Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, look no further than the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. This dish brings together tender, juicy turkey breast with a zesty glaze bursting with fresh cranberries and bright orange zest. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any special meal, the crisp tartness of cranberries and the citrusy sweetness of orange juice create a glaze that elevates the turkey to something truly memorable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for festive dinners and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is simple yet essential, playing a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the tangy cranberries to the fragrant orange zest, every element contributes to an unforgettable taste experience.
- Turkey breast (3-4 pounds): Choose a boneless, skinless breast for even cooking and juicy results.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps seasonings stick and adds moisture for a perfectly roasted turkey.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial to enhance the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory depth without overpowering the glaze.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements garlic with a mild sweetness and aroma.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy herbal note to the turkey seasoning.
- Fresh cranberries (1 ½ cups): The star ingredient for a tart, fresh contrast in the glaze.
- Orange juice (½ cup, freshly squeezed): Boosts the glaze with bright citrus zing.
- Orange zest (1 orange): Adds vibrant aroma and intensified orange flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/3 cup): Balances tartness with natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Enhances caramelized richness in the glaze.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides subtle acidity and depth to balance sweetness.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice notes that complement citrus beautifully.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Use if you prefer a thicker, more luxurious glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Step 1: Preparing the Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry, then rub it all over with olive oil to lock in moisture. Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to create a flavorful crust. Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This slow roasting ensures a juicy and tender cook. Once done, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices before slicing.
Step 2: Making the Cranberry Orange Glaze
While the turkey roasts, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. This simmering releases natural pectin from the berries, creating a luscious glaze. If you prefer a thick glaze, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir it in and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Glazing and Serving
After the turkey has rested, slice it into thin, elegant pieces. Either drizzle the vibrant cranberry orange glaze over the slices or serve the glaze on the side for dipping, allowing guests to control how much tangy sweetness they want with each bite. This finishing touch transforms the turkey into a stunning dish bursting with color and festive flavor.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Adding a few whole fresh cranberries around the platter adds a pop of color and ties the look together beautifully. A twist of orange zest over the top gives a final hint of citrus aroma that will capture the attention of anyone at the table.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up any extra glaze. Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes add a wholesome, hearty balance to the meal. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad tossed with goat cheese and candied pecans to echo the glaze’s sweet and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the turkey slices neatly on a large platter, surrounding them with fresh citrus slices and sprigs of herbs. Serve with a small gravy boat filled with the glaze for guests to pour themselves. Leftovers can be transformed into gourmet sandwiches on crusty bread — just spread a layer of glaze for an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply store any leftover turkey slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cranberry orange glaze separate to preserve its perfect consistency and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some turkey for later, slice the cooked turkey breast first to ensure easy thawing and portioning. Store the slices in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze the glaze separately in a freezer-safe container, if desired.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm turkey slices in the oven or microwave, covered to retain moisture. Warm the cranberry orange glaze on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle the glaze over turkey just before serving to revive that glossy, festive finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the glaze?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to help them break down properly in the glaze.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cranberry orange glaze can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before serving to refresh its luscious texture.
How do I know when the turkey is cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect cooking. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results.
Can I use bone-in turkey breast?
Yes, bone-in turkey breast can be used but expect a longer roasting time. The bones can add extra flavor, but make sure to check the internal temperature carefully.
Can I substitute the turkey with chicken?
Definitely! Chicken breast works as a quicker alternative and pairs beautifully with the cranberry orange glaze, though it will require less roasting time.
Final Thoughts
If you want to delight your guests with something truly special, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the way to go. It’s easy to prepare, packed with festive flavors, and looks spectacular on any table. Whether for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe promises juicy turkey paired with a bright, tangy glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it!
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful holiday dish featuring tender, juicy turkey breast coated with a vibrant, tangy glaze made from fresh cranberries and oranges. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, elevating your holiday meal or special occasion dinner with a beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (3–4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender slices.
- Prepare the Cranberry Orange Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and ground ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If a thicker glaze is desired, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir into the cranberry mixture and cook for 1-2 additional minutes until thickened.
- Remove from Heat: Once the glaze reaches your preferred consistency, take it off the heat and set aside.
- Glaze the Turkey: Slice the rested turkey breast thinly and either drizzle the warm cranberry orange glaze on top or serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Glaze can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Frozen cranberries must be thawed before use in the glaze.
- For more orange flavor, add extra orange zest to the glaze.
- Store leftover turkey and glaze separately to maintain consistency.
- The turkey breast can be wrapped in bacon before roasting for extra richness.
- Optional cornstarch thickening is based on your preferred glaze texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6 oz turkey with glaze)
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, festive turkey breast, cranberry glaze turkey, Thanksgiving turkey breast, Christmas turkey breast, citrus glazed turkey, easy turkey recipes
