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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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Juicy, tender turkey breast roasted with a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze. This festive centerpiece is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion, and is naturally gluten-free and easily adapted for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2.5–3 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Additional orange slices (for garnish)
  • Extra cranberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a roasting pan or line with foil.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until cranberries burst and glaze thickens (about 10–12 minutes). Add a splash of water if too thick.
  4. Optional: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and sear turkey breast, skin-side down, for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and sear other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Place turkey breast in prepared pan, skin-side up. Brush with half the cranberry orange glaze. Roast for 45–60 minutes, basting once halfway with more glaze. Start checking temperature at 45 minutes; turkey is done at 165°F (74°C) at thickest part.
  6. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for at least 15 minutes. Reheat remaining glaze until warm and pourable.
  7. Transfer turkey breast to cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange on platter, drizzle with warmed glaze, and garnish with parsley, orange slices, and extra cranberries.

Notes

Brining the turkey breast for 4–6 hours in water, salt, and sugar makes it even juicier. Use a meat thermometer for best results and tent with foil if browning too quickly. The glaze can be made ahead and reheated. For a smoother glaze, blend with an immersion blender. Leftovers are great for sandwiches or salads.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, holiday dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas, gluten-free, easy turkey recipe, festive turkey, oven roasted turkey, healthy holiday recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-recipe-for-perfect-holiday-dinners/