Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

Cranberry orange glazed turkey breast offers a bright and festive twist on a classic roast. This recipe is perfect when you want a flavorful centerpiece without fussing over complicated steps. The glaze adds a sweet tang that keeps the turkey moist while giving it a beautiful, glossy finish.

I first made this after spotting fresh cranberries at the market and wanted to brighten up a traditional roast. It quickly became a favorite for family gatherings because the glaze always impresses guests.

Ingredients

• Turkey breast: bone-in and skin-on for juicy tender meat and crispy skin
• Fresh cranberries: for that vibrant tart flavor and natural sweetness
• Orange juice: adds citrus brightness and helps thin the glaze for easy brushing
• Honey: balances the tartness and caramelizes beautifully during roasting
• Orange zest: provides an intense aromatic punch
• Garlic: minced to enhance savory depth
• Olive oil: ensures the herb rub glides on smoothly and helps crisp skin
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: bring earthy herbal notes that complement the fruit glaze
• Salt and pepper: to season and bring out all the flavors use kosher salt if possible for even seasoning

Instructions

Preheat The Oven:

Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting. This temperature crisps skin without drying the meat.

Make The Glaze:

Combine the fresh cranberries orange juice honey and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring everything to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and thicken the mixture. Cool before using.

Prep The Turkey:

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin. Mix olive oil garlic rosemary thyme salt and pepper in a small bowl for the herb rub.

Rub The Turkey:

Loosen the skin gently with your fingers and smear half the herb mixture under it. Rub the rest over the turkey skin and inside the cavity. This seasoning infuses minute flavors deeper into the meat.

Roast The Turkey:

Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Cook it for about 20 minutes per pound or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.

Glaze The Turkey:

In the last 30 minutes of roasting brush the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This layering builds a shiny glaze that caramelizes and locks in moisture.

Rest And Serve:

Once cooked remove from oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so your meat stays juicy.

The fresh cranberry orange glaze is my favorite part because it adds bright color and lively flavor that lifts the whole dish. One holiday my family raved so much about this glaze that it became the highlight of our dinner and a recurring tradition.

Storage tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The glaze seeps into the meat making it even more flavorful the next day. To reheat wrap slices in foil and warm gently in the oven so the turkey stays moist.

Ingredient swaps

If fresh cranberries are unavailable use frozen but thaw and drain slightly first. Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper sweetness. Dried herbs work in a pinch but fresh rosemary and thyme bring a brightness worth seeking out.

Serving ideas

Serve alongside roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the tart glaze. A simple green salad with vinaigrette pairs well for a fresh finish. Cranberry orange turkey sandwiches also shine for next-day lunches.

This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast proves that simple ingredients and straightforward steps can create something truly special. I learned the hard way never to skip patting the skin dry first as it makes all the difference in crispiness. With this recipe you can confidently serve a turkey that looks stunning tastes fresh and feels like a celebration.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What temperature should I roast the turkey breast at?

Roast the turkey breast at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and juicy.

→ How do I prepare the cranberry orange glaze?

Simmer fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly, then let it cool before using.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary and thyme?

Yes, dried herbs can be used but reduce the amount by half to prevent overpowering the flavors.

→ How often should I brush the glaze on the turkey during roasting?

Brush the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes during the last 30 minutes of roasting for a glossy and flavorful finish.

→ What is the best way to ensure the turkey remains moist?

Rubbing herb mixture under the skin and allowing the turkey to rest after roasting helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.

→ Is it necessary to loosen the skin before applying the herbs?

Yes, gently loosening the skin allows the herb mixture to penetrate the meat, adding deeper flavor and moisture.