Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3–4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup orange juice; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

A festive and flavorful main dish, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is perfect for holiday dinners or any special gathering. I love how the tart cranberries and sweet citrus come together in a vibrant glaze that not only looks stunning but adds incredible flavor to juicy, roasted turkey. It’s a dish that always impresses guests and feels right at home on any celebratory table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (3–4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons orange zest

½ cup honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small saucepan, I combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, and garlic. Then I bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Once it’s done, I set it aside to cool.

I pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Then I mix the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Next I carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture underneath. The rest goes over the skin and inside the cavity.

I place the turkey breast, skin side up, into a roasting pan and roast for about 20 minutes per pound. I’m looking for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).

In the last 30 minutes of roasting, I brush the cranberry-orange glaze over the turkey every 10 minutes.

Once it’s done, I remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories per serving: 385 kcal

Variations

Boneless Option: I’ve made this with a boneless turkey breast when I needed to save on cook time. Just reduce the roasting time accordingly and keep an eye on the internal temperature.

Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne in the glaze gives a subtle heat that plays well with the sweetness.

Maple Instead of Honey: Swapping honey for maple syrup brings a deeper, more earthy flavor to the glaze.

Add Wine: A splash of white wine in the glaze adds a bit of elegance and complexity.

Herb Variations: Sometimes I like to add sage or parsley if I don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, I cover slices with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven to keep the meat from drying out. A splash of broth in the bottom of the baking dish helps, too.

FAQs

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

I always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Can I make the cranberry-orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the glaze a day in advance. Once it cools, I store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before using.

What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work just as well. I don’t even need to thaw them before cooking — just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmer time.

Can I use this glaze on a whole turkey?

Absolutely. I just scale up the glaze depending on the size of the bird and apply it during the last hour of roasting.

How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?

I make sure to rub the herbs under the skin and let the turkey rest after roasting. Basting with glaze during the final cooking stage also helps lock in moisture.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is one of my favorite ways to bring something special to the table without the hassle of a full turkey. The glaze is bright and festive, and the meat stays juicy and flavorful. It’s a reliable recipe I keep coming back to during the holidays—or anytime I want something that feels just a little extra.

📖 Recipe:

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A festive and flavorful main dish, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast features a sweet-tart glaze made with fresh cranberries and orange juice. Perfect for holiday dinners or special gatherings, it’s elegant, juicy, and naturally gluten-free.