Description

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a juicy, bone-in turkey breast roasted to perfection and generously coated with a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for festive dinners or any special occasion, the herb-infused turkey is tender, flavorful, and beautifully complemented by a vibrant, homemade citrus cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Orange Glaze

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the herb mixture adheres well. In a small bowl, blend olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant herb rub.
Apply Herb Mixture: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast to create a pocket. Rub half of the herb mixture underneath the skin, spreading evenly. Then, apply the remaining herb mixture over the turkey skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor penetration.
Roast the Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Insert into the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This will build up a luscious, flavorful coating over the skin.
Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer to a carving board. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender slices when carved.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure the turkey is safely done.
The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.
For deeper flavor, consider marinating the turkey with the herb mixture overnight.
Leftover glaze can be served as a sauce alongside the turkey.
Allow the turkey to rest to keep it moist and flavorful.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (for a 4 lb turkey breast roasting at 20 minutes per pound)
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, citrus cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving turkey, herb roasted turkey