Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Easy Holiday Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the aroma of a roasting turkey to signal the arrival of the holiday season. However, roasting a whole bird can often be daunting and time-consuming for smaller gatherings. That is where this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast shines. It serves as a stunning festive centerpiece entree without the stress of managing a 20-pound bird. The combination of citrus and tart cranberries cuts through the richness of the meat, offering a vibrant flavor profile that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern.

This dish is designed for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It is an easy holiday turkey breast recipe that guarantees juicy results every time. Whether you are hosting an intimate Christmas dinner or looking for a manageable tangy-sweet Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe delivers high-impact presentation and taste. Plus, it is naturally a gluten-free turkey dinner main, making it safe for guests with dietary restrictions. You will love how the roasted turkey breast with fruit glaze creates a beautiful, caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.

Key Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Resting time: 20 minutes
• Number of people: Serves 6-8
• Estimated cost: Medium

Ingredients

To achieve that perfect balance of savory and sweet, you will need fresh ingredients. Accuracy is key for the glaze to set correctly.

For the Turkey:

• 1 (3-4 lb) Boneless turkey breast, skin-on (netted or tied)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 tsp Dried rosemary
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 12 oz (340g) Fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup (240ml) Fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• 1 tbsp Orange zest
• 1/2 cup (100g) Brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Maple syrup
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Equipment Required

Having the right tools ensures your moist boneless turkey roast cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes without burning.

• Roasting pan with a rack
• Medium saucepan (for the glaze)
• Meat thermometer (essential for safety and texture)
• Pastry brush or basting spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Kitchen twine (if the breast is not pre-tied)
• Zester or microplane

Preparation Steps

Follow these instructions to create the perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Dry skin is the secret to a crispy exterior. If the turkey breast is not netted, tie it with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Meat: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb butter mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring you get under the skin where possible. Place the turkey on the rack in your roasting pan.
3. Initial Roasting: Pour 1 cup of water or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning. Roast the turkey for 45 to 60 minutes.
4. Make the Glaze: While the turkey roasts, prepare your make-ahead cranberry orange sauce glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens into a glaze consistency.
5. Glaze the Turkey: After the initial roasting time, remove the turkey from the oven. Brush a generous layer of the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Return it to the oven.
6. Finish Roasting: Continue roasting for another 30 to 45 minutes. Baste with more glaze every 15 minutes. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with a piece of aluminum foil.
7. Check Temperature and Rest: The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This step is crucial for a moist boneless turkey roast.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Tips for Success:

• Do not skip the rest: Cutting into the turkey immediately will cause all the juices to run out, resulting in dry meat.
• Thermometer is key: Turkey breast is lean and dries out quickly if overcooked. Rely on temperature, not just time.
• Glaze consistency: If your glaze becomes too thick while sitting, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up before basting.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and heat combination.
• Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the simmering glaze for an earthier tone.

Serving Suggestions:

• This main dish pairs beautifully with festive sides. Try serving it alongside Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms for a savory appetizer contrast.
• For dessert, the citrus notes in the turkey compliment sweet treats like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars or Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Have leftovers? They are perfect for making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sugar: 18g

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate solution for a stress-free yet impressive holiday meal. It offers all the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving in a manageable size, making it the perfect festive centerpiece entree. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweet orange zest creates a roasted turkey breast with fruit glaze that your family will ask for year after year.

If you have toddlers at the table, you might also be interested in checking out this High Protein Rose Pasta Sauce for Toddlers or these Soft Peanut Cookies (8 Months) for kid-friendly additions to your holiday spread.

Please leave a comment if you’ve tried the recipe or if you have any questions! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration.

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