Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Golden, juicy, and packed with seasonal flavor, this Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the centerpiece your holiday table has been waiting for. The savory tenderness of roasted turkey pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart glaze of cranberries and zesty oranges, creating a vibrant and festive main dish. Garnished with fresh herbs and citrus slices, it’s a visual showstopper as much as it is a culinary one.

Ideal for smaller gatherings or as a flavorful addition to your feast, this dish is wonderfully simple yet elegant. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or preparing a special Sunday meal, this recipe delivers both ease and sophistication. The glaze, made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of sweetness, infuses the meat with incredible moisture and depth of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Perfect for holiday dinners or festive occasions
• Simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant for entertaining
• Packed with flavor from a homemade cranberry-orange glaze
• Moist, tender turkey breast that’s easy to cook
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter)

1. Roasting Pan with Rack – Ensures even heat circulation and keeps the turkey breast elevated so it doesn’t stew in its own juices.
2. Meat Thermometer – Crucial for checking doneness without overcooking; turkey is perfectly done at 165°F.
3. Saucepan – For preparing the cranberry-orange glaze. A heavy-bottomed one is ideal to prevent scorching.
4. Basting Brush – Helps evenly coat the turkey with the glaze throughout cooking.
5. Sharp Carving Knife – For clean, smooth slices when serving the turkey breast.

These tools make preparation smoother and help deliver a restaurant-quality result, even if it’s your first time making a glazed turkey.

Preparation Tips

Before you even preheat the oven, make sure the turkey breast is fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better and ensures even roasting. For best flavor, season the turkey under the skin with herbs and salt — not just on the surface. Prepare the glaze in advance to save time, and brush it onto the turkey in layers during roasting to build a glossy, flavorful crust. Let the turkey rest after roasting to lock in the juices before slicing. A little patience goes a long way to achieving that perfect, juicy finish.

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Ingredients for this Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

For the Turkey:

• 1 (4 to 5 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for stuffing under the skin)

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven and set up your roasting pan with a rack. If you don’t have a rack, a bed of sliced onions or carrots can work in a pinch to elevate the turkey.

Step 2: Season the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels. Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the surface. Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and rub this seasoning mix all over the turkey. For an herbaceous boost, tuck some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs under the skin.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries should burst, and the mixture should thicken slightly into a syrupy glaze.

Step 4: Roast and Glaze in Layers

Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and baste generously with the cranberry orange glaze. Return to oven, and continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat tender.

To serve, slice the turkey breast and spoon additional warm glaze over the top. Garnish with extra cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a stunning presentation.

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Notes

This recipe works well with both fresh and frozen cranberries — just be sure to rinse and thaw them first if frozen. For a smoother glaze, blend it after cooking and strain out the skins. If you’re short on time, the glaze can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The turkey breast itself can also be seasoned and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to deepen. Using a boneless turkey breast ensures faster and more even cooking, which makes this recipe perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the thermometer: Relying on time alone can lead to dry or undercooked meat. Always use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F.
• Overbasting: While basting is key, opening the oven too frequently can cause heat loss and uneven cooking. Keep it minimal and quick.
• Undercooked glaze: Don’t rush the glaze; it needs to simmer until it thickens slightly so it adheres well to the turkey.
• Forgetting to rest the turkey: Resting ensures the juices don’t run out when slicing. Skipping this step results in drier meat.
• Overcrowding the roasting pan: Use a proper pan that gives the turkey space for air to circulate, or the skin may not crisp.

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Storage Instructions

Let the turkey breast cool completely before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced turkey breast with glaze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 6 oz serving:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have bone-in turkey breast?

Bone-in turkey breast works just as well, but expect a longer cooking time. Add 15–25 extra minutes and use a thermometer to guide you.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as bright. If using canned, reduce added sugar and simmer with orange juice and zest to enhance it.

How do I make this ahead of time?

Make the glaze up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. You can also season the turkey the night before to enhance flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and reheat at 300°F until warmed through. Microwave works too for quicker reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the seasoned turkey breast on low for 6–7 hours, then glaze and broil it for a caramelized finish.

Do I need to cover the turkey breast while roasting?

No need to cover initially. Only tent with foil if the skin is browning too fast before it’s fully cooked.

What side dishes go well with this turkey?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a citrusy salad pair beautifully with the tangy-sweet glaze.

Can I use this glaze for other meats?

Absolutely! The cranberry-orange glaze is fantastic on pork loin, chicken thighs, or even roasted tofu.

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Conclusion

This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive, flavor-packed centerpiece that’s easy enough for a weekday and elegant enough for a holiday. With a rich, tangy glaze and juicy, tender meat, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or planning an intimate dinner, this dish delivers a burst of bright, comforting flavor in every bite.

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