Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a juicy turkey breast kissed with the vibrant zing of cranberry and orange—this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe really hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a cozy holiday dinner or a special weekend feast, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes turkey feel anything but ordinary. I remember the first time I tried it; the glaze was so bright and fresh it practically sang alongside the tender meat.

One of the best things about this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is how approachable it is—you don’t need hours in the kitchen or complex ingredients. It’s a recipe you can definitely make during a busy workweek or when you want something impressive for guests without fuss. Trust me, once you nail that glossy, tangy glaze on your turkey breast, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for every special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, combining to create a fresh and flavorful glaze that complements the turkey breast perfectly. When you shop for these, I recommend fresh cranberries for maximum tartness and fresh herbs to brighten the dish.

• Turkey breast: A bone-in, skin-on breast will give you juicy meat and crispy skin, which I always look for.
• Fresh cranberries: Their natural tartness is key to balancing the sweet honey and orange.
• Orange juice: Use freshly squeezed if you can—it really elevates the flavor.
• Honey: Adds depth and sweetness to the glaze without overpowering the fruit.
• Orange zest: Adds bright, citrusy oils for an extra kick.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for savory warmth that rounds out the glaze.
• Olive oil: Helps with browning the turkey and carrying the herbs’ flavors.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with orange.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Bring earthiness and subtle lemon notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season and enhance all the flavors.

Variations

I love making this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe my own by swapping out herbs or adjusting the sweetness, and you should totally feel free to do the same. Don’t be afraid to experiment—it’s a flexible recipe that can be customized to your taste or what’s in your pantry.

• Herb swap: Sometimes I use sage or marjoram instead of rosemary and thyme for a warmer, autumnal vibe. It’s lovely, especially around Thanksgiving.
• Sweetener options: If honey isn’t your thing, maple syrup or agave nectar work great and bring their own unique depth.
• Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze gives it a subtle heat that wakes up the glaze.
• Gluten-free modification: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so perfect if you’re avoiding gluten without any changes.
• Mini turkey breasts: For smaller gatherings, split the recipe and use two mini turkey breasts—cooks a bit faster!

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Turkey Breast

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up nicely in the oven. Rub the skin and meat all over with olive oil, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and half of your chopped rosemary and thyme. Don’t skimp on the seasoning here; it’s key to a flavorful bird.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, orange zest, and remaining herbs. Stir occasionally as the cranberries soften and burst—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from heat. I like to taste it at this point and add a pinch of salt or a touch more honey if needed. This glaze is your star player.

Step 3: Roast and Glaze Your Turkey

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin side up on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Roast for about 45 minutes, then brush a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze all over the skin. Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature—once it hits 165°F, it’s done! Let it rest at least 10 minutes before carving.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish this glazed turkey with a few fresh rosemary sprigs and some whole cranberries tossed around the platter. It makes for a festive, colorful presentation that’s super inviting. Plus, a few orange slices add brightness and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often serve this turkey breast with creamy mashed potatoes or a sweet potato mash, roasted Brussels sprouts lightly caramelized in olive oil, and a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The natural sweetness from the glaze pairs wonderfully with savory sides, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I love slicing the turkey and arranging it on a wooden board surrounded by orange and cranberry clusters, roasted nuts, and crunchy bread slices. It invites guests to graze and creates a warm, rustic feel. You can also serve slices atop warm wild rice or quinoa to turn it into a casual, elegant platter for brunch or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your turkey has cooled, I recommend slicing and storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavor actually deepens overnight, so leftovers are fantastic. I usually keep mine for up to 4 days and just make sure to cover it well to keep the meat moist.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey breast first and freeze in portioned airtight containers or freezer bags. I add a little bit of the remaining glaze on top before sealing—it helps protect against freezer burn and keeps the meat flavorful. Frozen turkey breast will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftover turkey slices gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or leftover glaze to keep everything from drying out. You can also reheat in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to dry the meat out and dull the glaze’s brightness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s both stunning and surprisingly simple. I love how it turns ordinary turkey into something lively and delicious, and I think you’ll enjoy that too. If you want a recipe that’s bursting with seasonally fresh flavors but easy enough to shop for and prepare, give this one a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey.

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