Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that’s bursting with festive flavor, this Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe is my go-to. I absolutely love how tender and juicy the turkey comes out after slow cooking all day, and the cranberry-orange sauce adds this perfect sweet-tart zing that my family just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a cozy weekend dinner, you’ll find that this recipe makes the turkey the star of the show without you having to stand over the stove for hours.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe are delightfully simple—but combined, they create that unforgettable holiday vibe. Each one plays a role in balancing sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

• Boneless turkey breast: Keep the netting on when cooking to maintain shape and juiciness.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
• Pepper: Adds just a mild kick without overpowering the sweet sides.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: The star ingredient that brings that beautiful, festive cranberry flavor—and the whole berries add lovely texture.
• Onion soup seasoning mix: This is my secret weapon for an instant savory boost without extra chopping.
• Orange juice: Adds brightness and balances the tang in the cranberry sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the slow cooker juices into gravy, for that silky finish.
• Cold water: Helps the cornstarch dissolve smoothly into the gravy.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty close to the original because it’s super comforting as is, but feel free to tweak it to your liking! This is your kitchen, so mix and match based on what you have or what your family prefers.

• Herb infusion: I once added fresh rosemary and thyme under the netting before cooking—it gave the turkey an herbaceous aroma that was incredible.
• Spicy kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry mixture for a subtle spicy twist.
• Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just be sure to check your onion soup mix for gluten-containing ingredients.
• Vegetarian Sauce: For a side dish twist, you can recreate the cranberry-orange sauce separately to serve over vegetarian main dishes.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Sauce Mixture

First things first, don’t remove the netting on your turkey breast. It’s key to keeping the shape intact and prevents the meat from drying out while it slowly cooks. Rub the turkey all over with salt and pepper, making sure to get every nook and cranny. While you’re prepping, mix together the whole berry cranberry sauce, the onion soup seasoning packet, and fresh orange juice in a bowl—that fragrant combo is where all the magic happens.

Step 2: Slow Cook Your Turkey to Perfection

Set your crock pot to LOW and nestle the seasoned turkey inside. Pour the cranberry-orange sauce all over the breast, coating it nicely. Cover and let it cook away for between 5-7 hours—mine usually hits the perfect 165°F internal temperature right around the 6-hour mark. This slow-cooking process locks in moisture, and you’ll find the turkey is incredibly tender, almost slicing itself.

Step 3: Make the Gravy From Scratch

Once the turkey’s done, carefully remove it from the crock pot and cover it with foil to keep warm. Skim off any fat floating on the sauce left behind, then pour the juices into a saucepan. Whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry—that’s your thickening agent. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then stir in the cornstarch mixture until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn or boil over. Pour some of this luscious gravy back over the turkey, and save the rest in a jar for serving.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the sliced turkey for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I toss a few fresh cranberries around the plate to make it feel extra festive—your guests will love the presentation!

Side Dishes

The classic duo for me is creamy mashed potatoes and green beans almondine. But I also love serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a wild rice pilaf to soak up all that gravy. This recipe pairs beautifully with just about any side you like!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I slice the turkey breast and arrange the slices fanned out on a large platter, drizzle lightly with the cranberry gravy, and add garnish all around. It makes the meal feel special without any extra effort. Once, I even layered the turkey over a bed of wild rice with orange zest on the side—it was such a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the turkey slices from the gravy. This keeps the meat from soaking too long and getting mushy. They stay good for about 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey and store it in freezer bags, pouring some gravy over the slices to keep them moist. I’ve found that freezing in portions works best so I can just thaw what I need. It freezes well up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, I cover the turkey slices with foil and warm gently in the oven at 325°F, spooning some extra gravy over it to keep it moist. Using the stove to reheat leftover gravy works well too—just whisk it over low heat until warm and smooth. Microwave works fine for quick reheats, but be careful not to overcook.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it takes the stress out of cooking turkey while still delivering incredible flavor every time. I love that I can put everything together in minutes, then come back hours later to a meal that feels special and comforting all at once. If you’re someone who wants all that holiday magic with none of the fuss, you really need to give this one a try—I promise you and your family will be coming back for seconds!

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