Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

There’s a certain charm about the holidays that fills our homes with delightful aromas and warm memories. One of my cherished recipes is the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast—a discovery that came during a cozy Thanksgiving spent with family years ago. As the turkey was pulled from the oven, its tantalizing scent mingled with sweet, citrusy notes wafting from the glaze. I remember my aunt’s laughter and the glint of excitement in her eyes as we dug into our flavorful feast. The combination of tart cranberries and bright oranges just danced on our taste buds, making each bite more festive than the last. It’s a dish that embodies both joy and comfort, effortless to prepare and utterly satisfying. Trust me, your kitchen will never feel cozier or smell as wonderful as it does when you’re roasting this turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: You don’t need to be a culinary whiz to master this dish—it’s straightforward and perfect for all skill levels!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The sweet-tart glaze brings out the best flavors, making every bite a celebration.
• Healthy Option: Turkey breast is a lean protein, and this recipe keeps it light but oh-so-tasty.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your guests and family with a show-stopping main dish that everyone will adore.
• Leftover Friendly: Trust me, there’s no awkward turkey leftover episode with this recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast (3-4 pounds): Look for skin-on for extra moisture. It’ll roast beautifully!
• 1 cup cranberry sauce: Use homemade or your favorite jarred version—this adds a festive touch to the glaze.
• 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that vibrant flavor! Squeeze those oranges and revel in the citrus aroma.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: This adds a delightful sweetness that balances the tang of the cranberries.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A hint of earthy flavor. If you have fresh, even better!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Olive oil for roasting: A touch of oil keeps the turkey moist and is great for the skin’s crispiness!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

Get those cozy kitchen vibes going as your oven warms up!

2. Mix your glaze

In a bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined, then let it sit for a moment. Just wait and breathe in that heavenly scent!

3. Prepare the turkey

Rub your turkey breast with olive oil—this helps the skin become crispy and golden. Season with salt and pepper, getting in every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

4. Get roasting

Place your turkey breast in a roasting pan and brush it generously with your cranberry-orange glaze. Just imagine that glistening glaze soaking into every piece of turkey.

5. Time to roast

Pop it in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste it occasionally with the glaze—it’s like a warm hug for the turkey! Keep an eye on the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (75°C).

6. Rest and slice

Once done, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. Then, slice with love and serve with a side of glaze!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your turkey is perfectly cooked and juicy.
• Letting it rest is key: Never skip this step! It makes a world of difference for flavor and moisture.
• Baste often: This helps caramelize the glaze and prevents dryness.
• Experiment with the glaze: Don’t hesitate to adjust sweetness or add spices to suit your taste!

Flavor Variations

• Swap cranberry sauce for raspberry or blackberry sauce for a vibrant twist.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warming spice touch.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beautiful turkey slices on a festive platter with a drizzle of remaining glaze. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. For drinks, a nice cranberry-orange spritzer or a robust red wine makes a perfect complement!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the glaze a day ahead, storing it in the fridge for maximum flavor. Cooked turkey can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Leftovers

Don’t let that juicy turkey go to waste! Use it in sandwiches, turkey pot pies, or even in a savory turkey soup.

Freezing

Absolutely! You can freeze cooked turkey slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in foil or freezer-safe bags.

Reheating

For the best reheating method, use the oven to warm it up gently at 300°F (150°C) to maintain juiciness, or use a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth. The microwave works, but may dry it out a bit—so keep that in mind!

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?
Yes, a bone-in turkey breast will work beautifully! Just adjust the cooking time as it may take a little longer to reach the desired temperature.

What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
No worries! A good quality, store-bought cranberry sauce works just fine—for a seasonal twist, try flavored options too!

How can I enhance the glaze flavor?
Herbs like sage or rosemary, or even a pinch of ginger or cayenne for heat, can elevate your glaze wonderfully!

Is it okay to double the glaze?
Absolutely! Leftover glaze makes a fantastic dressing for salads or drizzling over veggies.

Final Thoughts

As you step into your kitchen with a smile and the wonderful aroma of cranberries and oranges filling the air, I hope you feel that sense of warmth and love that comes with preparing this delightful dish. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a quiet family dinner, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast will surely bring joy to your table. Embrace the beauty of cooking, have fun, and savor those moments you create with loved ones. Cheers to delicious feasts and cozy kitchens—happy cooking, dear friends!

With warmth from my kitchen to yours,
Chef Caroline
TasteItRecipes.com