Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful main dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners. The tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with the tender, herb-infused turkey, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Loosen the skin of the turkey breast carefully and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Spread the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity of the turkey.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan.
6. Step 6: Roast the turkey for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
7. Step 7: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build a flavorful, glossy coating.
8. Step 8: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, prepare the glaze a day ahead to allow the taste to develop.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme if fresh is not available.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly without drying out.
• Add a splash of bourbon or brandy to the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, a boneless turkey breast can be used; adjust the roasting time accordingly, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work well too. Just thaw them before cooking. Alternatively, you can use cranberry sauce, but reduce the added sweeteners since it may already contain sugar.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 111 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a juicy bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roast enhanced with a vibrant, sweet-tart glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, this dish offers a perfect balance of citrus and savory flavors, ideal for festive occasions or a special family dinner.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
3. Make Herb Rub: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a herb mixture.
4. Apply Herb Rub: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without detaching it and rub half of the herb mixture directly under the skin to infuse the meat. Spread the remaining herb mixture evenly over the skin and inside the turkey cavity for maximum flavor.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
6. Glaze the Turkey: In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the prepared cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build up a flavorful, sticky coating.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Carve and serve warm, enjoying the vibrant glaze and tender, herb-infused meat.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Letting the turkey rest after roasting helps keep it juicy and tender.
• You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• For extra crisp skin, you may increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• This recipe works well with bone-in, skin-on turkey breasts weighing between 3-4 pounds.

Keywords: turkey breast recipe, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, citrus turkey