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Cranberry Orange Glazed Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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