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Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast: A Juicy, Flavorful Holiday Favorite


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy turkey coated in a cranberry-orange glaze makes a show-stopping centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner. Easy to prepare and bursting with festive color, it’s ideal for smaller gatherings that still want big flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless turkey breast (23 lbs)

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • ¼ cup brown sugar or honey

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil and lightly grease.

  • Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, and brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens (about 10 minutes). Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.

  • Season the turkey: Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  • Glaze and roast: Brush half the cranberry-orange glaze over the turkey. Roast for 40–50 minutes, basting with more glaze every 15 minutes.

  • Check temperature: When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

  • Serve: Slice and drizzle with remaining glaze before serving. Garnish with orange slices or fresh rosemary if desired.

Notes

Substitute brown sugar with honey for a naturally sweet glaze.

Blend and strain the glaze for a smoother, glossy texture.

For a slow cooker version, cook on low for 4–5 hours and baste halfway through.

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 6 oz)
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast, cranberry orange glaze, holiday turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey breast, easy turkey dinner, Christmas turkey, festive main course