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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted until tender and juicy. A homemade glaze of fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zest is simmered to a rich, tangy syrup. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic are rubbed into the skin and beneath it, enhancing flavor and aroma. The turkey is basted frequently with the glaze during roasting, creating a glossy, flavorful crust. After resting, it’s sliced to reveal moist meat with a balanced sweetness and subtle herb notes.

Perfect for gatherings, this preparation brings together vibrant citrus and autumnal berry flavors, marrying savory spices with a touch of honeyed brightness.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Sat, 20 Dec 2025 21:51:34 GMT
A glazed turkey breast with cranberries and oranges. Save
A glazed turkey breast with cranberries and oranges. | foodiffy.com

This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want to impress with a festive yet simple meal. The tangy glaze balances the rich turkey flavor making it a standout main dish that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

I made this after wanting a twist on classic roast turkey and it quickly became a favorite at family gatherings

Ingredients

  • Turkey breast with skin and bone intact: adds flavor and helps the meat retain moisture during roasting
  • Fresh cranberries: make the glaze lively and slightly tart use firm berries without wrinkles for best results
  • Orange juice: boosts the glaze with natural sweetness pick freshly squeezed if possible for vibrant taste
  • Honey: sweetens the glaze gently choose local or raw honey for more depth
  • Orange zest: brightens the glaze adding fragrant citrus oils zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith
  • Fresh garlic minced: infuses the herb rub with pungent savory notes use fresh cloves for the best punch
  • Olive oil: helps the herb rub spread evenly and crisps the skin choose extra virgin for quality
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme: add herbal earthiness that pairs beautifully with citrus and turkey select firm green sprigs
  • Salt and pepper: balance all flavors seasoning generously is key to a tasty roast

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit this ensures even cooking and a crispy skin.
Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan combine the cranberries orange juice honey and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let the glaze cool to make basting easier.
Prepare the Turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels this helps the skin crisp when roasting. In a small bowl mix olive oil garlic chopped rosemary thyme salt and pepper until well combined.
Apply the Herb Rub:
Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half the herb mixture under the skin to season the meat directly. Rub the remaining mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity to infuse flavor throughout.
Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan to allow the skin to roast crispy and golden. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached at the thickest part.
Glaze the Turkey:
During the final 30 minutes of roasting brush the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes this builds a shiny flavorful coating that caramelizes on the skin.
Rest Before Carving:
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes allowing the juices to redistribute resulting in moist slices.
A roasted chicken with a glaze of orange juice and cranberry sauce.
A roasted chicken with a glaze of orange juice and cranberry sauce. | foodiffy.com

I love how the cranberry orange glaze adds brightness to the turkey it reminds me of holiday dinners at my grandmother’s house where this dish was always the centerpiece.

Storage tips

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the extra cranberry orange glaze separately so you can reheat it gently and pour over slices when serving. The glaze can also be frozen in small portions for up to two months which preserves the fresh tartness.

Ingredient swaps

If fresh cranberries are unavailable frozen cranberries work well just thaw and drain slightly before cooking. You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a more robust sweetness. Experiment with different herbs like sage or tarragon to change the herbal profile yet rosemary and thyme remain the classics.

Serving ideas

Serve sliced turkey breast with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a comforting meal. The cranberry orange glaze pairs beautifully with wild rice or quinoa salads too. Leftover turkey can be used in wraps or mixed into grain bowls for quick lunches.

A plate of food with a meat dish and oranges.
A plate of food with a meat dish and oranges. | foodiffy.com

Cook the glaze low and slow for maximum flavor. Do not skip resting the turkey which is crucial for juicy meat.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What is the best way to ensure juicy turkey breast?

Patting the turkey dry before applying herbs and roasting helps the skin crisp up. Also, basting with the glaze during cooking locks in moisture and adds flavor.

→ How do cranberries affect the glaze’s flavor?

Fresh cranberries provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of honey and orange juice, creating a bright, tangy glaze.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, simmer the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate. Warm it gently before brushing onto the turkey during roasting.

→ Why rub herbs under the skin of the turkey breast?

Rubbing herbs beneath the skin allows their aroma and flavors to penetrate the meat directly, intensifying the overall taste.

→ What internal temperature indicates the turkey breast is done?

Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe and juicy.

Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast

Juicy turkey breast oven-roasted and brushed with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
75 mins
Overall Time
95 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Poultry

01 1.5-1.8 kg bone-in, skin-on turkey breast

→ Glaze

02 200 g fresh cranberries
03 240 ml fresh orange juice
04 170 g honey
05 2 tablespoons orange zest

→ Herb Rub

06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 30 ml olive oil
08 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
09 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
10 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Set the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for roasting.

Step 02

Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 03

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Loosen the turkey skin gently and spread half of the herb mixture underneath. Rub the remaining mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity.

Step 04

Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per 450 g (1 pound), or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part.

Step 05

During the final 30 minutes of roasting, baste the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to develop a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 06

Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes to retain juices before carving and serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Resting the turkey after roasting ensures moist and tender slices.

Necessary Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains honey (not suitable for infants under 1 year)

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 470
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein: 52 g