Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a flavorful twist on a classic roast. The tangy cranberry and sweet orange glaze perfectly complements the savory herbs, making it an impressive yet easy dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Step 6: Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
7. Step 7: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the turkey with the herb mixture overnight before roasting.
• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work well too—just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a deeper, tangy flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking to avoid overcooking the turkey breast.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. The cranberry orange glaze can be stored separately for up to 5 days in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely, the cranberry orange glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat slightly before brushing it onto the turkey during roasting.

Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 51 reviews

This Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast features a succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection and glazed with a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce. The fresh herbs and garlic infuse the meat with aromatic flavors, while the tangy glaze adds a beautiful glossy finish and a burst of seasonal brightness, making it perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (approximate for 3.5 lb turkey breast)
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply Herb Mixture: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Then, rub the remaining herb mixture over the skin and inside the cavity to season evenly.
5. Roast Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, ensuring it’s cooked safely and juicy.
6. Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the prepared cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This layering will build up a glossy, flavorful coating that caramelizes beautifully.
7. Rest the Meat: Once roasting is complete, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest loosely covered for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender slices when carving.

Notes

• Ensure you do not tear the skin when loosening it to apply the herb mixture under the skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before glazing during roasting.
• If cranberries are not fresh, frozen cranberries can be used after thawing.
• Letting the turkey rest is crucial to preserve its juiciness.

Keywords: turkey breast recipe, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey, juicy turkey recipe, herb roasted turkey