Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is a festive and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special holiday meal. Instead of roasting a whole turkey, this recipe highlights a juicy turkey breast coated in a sweet-tart glaze made with cranberries, fresh orange juice, and aromatic spices. The result is a dish that’s tender, moist, and bursting with seasonal flavor.
This recipe is perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want a holiday centerpiece that’s quicker and easier than a full bird. The cranberry orange glaze gives the turkey a beautiful golden shine, while also balancing savory meat with a tangy-sweet coating. It’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Breast:
- 1 whole turkey breast (4–5 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place turkey breast on a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
- Rub turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
Step 3: Roast Turkey Breast
- Roast uncovered for 45 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
- For a smoother glaze, strain and return to pan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.
Step 5: Glaze the Turkey
- After 45 minutes, brush turkey with glaze.
- Continue roasting, glazing every 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) (about 1 ½ to 2 hours total, depending on size).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let turkey rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Variations
- Spiced Glaze: Add star anise or allspice for deeper holiday flavor.
- Cranberry-Apple Twist: Replace half the orange juice with apple cider.
- Herb Infusion: Add rosemary and sage sprigs to the glaze for an aromatic touch.
- Sweet Glaze: Increase honey or maple syrup for a sweeter finish.
Cooking Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer—turkey breast dries out quickly if overcooked.
- Bone-in turkey breast takes longer than boneless. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Glaze thickens as it cools; keep warm before brushing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a classic holiday plate.
- Pair with roasted root vegetables or wild rice pilaf.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive look.
- Serve with dinner rolls to soak up the extra glaze.
💡 Tips
- Pat turkey breast dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Tent with foil if turkey browns too quickly.
- For a glossy finish, brush one final coat of glaze just before serving.
- Save leftover glaze as a sauce for vegetables or sandwiches.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 46g
- Sodium: 520mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes! Use bone-in chicken breasts and adjust cooking time to about 45–55 minutes.
Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Prepare the glaze up to 3 days ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat before using.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with extra glaze.
Q4: Can I freeze cranberry orange glazed turkey?
- Yes. Slice turkey, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with glaze.
Q5: How do I keep turkey breast juicy?
- Baste with glaze during roasting and allow the meat to rest before slicing.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is a festive, flavorful, and elegant alternative to a full turkey. With a sweet-tart glaze of cranberries, fresh orange, and warm spices, it makes a perfect centerpiece for holiday meals. Easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal charm, this dish guarantees a juicy, delicious turkey that will impress your family and guests.