Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday – the crisp autumn air, the cozy atmosphere, and most importantly, the mouthwatering Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast that takes center stage every year. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down in my family for as long as I can remember, and it just wouldn’t be the holidays without it.
I can still picture myself as a little kid, sneaking into the kitchen to watch my grandma work her magic. The aroma of the juicy turkey and the sweet citrusy glaze would fill the entire house, making our mouths water in anticipation. She’d always let me help her baste the bird, and I’d be so careful not to spill a single drop of that delicious sauce.
As I grew older, I started taking notes, hoping that one day I’d be able to recreate Grandma’s famous Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast myself. And let me tell you, after countless attempts (and a few mishaps along the way), I’ve finally perfected the recipe. It’s become a staple in my household, and I just can’t imagine Thanksgiving without it.
Why This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
The key to this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice creates a glaze that’s simply out of this world. But the real magic happens when you baste the turkey with that heavenly sauce throughout the cooking process. It locks in the moisture, infuses the meat with flavor, and gives you that beautifully caramelized skin that everyone fights over.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh cranberries: These provide the tart, tangy base for the glaze.
- Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tartness.
- Butter: This rich ingredient helps the glaze cling to the turkey and creates an irresistible sheen.
- Turkey breast: The star of the show! Make sure to use a boneless, skin-on turkey breast for the best results.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, and thyme enhances the natural flavors of the turkey.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is surprisingly easy to make, but it does require a bit of time and attention to get it just right. You’ll need about 2-2.5 hours to complete the entire process, from prepping the turkey to serving it up hot and fresh. Make sure you have a large roasting pan, a basting brush, and a meat thermometer on hand to ensure success.
1- Begin by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels and seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
2- In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
3- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the turkey breast to the roasting pan and pour half of the cranberry orange glaze over the top, making sure to coat the entire surface.
4- Roast the turkey for 60-75 minutes, basting it with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5- Once the turkey is cooked through, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
6- Arrange the sliced turkey on a platter and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to baste the turkey frequently – this is the key to getting that gorgeous, caramelized skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the turkey. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, simply tent the turkey with foil to prevent it from burning.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. It pairs beautifully with classic holiday side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce. And don’t forget the dinner rolls – you’ll want something to soak up every last drop of that delicious glaze. As for drinks, a crisp white wine or a seasonal cocktail like a Cranberry Mimosa would be the perfect complement.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is an excellent make-ahead option for the holidays. You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of, simply reheat the glaze and baste the turkey as directed. Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the sliced turkey in a baking dish and pour a bit of the leftover glaze over the top, then heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Creative Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Variations
While the classic Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this holiday favorite. Try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a cozy, autumnal twist. You could also swap out the turkey breast for a whole turkey or even use the glaze on chicken or pork. And for a fun twist, consider adding a splash of brandy or Grand Marnier to the sauce for a boozy kick.
Making Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the glaze. For a lower-carb option, replace the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. And for a dairy-free take, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. You may need to simmer the glaze for a bit longer to ensure the cranberries fully break down.
Q: How long does the turkey need to cook?
A: A 3-4 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast will typically take 60-75 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. However, oven temperatures and turkey sizes can vary, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked through.
Q: Can I make the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of, simply reheat the glaze and baste the turkey as directed. The turkey itself can also be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.
Q: How much turkey breast should I plan for per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for about 1/2 lb of turkey per person. So for a 4-6 lb turkey breast, you’ll have enough to serve 8-12 people.
Q: What should I do if the glaze starts to burn?
A: If the glaze is browning too quickly, simply tent the turkey with foil to prevent the exterior from burning. You can also reduce the oven temperature slightly to slow down the caramelization process.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast in just 30 minutes! This easy holiday recipe is bursting with festive flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
– 1 whole turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper.
3. 3. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the glaze has thickened.
4. 4. Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan and pour the cranberry orange glaze over the top, making sure to coat the entire surface.
5. 5. Roast the turkey breast for 25-30 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. 6. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can roast the turkey breast at a slightly lower temperature (375°F) for 40-45 minutes, basting more frequently. You can also use this glaze on a whole turkey or turkey parts.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the epitome of holiday perfection, and this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to. The sweet-tart glaze, the juicy and flavorful turkey, and the gorgeous presentation all come together to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So don’t hesitate – give this recipe a try this Thanksgiving, and get ready to bask in the rave reviews. Happy holidays!
