Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays

This cranberry orange-glazed turkey breast is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal. Tender, juicy turkey is paired with a sweet-tart cranberry and citrus glaze that creates a festive, flavorful finish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this recipe is simple to prepare and yields beautiful results. Every bite is moist, flavorful, and infused with the season’s best flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe turns a simple turkey breast into a holiday star. The glaze combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of fresh orange, complementing the savory turkey perfectly. It’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The combination of juicy meat and flavorful glaze makes it irresistible.

• Juicy, tender turkey with minimal effort.
• Sweet-tart cranberry-orange glaze enhances flavor.
• Perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Easy to prepare and visually stunning.

Nutritional Information

While indulgent in flavor, this turkey breast is lean and nutritious. Turkey provides high-quality protein, and the glaze adds minimal sugar while delivering festive flavor. Combined with side dishes, it makes a balanced holiday meal that’s satisfying yet wholesome.

• Calories: ~250 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 10g (from glaze)
• Fat: 8g
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C (from orange), B vitamins, and minerals

Time Breakdown

Despite the impressive flavors, this turkey breast comes together efficiently. With just a bit of prep and an hour in the oven, you can have a stunning centerpiece ready for the table. Basting periodically ensures the meat stays juicy while the glaze caramelizes to perfection. This recipe is both time-friendly and show-stopping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard combine to create a sweet-tart glaze that complements the turkey perfectly. A few pantry staples and fresh herbs elevate the dish, making it festive and flavorful without complicated steps.

• 3–4 lb boneless turkey breast
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: orange zest for garnish

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this recipe is simple and stress-free. You only need a few key ingredients: turkey, cranberries, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, mustard, and herbs. Optional items like orange zest or additional spices can enhance flavor, but the core ingredients alone make an elegant and delicious holiday centerpiece.

• Boneless turkey breast
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange juice and zest
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil or butter
• Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper

How to Make – Step by Step

Preparing this glazed turkey breast is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Each step—from seasoning the turkey to simmering the glaze and basting—ensures juicy meat and perfectly caramelized flavor. Following the sequence carefully results in a tender, aromatic turkey breast that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat turkey breast dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and glaze thickens slightly.
4. Brush glaze over turkey breast, reserving some for basting.
5. Place turkey on a roasting pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with glaze.
6. Check internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with remaining glaze drizzled over slices and optional orange zest garnish.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is versatile and allows for easy customization. You can use leftover roasted turkey or chicken if desired, or adjust the glaze by swapping in tangerine or grapefruit juice. Maple syrup, brown sugar, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can also be used to alter the sweetness and depth. These swaps keep the recipe flexible while retaining its festive flavor.

• Use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries for a quicker glaze.
• Swap orange juice for tangerine or grapefruit juice for a citrus twist.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine for deeper flavor.
• Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey for different sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or stuffing for a complete meal. Drizzle extra cranberry-orange glaze over the slices for added flavor and presentation. Garnishing with fresh herbs, orange slices, or whole cranberries creates a festive and elegant holiday platter.

• Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or green beans.
• Stuffing or wild rice pilaf to round out the meal.
• Cranberry-orange glaze doubles as a drizzle for sides or mashed potatoes.
• Garnish platter with fresh herbs, orange slices, or cranberries for presentation.

Storing Tips

Leftover turkey and glaze can be stored for future meals. Keep turkey slices in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture, and store glaze separately if possible to maintain consistency. You can also freeze cooked turkey for up to 2 months, making it convenient for quick holiday meals later.

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out.
• Freeze cooked turkey breast for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Store leftover glaze separately to maintain consistency.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few simple techniques elevate this recipe to perfection. Pat the turkey dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior. Baste with glaze regularly during roasting for moist, flavorful meat. Let the turkey rest before slicing to lock in juices, and use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results. Small touches like orange zest or fresh herbs enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Pat turkey dry before seasoning for a crisp, flavorful exterior.
• Baste every 15 minutes to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Let the turkey rest before slicing to lock in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, tender results.

Conclusion

Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive, juicy, and flavorful centerpiece that elevates any holiday table. With a simple glaze and easy roasting method, it’s a stress-free way to impress family and guests. Tender, aromatic, and beautifully glazed, this turkey breast is sure to become a holiday favorite. Serve it warm, slice generously, and enjoy a bright, festive flavor in every bite.

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