Description
Looking for an unforgettable holiday centerpiece or a delicious weeknight dinner idea? This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings together the richness of roasted turkey and the brightness of citrus and cranberries. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory, making it ideal for festive meals or special occasions. Easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests, this dish fits right in with quick dinners, holiday food ideas, and healthy protein-packed meals. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a stunning, flavor-loaded main course.
Ingredients
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)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup orange juice
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Set up a roasting pan with a rack or use a bed of sliced onions/carrots.
2. Pat turkey breast dry and rub with olive oil or butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Tuck herbs under the skin if using.
3. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, zest, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thick.
4. Place turkey in pan and roast for 30 minutes. Baste with glaze. Continue roasting for 30–45 more minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey reaches 165°F. Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
6. Slice and serve with remaining glaze, garnish with orange slices and herbs.
Notes
You can make the cranberry orange glaze 1–2 days in advance to save time.
Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial for juicy slices.
For a smoother glaze, blend and strain it after cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry glaze, holiday dinner, easy recipe, Thanksgiving