Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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Golden, succulent, and bursting with holiday flavor, this Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the showstopper your dinner table has been waiting for. Juicy turkey breast is roasted to tender perfection, then glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry-orange sauce that brings together the best of winter citrus and seasonal berries. It’s aromatic, flavorful, and designed to impress without requiring a full-day kitchen commitment.

The glossy cranberry glaze caramelizes beautifully over the turkey skin, adding a sticky, flavorful finish that pairs effortlessly with the mild, juicy white meat. The sauce is made from real cranberries, fresh orange juice, zest, and a touch of sweetness, giving it depth and brightness. Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or want something festive without roasting a whole bird, this dish hits the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity.

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

• Ideal for small holiday dinners or weeknight indulgence.
• A unique twist on classic turkey, full of vibrant flavor.
• Quick to prepare and beautiful enough for special occasions.
• The glaze doubles as a delicious sauce — no gravy needed!
• Makes fantastic leftovers for sandwiches or wraps.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before getting started, gather your tools to make the cooking process smoother and more efficient:

• Roasting Pan or Baking Dish – Essential for even cooking and retaining juices.
• Meat Thermometer – Critical to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked (165°F internal temperature).
• Small Saucepan – Used to create the cranberry orange glaze.
• Zester or Microplane – For extracting fresh orange zest that enhances the glaze.
• Basting Brush – Helps apply the glaze evenly over the turkey.
• Aluminum Foil – Useful to prevent over-browning and to tent the turkey while it rests.

These tools are not just accessories — they directly affect the moisture, flavor, and appearance of your final dish. A good thermometer, for example, can mean the difference between dry turkey and succulent slices.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking; this can take 1–2 days in the refrigerator depending on size. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. While the glaze is simple, it benefits from simmering until slightly thickened — don’t rush it. Apply the glaze in layers during the final 30 minutes of roasting for best caramelization. Let the turkey rest at least 10–15 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. Finally, zest your orange before juicing it to make the most of its flavor.

Ingredients for this Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• 1 (3–4 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)

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Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan or oven-safe baking dish. Rub the skin with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Let the turkey sit at room temperature while you prepare the glaze.

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Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and set glaze aside.

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Step 3: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 60–75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F. During the last 30 minutes of roasting, begin brushing the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 10–15 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful crust.

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Step 4: Rest and Carve

Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (after resting), remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the turkey against the grain into thick, juicy slices.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sliced turkey to a serving platter. Spoon additional cranberry glaze over the top and garnish with fresh thyme and orange slices for an eye-catching finish. Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or stuffing.

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Notes

For a smoother glaze texture, you can blend the cranberry orange sauce after simmering, then strain it to remove skins and seeds. If you prefer a more rustic feel, keep the cranberries whole. This recipe works just as well with bone-in turkey breast but may require slightly longer roasting time. Always monitor the internal temperature for doneness. The glaze can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the thermometer: Don’t guess if the turkey is done — use a meat thermometer for safe and juicy results.
• Overcooking: Turkey breast is lean and can dry out quickly; remove from oven as soon as it hits 160°F, then let it rest.
• Applying glaze too early: Brushing on the glaze too early can lead to burning; wait until the final 30 minutes.
• Not resting the turkey: Resting ensures the juices redistribute — skipping this step will result in dry slices.
• Under-seasoning: Don’t forget to season both sides of the turkey generously.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover turkey breast should be cooled completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in parchment and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth or extra glaze to maintain moisture.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, just thaw them first before cooking. They work just as well as fresh ones.

Can I substitute chicken breast for turkey?

Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time as chicken breast is smaller and cooks faster.

How do I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the glaze 2–3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Roast the turkey the day of serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

You can skip it, but zest adds a bright, concentrated citrus flavor. A few drops of orange extract can help as a backup.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on packaged items.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can cook the turkey in a slow cooker, but the glaze won’t caramelize the same. Broil at the end for best results.

What side dishes go best with this?

Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice, or stuffing are all excellent complements.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice and zest will give you the best flavor.

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Conclusion

The Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a festive centerpiece — it’s a flavorful, tender, and vibrant twist on traditional turkey. With its sweet-tart glaze and juicy meat, this dish brings warmth and sophistication to your table, whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or planning an intimate dinner. Easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flair, it’s destined to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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