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
Scale
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.
