When the holidays roll around, or you just crave a show-stopping meal that's both elegant and comforting, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is your answer. Forget dry, bland turkey! This recipe delivers a perfectly tender, incredibly juicy turkey breast infused with the bright, festive flavors of cranberry and orange.
It’s a fantastic alternative to roasting a whole turkey, especially if you're hosting a smaller gathering or simply want to enjoy a delicious holiday-inspired meal without all the fuss. The sweet-tart glaze creates a beautiful, caramelized crust and keeps the meat wonderfully moist.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade cranberry orange glaze is a game-changer, adding layers of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Perfectly Juicy: With skin-on turkey breast and strategic basting, dryness is a thing of the past.
- Easier Than a Whole Turkey: No need to worry about cooking a massive bird. A boneless turkey breast cooks faster and is simpler to carve.
- Festive & Beautiful: The vibrant glaze makes for a stunning presentation, perfect for any special occasion.
Essential Tips for Success
Choosing Your Turkey Breast
Opt for a boneless, skin-on turkey breast. The skin helps protect the meat from drying out and crisps up beautifully, adding another layer of texture and flavor. If you can only find skinless, consider adding a layer of bacon over the top for similar protection and flavor.
The Power of the Glaze
The cranberry orange glaze isn't just for flavor; it's also key to keeping the turkey moist. Basting frequently helps create that gorgeous, slightly sticky exterior and locks in juices. Don't be shy with it!
Don't Overcook!
This is arguably the most important tip for any turkey recipe. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Cook until the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pull it out of the oven a few degrees before, as it will continue to cook while resting.
The Importance of Resting
Once your turkey breast is cooked, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it rest for at least 10-15 minutes, loosely tented with foil, allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier slice. For more detailed tips on roasting poultry, you can check out resources like Food Network's guide to roasting turkey.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a versatile main course. It shines brightest alongside classic holiday accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, savory herb stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a vibrant green bean casserole. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Get ready to elevate your holiday table with this unforgettable Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. It’s a recipe that promises flavor, moisture, and plenty of compliments!
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use a frozen boneless turkey breast. Just make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before you begin preparing the recipe. Thawing can take 24-48 hours depending on the size of the turkey breast.
How do I prevent my turkey breast from drying out?
To ensure a juicy turkey breast, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C) in the thickest part. Basting with the cranberry orange glaze also helps keep it moist and adds flavor. Allowing it to rest after cooking is crucial for juices to redistribute.
Can I make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cranberry orange glaze can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, before using it to baste your turkey.
What are good side dishes to serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast?
This festive turkey breast pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and a fresh crisp salad. The sweet and tangy glaze complements many traditional flavors.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A festive and flavorful recipe for a tender boneless turkey breast coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze, perfect for holidays or special dinners.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds boneless turkey breast, skin on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, grated ginger (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce slightly thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Pour about half of the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast.
Step 6: Roast for 45 minutes, then baste with more glaze from the pan. Continue roasting, basting every 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Total cooking time will be approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey.
Step 7: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Loosely tent with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist turkey.
Step 8: While the turkey rests, you can gently reheat any remaining glaze in the saucepan. Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve with the warm cranberry orange glaze.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh orange slices, whole cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. If your glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or orange juice to thin it out slightly. Leftovers are delicious in sandwiches!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 4oz)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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