Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast

Introduction

Looking for a turkey recipe that’s vibrant, cozy, and bursting with flavor? This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast is your answer! Juicy, tender turkey is baked with a sweet-and-tangy cranberry-orange glaze that makes the whole house smell like the holidays.

Perfect for festive dinners, family gatherings, or a special Sunday meal, this recipe is approachable for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests. With simple pantry ingredients, a few fresh touches, and easy steps, you’ll have a succulent turkey breast that’s bursting with cozy, citrusy goodness.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey:

• 1 (3-4 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the turkey:
   Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the turkey, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Make the cranberry-orange glaze:
   In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
4. Roast the turkey:
   Place the turkey breast in the prepared pan. Brush half of the cranberry-orange glaze over the turkey. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest the turkey:
   Remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
6. Serve:
   Slice the turkey and drizzle with extra glaze from the pan. Garnish with fresh orange slices or extra cranberries for a festive touch.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of orange juice to loosen it.
• Check doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven with a bit of glaze to retain moisture.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat.
• Apple Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped apples to the glaze for extra sweetness.
• Herb-Infused: Rub turkey with fresh thyme or rosemary along with spices for an aromatic boost.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a full holiday feast.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter side.
• Add warm dinner rolls to soak up the cranberry-orange glaze — they’re irresistible!

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast is a festive, cozy, and flavorful centerpiece for any meal. The combination of sweet cranberries and bright orange perfectly complements the savory turkey, making it a family-favorite year after year. Slice it, serve it, and enjoy the smiles around your table — comfort and joy in every bite!