Cranberry Orange Glazed Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is a perfect centerpiece for any festive meal. The tangy glaze pairs beautifully with the savory herbs, creating a juicy and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

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

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, or substitute with 1 teaspoon dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey to taste while simmering the cranberry sauce.
• Serve leftover glaze as a sauce alongside the turkey for extra flavor.
• For a smoky touch, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the herb mixture.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to keep the meat moist. The cranberry orange glaze can also be refrigerated separately for up to one week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, a boneless turkey breast can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it will cook faster—check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is it possible to make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the cranberry orange glaze a day or two in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before brushing onto the turkey during roasting.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 88 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal. A succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast is roasted to juicy perfection and glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange sauce, infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. The combination of fresh cranberries and citrus zest creates a vibrant glaze that adds both color and a burst of flavor, making this turkey breast a stunning centerpiece for your table.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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

Glaze

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
3. Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure proper skin crisping. In a small bowl, mix together the 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 and oil mixture under the skin for flavor infusion. Use the remaining mixture to rub over the skin and inside the cavity of the turkey.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
6. Glaze the Turkey: During the final 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry orange glaze onto the turkey breast every 10 minutes. This builds a glossy, flavorful coating as the turkey finishes cooking.
7. Rest Before Carving: Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender slices when carved.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safety and perfect doneness.
• Letting the turkey rest before carving is crucial to keep it juicy.
• The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before using.
• For extra crisp skin, you can broil the turkey breast for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Leftover glaze can be served as a sauce alongside the turkey.

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, citrus cranberry sauce, herb roasted turkey