If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner or holiday gathering, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish combines the tart brightness of fresh cranberries with the zesty sweetness of orange, all beautifully balanced by warm spices and a honeyed glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. The result is a juicy, tender turkey breast that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, making it a stunning centerpiece anyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your turkey game will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a complex flavor profile. Each element adds a unique touch, whether it’s the citrusy zing, the subtle spice, or the savory balsamic depth.
- Boneless turkey breast (4-5 pounds): Choose a fresh or thawed piece for juicy, even cooking.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the turkey’s natural flavor.
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup): They provide that signature tartness and a pop of color in the glaze.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet, citrus brightness that perfectly offsets the cranberries.
- Orange zest (from 1 orange): Delivers an aromatic depth and accentuates the glaze’s orange notes.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Balances tartness with natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, luscious glaze.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a subtle tangy earthiness to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Contributes a mild kick and depth to the flavor profile.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the turkey moist and enhances the spice rub’s adherence.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a savory warmth without overpowering the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth that complements the fruitiness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint of spice that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: For garnish and a fragrant herbal note when serving.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Season the Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While it’s warming up, generously season your turkey breast all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning primes the meat for the flavorful glaze it will receive later, ensuring every bite is savory and well-balanced.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Orange Glaze
Next, take a medium saucepan and combine the fresh cranberries and orange juice over medium heat. As they cook, the cranberries will burst releasing their tart juices, and the mixture will start to thicken in about 5 to 6 minutes—this is when the magic begins! Remove it from heat and stir in the orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This combination creates the luscious glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with citrus aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Spice Rub and Coat the Turkey
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant mixture serves as a flavorful base for the turkey’s skin and helps the glaze stick beautifully. Rub this spice blend evenly all over the turkey breast, making sure every inch is lovingly covered.
Step 4: Roast While Basting with Glaze
Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack positioned inside a roasting pan. Generously brush it with the cranberry-orange glaze, then pop it into your preheated oven. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). Throughout the process, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze to keep the meat moist and full of vibrant flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once cooked through, remove your turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil to rest for 15 minutes—this step is crucial for juicy slices. Just before serving, add fresh rosemary sprigs on top to provide a lovely herbal fragrance and a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs are the perfect garnish, adding an inviting burst of piney aroma and a splash of green that contrasts beautifully against the rich cranberry glaze. For a little extra flair, consider a few whole fresh cranberries scattered around the platter or a sprinkle of orange zest on top.
Side Dishes
This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with classic roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make for rich, comforting sides that soak up the glaze’s juices perfectly. A simple arugula salad with toasted pecans and a citrus vinaigrette also complements the turkey’s sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, arrange slices of cranberry orange glazed turkey breast atop a bed of fresh greens, drizzled lightly with extra glaze. You can also carve the breast into thick slices for a buffet-style spread, garnished with sprigs of rosemary and small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. The vibrant red and orange hues make it an eye-catching star on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the feast, store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep the leftover glaze separate to maintain its fresh flavor, and reapply it when reheating to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place sliced or whole turkey breast portions in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen turkey breast will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and juiciness.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices of turkey in a baking dish, brush with a bit of the reserved cranberry orange glaze, and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a 325-degree Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This gentle reheating method keeps the turkey deliciously moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking so your glaze doesn’t become too watery.
Is this recipe suitable for a smaller turkey breast?
Yes, it’s very adaptable. Adjust the cooking time based on the weight but always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Can I make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before brushing on the turkey to make basting easier and more even.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar if I don’t have any?
A good alternative is apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. They will still provide acidity and depth, but adjust the amount to taste since these can be more or less intense than balsamic.
Does this recipe work with bone-in turkey breast?
It does, but keep in mind it may require a longer roasting time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and baste regularly to keep the meat moist and flavorful with that amazing cranberry orange glaze.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe the next time you want to serve something truly special yet wonderfully approachable. The balance of sweet, tangy, and spice will delight your taste buds and your guests’ too. It’s a dish that feels festive, fresh, and comforting all at once—a real winner for any occasion.
Print
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 50m
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful and festive main dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The turkey breast is seasoned and roasted to juicy perfection, complemented by a tangy and sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and aromatic spices. Finished with a fresh rosemary garnish, this dish brings a vibrant, mouth-watering centerpiece to your table.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 (4-5 pound) boneless turkey breast
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
- Season the turkey: Season the turkey breast generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Prepare cranberry glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries and orange juice. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes, releasing the tart and sweet flavors.
- Mix glaze ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly, allowing flavors to meld.
- Make seasoning rub: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to form a fragrant spice rub.
- Coat the turkey: Rub the olive oil and spice mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, ensuring every part is well coated with the aromatic blend.
- Prepare for roasting: Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan, allowing heat to circulate evenly.
- Apply glaze: Brush a generous amount of the cranberry-orange glaze over the turkey breast to infuse it with sweet and tangy flavors before roasting.
- Roast the turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is safely cooked and juicy.
- Baste periodically: Every 30 minutes during roasting, baste the turkey with the remaining cranberry-orange glaze to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Rest the meat: Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the turkey breast with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, appealing presentation before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately and avoid overcooking.
- The glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Resting the meat after roasting helps retain juices and keeps the turkey moist.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with thyme or sage for a different herbal note if desired.
