Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast served on a festive table

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: A Cozy Holiday Delight

Ah, the holiday season! It’s a time for twinkling lights, the sweet aroma of cinnamon, and, of course, delicious food that warms the heart. I remember the first time I made my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast; it was a chilly November evening, and my family gathered around our table, their faces glowing with anticipation. The moment the turkey emerged from the oven, its golden skin shimmering and the tangy-sweet glaze wafting through the air, I knew it would become a cherished family tradition.

This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors reminiscent of crisp autumn days. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, this easy weeknight dinner, and holiday delight will surely impress your loved ones. Trust me; you’ll want to pin this recipe for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A juicy, tender turkey breast that’s perfectly glazed with a zesty cranberry-orange sauce.
  • Simple and easy to follow—perfect for anyone looking for an effortless holiday meal.
  • The eye-catching presentation makes it an ideal dish for special gatherings and family celebrations.
  • Packed with seasonal flavors that evoke the warmth and joy of the holidays.
  • Leftovers (if you have any!) make delightful sandwiches the next day.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients

  • 1 turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Let’s Make It Together

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Stir over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. It will smell divine!

  3. Stir in the fragrant orange zest. The bright citrus notes will awaken your senses and complement the savory turkey.

  4. Generously season the turkey breast with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

  5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush it with the luscious glaze you just made. Make sure it’s coated beautifully.

  6. Roast the turkey in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes. This helps to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

  7. Once done, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial to ensure the juices redistribute.

  8. Garnish with fresh herbs for that extra touch of elegance and serve with any remaining glaze.

Variations & Creative Twists

While this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is delicious as is, consider these fun twists to customize your dish:

  • Cranberry Pineapple Glaze: Substitute half of the cranberries with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.

  • Herbed Butter Rub: Mix softened butter with your favorite herbs and rub it under the skin of the turkey for added richness.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a zesty, spicy surprise that will keep your taste buds dancing.

  • Maple Swirl: Swap honey with maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the citrus.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It will save time and the flavors will deepen!

  • Ingredient Swaps: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, cranberry sauce can be used in a pinch, but the flavor may be sweeter. Adjust honey accordingly.

  • Perfect Slices: To slice the turkey without it falling apart, use a sharp knife and cut against the grain.

  • Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for delicious sandwiches!

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: About 3 ounces (85 grams)
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 120mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze in advance and even roast the turkey a day ahead; just reheat before serving.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices or sweeteners as long as you maintain the balance of flavors.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How long does it last?
When stored properly in the fridge, your glazed turkey breast will stay delicious for about 4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a dish; it’s a cozy experience that wraps your family in warmth and flavor during the holidays. Its vibrant colors and delightful taste will make your gatherings memorable.

Save this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast to your holiday recipe board so it’s ready when you need that comforting treat! Happy cooking, my friends!

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

  • Author: elbachirbahabibigmail-com
  • Total Time: 135 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
Print Recipe

Description

A juicy, tender turkey breast glazed with zesty cranberry-orange sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 turkey breast (about 4–5 pounds)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Stir over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the orange zest.
  4. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
  5. Place turkey in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze.
  6. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with remaining glaze.

Notes

Make the cranberry glaze ahead of time for deeper flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 ounces (85 grams)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: turkey, holiday recipe, cranberry, orange, Thanksgiving

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