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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

4.9 from 134 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection and glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange sauce. The fresh herbs and citrus elements combine to create a flavorful holiday centerpiece that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
  2. Prepare glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Prepare turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a herb-infused oil mixture.
  4. Apply herb mixture: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Rub half of the herb and oil mixture underneath the skin directly onto the meat. Then spread the remaining mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity of the turkey breast for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Roast turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Insert into the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes per pound. For a 3-4 lb bird, this will take approximately 60-80 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  6. Glaze turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast generously with the cooled cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build layers of flavor and a beautiful shine on the skin.
  7. Rest and serve: Once done, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Carve the turkey breast and serve with the remaining glaze or your preferred sides.

Notes

  • Make sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the turkey.
  • Loosening the skin carefully helps the herb mixture flavor the meat directly.
  • The glaze can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Letting the turkey rest after roasting yields a juicier result.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary preferences.

Keywords: turkey breast recipe, cranberry orange glaze, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey, citrus glaze, Thanksgiving turkey