Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s both festive and bursting with bright flavors, this Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey Breast Recipe absolutely has to be on your table. I first tried this on a chilly autumn evening, and I was instantly hooked—it’s juicy, aromatic, and the citrusy cranberry glaze gives a sweet-tart pop that feels like a warm hug. Stick with me here, because once you try this turkey breast, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for smaller gatherings where you want to impress without slaving away all day.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that balance sweetness, spice, and citrus in perfect harmony. When shopping, look for fresh cranberries (if in season) and a good-quality turkey breast to make this truly shine.

• Turkey breast: Choose a 4-5lb fresh or thawed breast; this size roasts evenly and is perfect for a family meal.
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with a lovely glaze texture during roasting.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an aromatic backbone for the rub.
• Canola oil: Helps the rub adhere to the turkey and keeps the skin from drying out.
• Molasses: Gives a deep, rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the cranberries.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Just a pinch adds cozy warmth and festive flair.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh cranberries: They add a tart burst and texture to the sauce – rinse before use.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Canned convenience here adds thickness and sweetness.
• Lingonberry jam: A fantastic twist for tartness; if you can’t find it, cranberry jam or orange marmalade works wonderfully.
• Orange juice and zest: These lift the sauce with citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a lovely glaze consistency.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base that you can tweak to make your own. I’ve played around with different jams and spices over the years, and I encourage you to do the same based on what you like or have on hand.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub blend for a subtle warmth my family enjoys on chilly nights.
• Jam Swap: If lingonberry jam is hard to find near you, try pomegranate or raspberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• Herb Boost: Toss in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the rub to infuse a lovely herbal note.
• Gluten-Free Option: Cornstarch makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for guests with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep with Love and Patience

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, gently prick the turkey breast all over with a fork—this helps the rub penetrate deeper and lets the aromatic flavors seep into the meat. Don’t rush this step; those little holes make a huge difference in flavor!

Step 2: Mix and Massage the Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, canola oil, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. When it’s smooth and fragrant, rub it all over the turkey breast evenly. I like to really work it in with my hands—that way, you know every inch will get that wonderful seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries, canned whole berry cranberry sauce, lingonberry jam, and orange zest. In a small cup, whisk the orange juice and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this slurry into the cranberry mixture. This thickens the sauce as it bakes, creating a shiny, tangy glaze that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Roast with Care

Lightly grease a roasting pan just big enough to snugly fit the turkey breast; this helps the sauce concentrate around it rather than spread thin. Place the seasoned turkey in the pan and pour the cranberry sauce around it—avoid covering the turkey on top so the skin crisps up beautifully without burning. Roast in the oven for about 1½ hours, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, tent the turkey breast with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. This is a crucial step I learned early on—it lets the juices redistribute for that tender, juicy texture we all crave. Slice against the grain and garnish with fresh cranberries and extra orange zest for a pop of color.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love to brighten the serving platter with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest—it adds a festive look and a refreshing zing that complements the rich turkey beautifully. Sometimes, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme make a pretty, fragrant touch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this dish are creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The sweetness of the carrots and the tangy salad balance the rich, fruity turkey perfectly. For something heartier, a wild rice pilaf works wonders too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged slices of cranberry orange turkey on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, orange slices, and cranberry clusters. It’s such an inviting presentation, and guests love helping themselves family-style. Pair it with a festive candle centerpiece for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually slice any leftover turkey breast and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. I save some of the leftover cranberry orange sauce separately to refresh those slices when reheating.

Freezing

If I want to stash leftovers longer, I wrap turkey slices tightly and place them in freezer-safe bags along with some sauce. That way, when I thaw them later, the meat stays moist and flavorful. I’ve had good results with freezing up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm sliced turkey and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This keeps the meat juicy and the sauce glossy, just like fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey Breast Recipe comes together for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s vibrant, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that feels both cozy and festive, perfect for when you want that holiday charm without the fuss of a whole turkey. I hope you try it soon—you’ll wow your family and friends, just like I did the first time I pulled this beauty out of the oven!

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