Brighten your table with this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe—a juicy, herb-rubbed turkey breast roasted to golden perfection and brushed with a vibrant cranberry-orange glaze that caramelizes sweetly. Ready in 1 hour, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe captures holiday magic with minimal effort, blending tart cranberries and zesty orange for a glaze that locks in moisture and flavor. Slice into tender, glistening meat for an impressive centerpiece that’s lighter than a full bird. Ideal for small gatherings or weeknights, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe shines with sides like stuffing. For more festive mains, explore our Turkey Recipes or Holiday Recipes. Glaze fans? Check Sauce Recipes. Quick roasts? See One-Hour Dinners.
Table of Contents
What Is Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast?
A cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe involves roasting a bone-in or boneless turkey breast rubbed with herbs, then basting it midway with a homemade glaze of fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey that reduces to a sticky, tangy shine. This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe infuses the lean meat with fruity brightness, preventing dryness while adding festive color—think Thanksgiving streamlined for fewer servings. Rooted in American holiday traditions where cranberries meet citrus for balance, the cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe evolved from 19th-century preserves into modern glazes.
In this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe, the glaze simmers to thicken, brushed on for caramelized edges without overpowering the turkey’s savoriness. It’s efficient: oven-focused with resting time for juices. The cranberry orange glazed turkey breast yields about 4-6 servings, rich in protein and vitamin C from fruits. Versatile for sandwiches or salads post-meal, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe elevates everyday poultry.
Why You’ll Love It
This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe combines elegance and ease for unforgettable meals. Here’s why the cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe captivates:
- Festive Flavor: Tart cranberries and citrus zing transform the cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe simply.
- Quick Roast: 1 hour total—hassle-free cranberry orange glazed turkey breast for busy hosts.
- Juicy Results: Glaze seals moisture, yielding tender cranberry orange glazed turkey breast every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep glaze ahead; cranberry orange glazed turkey breast reheats beautifully.
- Light Yet Luxe: Leaner than dark meat—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast fits health-conscious plates.
The cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe draws acclaim for its vibrant, crowd-pleasing appeal.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: Prep 15 minutes; Cook 45 minutes; Total 1 hour
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven Roast
Cuisine: American holiday-inspired
Rub, roast, glaze—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast simplified.
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries and oranges make this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe pop—opt for organic zest.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe Ingredients
- 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast: Succulent base for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Rub enhancer for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 2 tsp dried sage: Herbal warmth in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Savory depth for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasons cranberry orange glazed turkey breast evenly.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Tart gems in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast glaze.
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about 1/2 cup juice): Citrus brightness for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweet balance in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens cranberry orange glazed turkey breast glaze.
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Spice lift for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Serves elegant portions in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe.
Herb Rub Mix
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped: Aromatic for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- 1 tsp thyme: Earthy note in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Pro tip: Pat turkey dry thoroughly for crispy-skinned cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Instructions
Step-by-step for flawless cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe.
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with foil; place rack on top. Pat turkey dry; rub with oil, sage, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper—this infuses flavor into cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Place skin-side up on rack; roast uncovered 30 minutes for initial browning in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In saucepan over medium, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, and cinnamon (if using). Simmer 10 minutes until berries burst—mash lightly for chunky cranberry orange glazed turkey breast glaze.
Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water); cook 2 minutes to thicken. Strain if smooth preferred—this glossy mix defines cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish Roast
Brush half glaze over turkey; return to oven 15 minutes, basting once more. Turkey reaches 165°F internal—glaze caramelizes for shiny cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Rest tented 10 minutes—juices settle in cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe.
Step 4: Serve
Slice against grain; spoon remaining glaze over cranberry orange glazed turkey breast. Garnish orange slices for pop.
Pro Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Master cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe with these.
Essential Pro Tips
- Glaze Timing: Apply late to avoid burning—crisps cranberry orange glazed turkey breast skin.
- Thermometer Check: Ensures safe, juicy cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- Resting Key: 10 minutes post-roast maximizes cranberry orange glazed turkey breast tenderness.
- Pan Drippings: Whisk into glaze for extra-savory cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Variations for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Pork Loin: Swap for fruity cranberry orange glazed turkey breast alternative.
- Vegan Twist: Seitan roast with glaze—keeps cranberry orange glazed turkey breast vibe.
- Spicy Edge: Ginger in glaze heats cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- Stuffed Version: Add apples inside for filled cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
- Grilled: Medium heat 20 minutes—smoky cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Tailor cranberry orange glazed turkey breast creatively.
Storage & Shelf Life
Preserve cranberry orange glazed turkey breast quality.
How Long in the Fridge?
Airtight wrap 3-4 days—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast stays moist. Use USDA FoodKeeper app.
Can You Freeze It?
Slice, portion in bags up to 3 months—thaw fridge for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Signs It’s Gone Bad
Dryness or off scents—discard cranberry orange glazed turkey breast. Per FDA guidelines.
Reheating
Oven 325°F covered with broth 15 minutes to 165°F—revives cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Nutrition
Per Serving:
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~40g
Carbs: ~15g
Fat: ~10g
Sugar: ~12g
Oranges add vitamin C to cranberry orange glazed turkey breast. Align with MyPlate.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Roasted cranberry orange glazed turkey breast? Rate, share glazes! Tag @masterlyrecipes. More in Turkey Recipes and Holiday Recipes.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe gleams with tart-sweet shine and herb-infused tenderness—a 1-hour holiday gem that’s simple yet stunning. From glaze simmer to golden roast, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe delights. Roast cranberry orange glazed turkey breast soon; slice into seasonal joy.
FAQs
What’s special about cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe?
Tart cranberry-citrus glaze caramelizes—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is festive and juicy.
How to make glaze for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?
Simmer cranberries, orange, honey—thickens to sticky cranberry orange glazed turkey breast shine.
Can cranberry orange glazed turkey breast be grilled?
Yes, indirect heat 25 minutes—smoky cranberry orange glazed turkey breast option.
Is cranberry orange glazed turkey breast healthy?
Lean protein with fruit antioxidants—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast balances indulgence.
Best turkey for glazed breast recipe?
Bone-in for flavor—cranberry orange glazed turkey breast stays moist.
How long to cook cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?
45 minutes at 375°F—glaze midway for perfect cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Vegetarian cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?
Tofu or portobello with glaze—veggie cranberry orange glazed turkey breast delight.
How long does cranberry orange glazed turkey breast last?
Fridge 3-4 days—USDA FoodKeeper for cranberry orange glazed turkey breast.
Add herbs to cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?
Yes, sage or rosemary enhance cranberry orange glazed turkey breast rub.
Serve cranberry orange glazed turkey breast with?
Stuffing or cranberries—complements cranberry orange glazed turkey breast glaze.