This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate holiday dish—juicy, tender turkey with a tangy, sweet glaze that will delight your taste buds. The combination of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices makes it the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes and get ready for compliments!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (3 to 4 lbs) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan. Pat the skin dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens (about 8-10 minutes), remove from heat and stir in butter. Let it cool slightly.
- Brush the turkey breast with the cranberry-orange glaze. Roast the turkey for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Baste the turkey with the glaze every 30 minutes while roasting.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra glaze on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 325 per serving
Servings: 6
History and Origins of Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Cranberry sauce is a long-standing tradition at many holiday tables, particularly in North America. The vibrant red berries, often paired with the zesty and aromatic flavor of oranges, create the perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. The addition of a glaze to turkey breast, a lean and tender cut of poultry, is a modern twist on classic flavors. This dish is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas but can be enjoyed year-round for a flavorful and festive meal.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast combines savory and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any special occasion or family meal. The turkey breast is succulent and juicy, while the glaze adds a rich depth of flavor with the perfect combination of tart cranberries and bright, citrusy oranges. The spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger give it an aromatic warmth, perfect for cooler weather or holiday dinners.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something festive, this dish will elevate your meal with minimal effort. The cranberries burst during cooking, creating a sauce that coats the turkey in a glossy, flavorful glaze. The subtle sweetness from honey and brown sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries, making every bite a delightful experience.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Choosing the Right Turkey Breast: Bone-in turkey breast is ideal because it offers more flavor and moisture than boneless cuts. It also allows for the skin to become crispy, adding texture to the dish.
- Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it simmer for a little longer until it reduces and becomes more syrupy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or more orange juice to thin it out.
- Roasting the Turkey: Make sure to baste the turkey breast regularly to ensure the glaze infuses the meat. This also helps achieve a beautiful caramelized finish on the skin.
- Serving Suggestions: This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. If you have leftovers, the turkey can be sliced thinly for sandwiches or added to salads for a tasty lunch.
Variations You Can Try
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled over the glaze for extra crunch and flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the glaze or used as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
- Cranberry Sauce: For a more traditional approach, you can prepare a separate cranberry sauce to serve alongside the turkey, but the glaze gives it that special touch of sweetness and spice.
Serving and Storing Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Serving: Let the turkey breast rest for about 10 minutes after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice and drizzle with the remaining glaze.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the turkey for up to 3 months, though the texture of the glaze might change slightly after freezing.
More Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Basting: Basting the turkey with the cranberry-orange glaze during cooking helps to ensure that the turkey remains moist and flavorful. Make sure to baste every 30 minutes to build up a beautiful, thick layer of glaze on the turkey skin.
- Resting Time: After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring the turkey remains tender and juicy when sliced.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you want to save time on the day of your event, you can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat it before glazing the turkey.
- Serving Suggestions: This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a complete holiday spread, add stuffing and cranberry sauce to round out the meal.
- For a Crispier Skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch the turkey closely to prevent burning the glaze.
Nutritional Information
While this recipe is indulgent, it’s also a healthy option for a holiday meal. Turkey breast is a lean protein that’s low in fat and high in nutrients like B-vitamins, selenium, and zinc. The cranberry-orange glaze adds antioxidants and vitamin C, making this a flavorful yet nutritious choice for festive occasions.
Per Serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredients to ensure that the Dijon mustard and any other condiments used are certified gluten-free.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an added layer of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the turkey breast before roasting. These herbs complement the cranberry-orange glaze beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or a dash of hot sauce. The spicy element will balance nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: While fresh cranberries are recommended, you can also use frozen cranberries if they’re not in season. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the glaze.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Special Occasions
This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about creating a memorable dining experience. The striking appearance of the beautifully glazed turkey, combined with the delicious sweet-tart flavors, makes it the perfect dish for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a dinner party. The unique flavor profile also makes it a great option for those looking to try something new or add a fresh twist to traditional holiday meals.
With its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your holiday table, leaving your guests talking about it long after the meal is over!
Conclusion
Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any special meal, this dish is simple yet impressive, with tender turkey and a tangy cranberry glaze that adds a festive touch to your table.
With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you can create a flavorful centerpiece that’s both delicious and healthier than many traditional holiday dishes. Whether you’re hosting family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Add this Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast to your menu and enjoy a memorable, flavorful meal.