Description
This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a stunning, flavor-packed centerpiece that brings together the festive zing of cranberries and oranges with juicy, oven-roasted turkey breast. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a quick holiday meal, or a healthy, high-protein dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on every front. The sweet and tart glaze caramelizes beautifully over the golden turkey, making it a fantastic option for special occasions, holiday meals, or even weeknight cooking with leftovers to spare.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
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
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (3–4 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Notes
Let the glaze simmer until it thickens slightly for better flavor and texture.
Always let your turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
For smoother glaze, blend and strain after cooking if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cranberry orange turkey breast, glazed turkey, holiday turkey, easy dinner recipe