Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays

 

Ready to elevate your holiday feast? Our Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe delivers a succulent, flavorful centerpiece without the fuss of a whole turkey. This recipe is ideal for smaller gatherings or when you crave that classic holiday taste in a convenient package.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast will be a hit at your holiday table. It is:

• Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Perfectly Portioned: Ideal for smaller gatherings and intimate dinners.
• Juicy & Flavorful: The cranberry orange glaze creates a moist and delicious turkey breast.
• Holiday Aromas: The warm spices will fill your kitchen with the scents of the season.
• Less Waste: Enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without leftovers for days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange is simply irresistible.

Forget the stress of roasting a whole turkey – this recipe is simple enough for even a beginner cook.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish. Don’t worry, each ingredient is easy to find and the measurements are simple to follow!

For the Turkey Breast

• 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients. If possible, source your herbs from a local farmer’s market. Toasting the dried thyme and rosemary lightly before adding them to the oil mixture will unlock their aromatic potential.

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Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need:

• • Roasting Pan: A sturdy roasting pan is essential for even cooking and catching the flavorful drippings.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing the herb and oil blend.
  • Medium Saucepan: To prepare the cranberry orange glaze.
  • Meat Thermometer: A must-have to ensure your turkey breast is cooked to a safe and juicy 165°F (74°C).
  • Paper Towels: To pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning.

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If you don’t have a roasting pan, a large oven-safe skillet will work in a pinch. A digital meat thermometer is more accurate, but an analog one will do just fine.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable. Double the ingredients for a larger crowd.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a holiday centerpiece that’s sure to impress!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking and a juicy turkey breast. Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the olive oil mixture adhere and creates a crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Rub the olive oil mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring every surface is coated.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 6: Cook the Glaze

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. The glaze should be easily spreadable and have a vibrant aroma.

Step 7: Glaze the Turkey

Pour half of the glaze over the turkey breast. Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 8: Roast & Baste

Roast the turkey breast for 1 hour. After 1 hour, baste the turkey breast with the remaining glaze.

Step 9: Continue Roasting

Continue to roast for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Step 10: Rest & Serve

Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

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Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked turkey is dry turkey! Use a meat thermometer and pull it out when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Baste Regularly: Basting keeps the turkey moist and adds layers of flavor from the glaze.
• Let it Rest: Resting is crucial for juicy turkey. Tent it with foil to keep it warm while it rests.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Adjust Glaze to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. For a tangier glaze, add more apple cider vinegar.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little heat.
• Citrus Burst: Add lemon zest to the glaze for an extra citrusy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Complete your holiday meal with these delicious pairings:

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory turkey.
• Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: More cranberry sauce? Absolutely! It ties everything together.
• Sparkling Cider: A festive and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.

Serve the turkey breast sliced on a platter, drizzled with any remaining glaze. Garnish with fresh herbs and orange slices for an elegant presentation.

Health Benefits

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Protein-Rich: Turkey is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Turkey provides important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.
• Antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage.

Enjoy this flavorful dish knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:

• Storage: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat sliced turkey breast in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze sliced turkey breast in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To prevent the turkey from drying out during reheating, add a little broth or water to the container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

How do I prevent the turkey breast from drying out?

Basting regularly with the glaze and using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking are key. Letting the turkey rest after cooking is also crucial.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and water until they form a sauce before adding them to the glaze.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?

You can substitute it with another citrus marmalade, such as grapefruit or lemon.

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 4 oz)
• Calories: 350
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Ready for more culinary inspiration? Check out these delectable recipes:

• Cucumber Dill Salad – A refreshing and light salad that’s perfect for a summer gathering.
• Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe – A hearty and flavorful salad packed with protein and fresh veggies.
• Apple Pie Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year.

Conclusion

This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a fast, flavorful, and impressive centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s the perfect solution for smaller gatherings or when you want the taste of Thanksgiving without the fuss of a whole turkey. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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