Description

This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast recipe features a flavorful blend of spices and a tangy cranberry-orange sauce that perfectly complements the tender, juicy turkey. Ideal for festive gatherings or a special family dinner, the turkey breast is rubbed with a sweet and aromatic mix before roasting to perfection. The vibrant sauce made with fresh cranberries, lingonberry jam, and orange juice adds a luscious, fruity finish to the dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Rub Blend

1 turkey breast, about 4-5 lb
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon dark molasses
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
1/2 cup lingonberry jam (can be replaced with cranberry jam or orange marmalade)
1 cup orange juice
1 orange, zested
2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
Prepare Turkey: Use a fork to pinch the turkey breast all over its surface. This helps the rub penetrate and the turkey cook evenly.
Mix Rub Blend: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, canola oil, dark molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth paste.
Rub the Turkey: Apply the prepared rub blend evenly over the turkey breast, coating all sides. Set the turkey aside to let the flavors infuse while preparing the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the whole berry cranberry sauce, lingonberry jam, fresh cranberries, and orange zest for a flavorful base.
Thicken Sauce: In a separate cup, whisk together the orange juice and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the cranberry sauce to give it a thick, luscious consistency.
Prepare Roasting Pan: Lightly grease a roasting pan that fits the turkey breast snugly. Avoid a pan that is too large to ensure the turkey roasts properly.
Roast the Turkey: Place the rubbed turkey breast in the roasting pan and pour the cranberry sauce around it, avoiding pouring too much on top of the turkey to prevent burning.
Bake: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve: Garnish the sliced turkey with fresh cranberries and extra orange zest before serving for a bright, festive presentation.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
If lingonberry jam is unavailable, cranberry jam or orange marmalade can be used as substitutes.
Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting ensures juicier slices.
Adjust seasoning in the rub blend to suit your taste preferences, especially salt and sugar quantities.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz turkey with sauce)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg