Skip the whole bird—this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is simple, quick, and just as festive. Juicy meat, a tangy-sweet glaze, and a gorgeous presentation make it the perfect holiday centerpiece without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Easy to cook, no full turkey needed
- Sweet-tart glaze keeps it juicy and flavorful
- Looks stunning on the table
- Perfect for smaller gatherings
- Classic holiday flavors everyone loves
What You’ll Need
- Turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, about 3–4 lbs)
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup)
- Orange juice & zest (from 1 large orange)
- Honey or maple syrup (2–3 tbsp for sweetness)
- Garlic & onion powder (for seasoning)
- Olive oil or butter (to keep it moist)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or rosemary for extra holiday flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season turkey breast (3–4 lbs) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper. Place in roasting pan.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, ½ cup orange juice, 1 tbsp zest, 2–3 tbsp honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. Simmer until thick (8–10 minutes).
- Roast turkey uncovered for 30 minutes, then brush with glaze. Continue roasting, basting every 15 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 1.5–2 hrs total).
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze on top.
You Must Know
- Use a thermometer: Turkey breast dries out fast—remove at 165°F for juicy results.
- Resting is key: Let it sit 10 minutes before slicing so juices stay inside.
- Glaze timing: Add glaze in the last hour, basting often, so it caramelizes but doesn’t burn.
- Smaller gatherings: A 3–4 lb breast serves 4–6 people easily.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
- Even roasting: Place turkey on a rack so heat circulates.
- Cranberry balance: Taste the glaze—add more honey if too tart, extra zest if too sweet.
- Moist meat: Keep loosely covered with foil if browning too quickly.
- Extra flavor: Rub butter or olive oil under the skin with herbs (rosemary, thyme) before roasting.
Add Your Touch Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the glaze.
- Herb lovers: Mix rosemary, thyme, or sage into the seasoning rub.
- Citrus twist: Swap orange with lemon or a mix of citrus for a brighter flavor.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and herbs for a festive look.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F covered with foil, or microwave gently with a splash of broth to keep moist.
- Glaze tip: Save extra glaze—reheat and drizzle over leftovers for fresh flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Always use a meat thermometer—it’s the only way to guarantee juicy turkey.
- Don’t skip resting; it keeps the slices tender.
- Make the glaze ahead—it stores well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- If short on time, roast the turkey breast in a Dutch oven with the glaze for quicker cooking and easy cleanup.
FAQ for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Q: Can I use dried cranberries?
A: Fresh works best, but dried can be simmered with orange juice until soft.
Q: Bone-in or boneless?
A: Both work! Bone-in has more flavor, boneless cooks a little faster.
Q: Can I make this the day before?
A: Yes—roast, slice, and store. Reheat gently with glaze before serving.
Q: What sides go well?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, stuffing, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is festive, simple, and full of flavor—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy holiday dinner. With its juicy meat, glossy glaze, and easy prep, it’s the stress-free centerpiece that will impress your guests and become a new seasonal tradition.
How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for Your Holiday Table
Description
Juicy roasted turkey breast coated in a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze—festive, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub turkey with olive oil, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey until thick (8–10 min).
Roast turkey for 30 min, then brush with glaze. Continue roasting, basting every 15 min until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 1.5–2 hrs).
Rest 10 min, slice, and serve with extra glaze.
Notes
- Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Save extra glaze for serving or leftovers.
Works with bone-in or boneless breast—adjust cook time slightly.
