

Pat the turkey breast really dry with paper towels This ensures the skin gets crispy Mix olive oil minced garlic chopped rosemary chopped thyme salt and pepper in a small bowl

Apply the Herb Mixture:

Loosen the skin of the turkey gently with your fingers and rub half the herb mix underneath the skin for deeper flavor Spread the rest all over the outside of the breast covering every bit

Roast the Turkey:

Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan Roast for about twenty minutes per pound until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Check after thirty minutes for smaller breasts and tent with foil if browning too fast

Glaze and Baste:

For the last thirty minutes brush the turkey generously with the cranberry orange glaze every ten minutes Repeat to build up a glossy sticky coating and reinforce the flavor

Rest and Serve:

Once out of the oven let the turkey rest loosely covered for fifteen to twenty minutes This allows juices to redistribute for perfect slicing Carve against the grain and serve with extra glaze

Turkey always reminds me of my grandmother who insisted on basting often her method turned every occasion into a delicious memory I love how the rosemary brings the aromas of her kitchen right into my own home every time I roast this recipe

Flavor Boosters

You can swap honey for maple syrup for an earthier sweetness or try agave for a vegan option Dried cranberries will not work well here so always use fresh or frozen If you are out of fresh herbs substitute with half the amount of dried rosemary and thyme

Serving Suggestions

Pair slices with classic sides like roasted sweet potatoes and garlicky green beans For a change try serving with wild rice pilaf or a bright citrus salad Leftovers make an amazing filling for sandwiches or wraps the next day

Creative Twists

Cranberries and turkey are classic winter holiday icons in North America Their combination echoes generations of festive family dinners making this dish especially meaningful around Thanksgiving and Christmas Fresh oranges start to flood markets in December so this is an ideal way to showcase seasonal fruit

Enjoy this festive centerpiece with loved ones and let the bright glaze and juicy turkey create new joyful memories Savor the leftovers for easy delicious meals long after the celebration ends

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the turkey breast moist while roasting?

Pat the breast dry for crispy skin, use a generous herb rub under and over the skin, baste frequently with cranberry orange glaze, and let it rest after roasting to lock in juices.

→ What sides pair well with cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a vibrant winter salad all work beautifully alongside the sweet-tart turkey flavor.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cranberry orange glaze in advance and store it refrigerated for up to three days. Warm before using for easier basting.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, turkey breast and the cranberry orange glaze are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm all seasonings and side dishes used are also gluten-free.

→ How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.