Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations or family gatherings. The glaze of cranberry and orange juice makes the turkey juicy and adds a unique taste that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to make and looks great on the dinner table.

how to make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

  • 1 turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon.
  4. In a roasting pan, place the turkey breast and brush the glaze generously all over the turkey.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. Baste the turkey with the glaze every 30 minutes.
  8. Once done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  9. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired, and serve.

how to serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Serve the turkey breast sliced with some of the extra glaze drizzled on top. Pair it with side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry sauce for a complete meal. It also makes a great sandwich filling for leftovers!

Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast garnished with herbs

how to store Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

If you have leftovers, store the sliced turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool down before storing.

tips to make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

  1. Make sure to baste the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
  2. If you want a thicker glaze, you can simmer the glaze ingredients on the stovetop for a few minutes before applying it to the turkey.
  3. Let the turkey rest after baking; this helps keep the juices in.

variation

You can add other spices like thyme or sage for extra flavors. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or a whole chicken instead of turkey.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

What should I do if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can substitute with a mix of whole cranberries, orange juice, and sugar or use a store-bought alternative like apple sauce for a different flavor.

Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast garnished with herbs

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

This festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast features a tender, juicy turkey breast coated in a vibrant, sweet-tart glaze, perfect for a holiday meal or special occasion. It's an elegant dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 lbs boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and let it gently thicken for 5-7 minutes.
Roast the Turkey
  1. Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes before brushing with half of the prepared cranberry orange glaze.
Glaze and Finish Roasting
  1. Continue roasting, brushing with the remaining glaze every 15-20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C), about 45-60 additional minutes.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the turkey from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Slice and serve with any accumulated pan juices.

Notes

For best results, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting before slicing to ensure maximum juiciness. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your turkey breast and your oven's calibration; an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

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