Oh, hey there! Come on in, the kitchen’s a bit of a mess, but that just means I’m cooking something good! And today, it’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. I’ve been making this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for years, and it’s become a real staple in our house, especially around the holidays.
I remember the first time I tried to make a glaze for a turkey breast. Oh boy, was it a disaster! I ended up with something that tasted more like cough syrup than a delicious glaze. I almost gave up on the whole idea, but then my grandma gave me her secret ingredient: a little bit of orange zest! It was a total game-changer. Seriously, the zest brightens everything up and cuts through the sweetness of the cranberries so perfectly. That’s when I really started to nail the flavors of my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
Now, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast isn’t just about fancy flavors, it’s also about making life easier. I’m a busy mom, just like you, and I don’t have time to spend all day in the kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly simple, even though it tastes like you’ve been slaving away for hours. This easy turkey recipe has become my go-to when I want something special but don’t want to deal with a whole bird. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings, or just when you’re craving that classic Thanksgiving flavor without all the fuss.
I first perfected this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast when my sister came to visit during a particularly hectic fall. She was craving something comforting, and I wanted to impress her without losing my mind in the process. This recipe saved the day, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since.
My cooking philosophy is all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something special that nourishes both body and soul. And that’s exactly what this recipe does. It’s a celebration of simple flavors, good company, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. If you’re interested in something a bit different, you should totally check out my Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes; it uses a similar flavor profile that you might enjoy!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started! I promise, even if you’re a little intimidated by cooking turkey, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is totally doable. You got this!
What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
- 3-4 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast: I always use a good quality, fresh turkey breast when making my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. It really makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: I prefer using whole berry cranberry sauce, but you can use jellied if that’s what you have on hand. If you want to get fancy you can make your own with this Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe – S&SM.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works too. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice.
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade: This adds a lovely sweetness and helps to thicken the glaze. I always use a marmalade with plenty of orange peel for extra flavor in my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This adds a nice tanginess to the glaze and helps to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling over the turkey breast before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: As I mentioned before, this is the secret ingredient! It really brightens up the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a little extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To season the turkey breast.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To season the turkey breast.
When making this **glazed turkey breast**, I always try to buy my ingredients from local farmers’ markets when possible. The produce is usually fresher and tastes so much better!
Here’s a little kitchen wisdom I learned from my mom: When zesting the orange, be careful not to zest the white pith underneath the peel. The pith is bitter and will ruin the flavor of your glaze.
If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-zested orange peel at some grocery stores. It’s an ingredient prep shortcut that works for busy families making Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. Another way to cut down on time is to use canned cranberry sauce instead of making your own. I know, I know, it’s not the same, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!
For cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for sales on turkey breasts, especially around the holidays. You can also freeze the leftover orange juice and zest for later use. For another way to enjoy cranberry and orange flavors, check out my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites!
And if you have any leftover orange marmalade, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll last for weeks!
Let’s Make This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Together
Okay, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). I’ve found that this temperature is perfect for cooking a turkey breast without drying it out.
- Prepare the turkey breast. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast looks a little plain at this point, we’re about to add all the flavor!
- Make the cranberry orange glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange marmalade, orange zest, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This is where the magic happens! The cranberry orange sauce will bring the entire dish together.
- Glaze the turkey breast. Spread about half of the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast. Make sure to coat it evenly.
- Bake the turkey breast. Place the turkey breast in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I learned the hard way with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast that it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey is cooked through.
- Baste with remaining glaze. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the turkey breast with the remaining cranberry orange glaze. This will give it a beautiful, glossy finish. For a really deep glaze, try this Dutch Oven Turkey Breast with Cranberry Orange Glaze – The recipe.
- Let it rest. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
In my kitchen, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook, but it can vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and your oven. That’s why it’s so important to use a meat thermometer!
While the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is cooking, I usually take the opportunity to tidy up the kitchen or maybe sneak in a quick chapter of my book. Gotta multi-task, right?
Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast should smell like a delicious combination of sweet cranberries, tangy oranges, and savory turkey. It’s truly an aroma that will make your mouth water!
Here’s a family-tested shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can use a pre-cooked turkey breast. Just glaze it and bake it until it’s heated through. It won’t be quite as flavorful as a freshly cooked turkey breast, but it’s a great option in a pinch. For a more hands-off approach, try this Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Breast Recipe!
How I Love to Serve This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Okay, so you’ve got this beautiful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, now what? Well, my family loves this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast when I slice it thinly and serve it with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and green beans. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry orange glaze.
I also love to make a big batch of cranberry sauce (from scratch, of course!) to serve alongside the turkey. It’s just not Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce, am I right? If you love this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, you’ll also enjoy my Chocolate Orange Cheesecake!
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering. It’s also great for a simple weeknight dinner. I often make it on Sundays and then use the leftovers for sandwiches and salads throughout the week.
For presentation, I like to arrange the sliced turkey breast on a platter and garnish it with fresh orange slices and cranberries. It makes for a really festive and colorful presentation.
If you have extra Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, you can use it to make sandwiches, salads, or even tacos! My kids love turkey tacos with a little bit of cranberry sauce on top.
For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry orange glaze. It adds a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Friends always ask for this recipe for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast whenever I make it for a party. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
Q: Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. A bone-in turkey breast will take longer to cook than a boneless one. You know what I do when my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is bone-in? I use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before taking it out of the oven.
Q: Can I make the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! In fact, I often do. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great time-saver, especially during the holidays.
Q: What if my cranberry orange glaze is too thick?
A: Just add a little bit of orange juice to thin it out. You want it to be thick enough to coat the turkey breast, but not so thick that it’s hard to spread. It happened to me a few times that my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast glaze got too thick.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries for the cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using them. My family loves when I use fresh cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast cranberry sauce!
Q: What if I don’t have orange marmalade?
A: You can substitute it with apricot jam or even honey. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the glaze slightly.
Q: My turkey breast is getting too brown on top. What should I do?
A: Tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much.
Q: Can I grill the turkey breast instead of baking it?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to grill it over indirect heat to prevent it from burning. Some of my readers even prefer this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast grilled versus baked.
My Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of family, holidays, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. It’s a recipe that I know I can always count on to impress my guests and satisfy my family’s cravings.
My Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Pro Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most important tip! Make sure the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) before taking it out of the oven.
- Don’t overcook the turkey breast: Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. Nobody wants that!
- Let the turkey breast rest before slicing: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Here are a few Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast variations you can try:
- Spicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry orange glaze for a little kick.
- Honey-Glazed Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast: Substitute the orange marmalade with honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Rosemary Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the baking dish for a more herbaceous flavor.
My husband loves the spicy version of the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, while my kids prefer the honey-glazed version. If you’re looking for another great holiday dish, you should totally check out my Chocolate Orange Cheesecake!
I hope you’ll give this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe a try. It’s a surprisingly simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holidays any time of year. And I hope you make it your own by adding your own personal touches and variations. This glazed turkey breast is a great way to add some color to your holiday.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll create a Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast that your family will love. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things.
Happy cooking, my friend! I know you’ll create something amazing with this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast!
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive and flavorful centerpiece for any holiday meal. The sweet and tangy glaze perfectly complements the savory turkey, creating a delicious and memorable dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (6-8 pound) boneless turkey breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast on all sides until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the glaze is smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the turkey breast in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with the glaze every 20-30 minutes.
- Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite holiday side dishes. For extra flavor, add a sprig of rosemary to the glaze while it simmers.