Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a home filled with the aroma of roasting turkey—especially when it’s paired with the bright, festive scent of citrus and the tart sweetness of cranberries. I still remember the first time I decided to make a Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe for a small holiday gathering. It was just me, my partner, and a couple of close friends—nothing extravagant, but I wanted something that captured all the warmth and cheer of a holiday feast without the chaos of cooking an entire turkey.
That night, the house smelled like pure joy—sweet oranges mingling with rosemary and the slightly tangy perfume of cranberries bubbling on the stove. When I pulled the turkey breast out of the oven, its skin was beautifully caramelized with a ruby-red glaze that shimmered under the kitchen lights. The first bite was everything I had hoped for: juicy, tender turkey balanced by a glaze that danced between sweet and tart. This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe has since become a holiday staple in my kitchen, and every year I find new reasons to make it—not just for special occasions, but any time I crave something elegant, flavorful, and easy.
If you’ve ever wanted to serve something a little different from the traditional roast turkey, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is the perfect choice. It’s easier than roasting a whole bird, but it still feels indulgent and festive. The bright flavors of orange zest and fresh cranberries cut through the richness of the turkey, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s as stunning on the table as it is satisfying to eat.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy Thanksgiving, a Christmas dinner, or just a special Sunday meal, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe promises a centerpiece that’s both simple and spectacular.
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe (2025)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe:
For the Turkey Breast
- 1 whole boneless or bone-in turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for shine and richness)
How to Prepare the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
If your turkey breast is frozen, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator for 24–36 hours. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels—dry skin helps it roast to golden perfection.
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then coat it with the seasoning mix, ensuring every side is evenly covered.
Let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30–40 minutes before roasting—this helps it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze—this should take about 10–12 minutes. If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the sauce or blend it briefly, but leaving it a bit chunky gives it beautiful texture and color.
Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a luscious finish, and set aside half of the glaze for serving.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Brush the turkey generously with some of the cranberry orange glaze.
Roast uncovered for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on size, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. During roasting, baste the turkey every 25–30 minutes with more glaze to build that deep, caramelized finish.
If the glaze begins to darken too much, tent the turkey loosely with foil to prevent burning while still allowing it to cook through.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
When the turkey breast reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
Brush a little extra warm glaze over the top before serving for a glossy finish.
How to Serve the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe looks stunning as a centerpiece on any table. Slice the turkey breast into even portions and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the reserved cranberry orange glaze over the slices, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a few extra cranberries for color.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy cauliflower mash
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Sweet potato casserole
- Wild rice pilaf with herbs
- Homemade stuffing or cornbread dressing
For a light, elegant dinner, serve with a crisp salad tossed with arugula, nuts, and citrus vinaigrette.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
1. Don’t skip the resting time.
Resting ensures your turkey stays moist. Cutting into it too early lets all the juices run out.
2. Use a meat thermometer.
It’s the easiest way to guarantee perfect doneness—165°F is the magic number.
3. Glaze during the last 45 minutes.
Adding the glaze too early can cause burning. Applying it halfway through helps it caramelize without scorching.
4. Adjust the sweetness.
If you prefer a more tart glaze, reduce the honey or sugar slightly. For a sweeter glaze, add a touch more honey or even a splash of orange marmalade.
5. Save extra glaze for dipping.
It’s amazing drizzled over turkey slices, roasted vegetables, or even as a spread on leftover sandwiches.
6. Make it ahead.
You can make the glaze 2–3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it slightly before using.
Variations to Try
1. Spiced Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast
Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the glaze for a holiday-inspired depth of flavor.
2. Herb Butter Glazed Turkey Breast
Mix softened butter with herbs and orange zest, spread it under the turkey skin before roasting, and glaze as usual.
3. Cranberry Pomegranate Glaze
Substitute part of the orange juice with pomegranate juice for a tart, jewel-toned twist.
4. Grilled Cranberry Orange Turkey
In warm weather, you can grill the turkey breast instead. Grill over indirect heat, basting regularly with glaze until cooked through.
5. Maple Bourbon Glaze
Replace honey with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a smoky, rich flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries for the glaze?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. You don’t even need to thaw them—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?
Roast at a moderate temperature (around 375°F) and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Basting with the glaze also helps seal in moisture.
3. Can I use this recipe with chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. This glaze is delicious on chicken breasts or even a whole roast chicken—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. What if I don’t have orange juice?
You can substitute apple juice or cranberry juice, though orange juice gives the best balance of tart and sweet.
5. How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze sliced turkey with glaze for up to 2 months.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead for a holiday meal?
Yes. You can roast the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe a day in advance, slice it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with extra glaze before serving.
Pairings
A cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet sides. Try serving it with roasted root vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. A light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a fruity red like Beaujolais complements the tangy glaze perfectly.
And don’t overlook the leftover magic of this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe—thinly sliced turkey with a layer of leftover glaze makes one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste. Add some brie or cream cheese, a handful of spinach, and sandwich it between toasted bread for a post-holiday treat.
Final Thoughts
A Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is one of those dishes that feels festive yet refreshingly simple. It brings the brightness of citrus, the warmth of spice, and the timeless comfort of roast turkey together into one elegant, flavor-packed meal.
What I love most about this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is how it turns an ordinary dinner into something special without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need a full turkey to create that same feeling of celebration—just a bit of care, a touch of sweetness, and the right balance of flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, cooking for two, or planning a stress-free holiday menu, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe delivers everything you love about a classic feast—beautiful presentation, unforgettable flavor, and leftovers you’ll actually look forward to eating.
So, grab your oranges and cranberries, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress. This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe doesn’t just feed the body—it nourishes the spirit of the season with every tender, tangy bite.