Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast features a juicy, tender turkey breast roasted to perfection and coated with a tangy, sweet cranberry and orange glaze. The glaze is made by simmering fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zest, creating a vibrant sauce that perfectly complements the savory herb-infused turkey. Ideal for holiday meals or special occasions, this dish offers a flavorful and elegant centerpiece.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Turkey and Herb Marinade
- 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
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for roasting the turkey evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the herb mixture adhere better. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create the herb marinade.
- Apply Herb Mixture: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Spread half of the herb mixture under the skin, covering the meat directly. Then, rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
- Roast Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast every 10 minutes. This will build up a flavorful, caramelized coating on the skin.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices. Carve the turkey, spoon any extra glaze over the slices, and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for turkey.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; just rinse before use.
- Letting the turkey rest after roasting is essential for juicy meat.
- The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, continue simmering the cranberry mixture until desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust honey quantity for sweetness preference or use maple syrup as a natural alternative.
- Ensure to loosen turkey skin carefully to avoid tearing it for optimal herb infusion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of turkey breast with glaze (~6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, herb roasted turkey, cranberry orange, Thanksgiving, Christmas