Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful twist on a classic roast, combining zesty citrus and tart cranberries for a flavorful glaze. Perfect for a holiday meal or special dinner, it’s tender, juicy, and beautifully aromatic.

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 cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Step 6: Roast for 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 cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed (use about one-third the amount).
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the cranberry mixture a bit longer before glazing the turkey.
• For extra crisp skin, broil the turkey for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Leftover glaze can be reheated and used as a sauce for mashed potatoes or spread on sandwiches.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. The cranberry orange glaze can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but cooking time may be shorter. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry orange glaze can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat gently before brushing it on the turkey during the last part of roasting.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection with a vibrant homemade glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, this dish offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
2. Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Season Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to promote even browning. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a herb mixture.
4. Rub Turkey: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast without tearing it. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Then rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity for a well-seasoned bird.
5. Arrange for Roasting: Place the prepared turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan to allow the skin to crisp during cooking.
6. Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part indicating it is safely cooked.
7. Glaze Application: Starting 30 minutes before the turkey is done, brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast every 10 minutes. This builds a flavorful, glossy coating as the turkey finishes roasting.
8. Rest Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes to let the juices redistribute. This step ensures a juicy and tender turkey breast when sliced.

Notes

• Ensure to use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the turkey breast.
• You can prepare the cranberry orange glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it for deeper flavor development.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase honey by a couple of tablespoons.
• Letting the turkey rest is crucial to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).

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