Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for that perfect holiday or Sunday dinner centerpiece, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite **Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe**. This dish has become a go-to in my kitchen because it balances juicy, tender turkey with a tangy, sweet glaze that’s just irresistible. I love how the bright cranberry and orange flavors brighten up the richness of the meat—plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you’re no turkey pro. Stick around because I’m going to share all my secrets to help you nail this recipe every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe really starts with fresh, quality ingredients. I always recommend grabbing fresh cranberries while they’re in season or frozen if not—trust me, the glaze won’t be the same without that bright cranberry punch. Also, fresh orange zest is key to really waking up the sauce’s flavor.

• Turkey breast: I opt for bone-in, skin-on because it locks in moisture and flavor better.
• Fresh cranberries: They add perfect tartness to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Orange juice: Use fresh-squeezed if you can for the best citrus taste.
• Honey: This provides natural sweetness and helps thicken the glaze beautifully.
• Orange zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the turkey with subtle savory notes.
• Olive oil: Helps the herbs stick to the turkey and keeps the skin crisping up.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs complement the citrus perfectly and elevate the turkey’s flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is how customizable it is. Over the years, I’ve tried switching up the herbs and even adding a little spice to make it my own—and you should too! Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste buds.

• Herb swap: I once replaced rosemary with sage for a deeper earthiness that my family adored.
• Add a kick: Mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze kicks it up just enough without overpowering the fruitiness.
• Maple glaze twist: Swap honey for maple syrup when you want that woodsy sweetness, especially wonderful in fall.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your ingredients, especially premade orange juice.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your flavorful cranberry orange glaze

Start by simmering fresh cranberries with orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a small saucepan. I usually bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to let those cranberries burst, thickening the sauce to a luscious glaze. It’s important not to rush this step—giving the berries time to burst releases their natural tartness and makes the glaze perfectly smooth after cooling.

Step 2: Season and prepare the turkey breast

Pat your turkey breast dry—this helps the herb mixture stick and the skin to crisp nicely. Mix olive oil with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper for a fragrant rub. Here’s the trick I discovered: carefully slide your hand under the skin to rub half the herb mixture right onto the meat—this infuses the turkey from the inside. Then massage the rest over the skin and inside the cavity. This step makes a huge difference in flavor depth!

Step 3: Roast it to juicy perfection

Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan and pop it into a 375°F (190°C) oven. Plan for about 20 minutes per pound. The key here is to keep an eye on the internal temperature—you want 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part for perfectly cooked turkey without drying it out. About 30 minutes before it’s done, start brushing the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes—this layering creates that glossy, irresistible coating.

Step 4: Let it rest before slicing

Once your turkey’s cooked, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute so each slice is tender and juicy. Trust me, this little patience pays off big!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few remaining fresh cranberries—adds a festive pop of color and complements the flavors perfectly. A few thin orange slices on the platter brighten up the presentation and add extra aroma. Plus, it makes your dish look like it came from a fancy restaurant, not your cozy kitchen.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for creamy mashed potatoes alongside this turkey—perfect for soaking up that glaze. Roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips work beautifully too, and I sometimes add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For holidays, stuffing is a classic pairing that never fails to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve placed the sliced turkey breast over a bed of sautéed spinach and pine nuts. Another lovely idea is to arrange the slices on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of herbs and citrus wedges—turns into a beautiful, shareable centerpiece that your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover turkey slices in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps the meat juicy and safe to eat for 3-4 days. Leaving a little bit of glaze in the container helps maintain moisture—your leftovers won’t taste dry or boring.

Freezing

If I have more than a few leftovers, I freeze the sliced turkey and glaze separately in freezer-safe bags. This way, I can thaw just the amount I want later, and the separate glaze retains its texture better. Frozen turkey breast freezes well for up to 3 months without losing too much flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the turkey slices in a covered pan on low heat, adding a splash of broth or reserved glaze to keep things moist. Microwaving works too if you cover the plate and check often to avoid drying. Reheating slowly is key; rushing it will dry the turkey out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is one of those dishes that always gets compliments whenever I serve it, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, easy to prepare but feels truly special. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend treat, I highly encourage you to give it a try—your friends and family will thank you, and you might just discover a new signature recipe to love.

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