Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup orange juice; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons orange zest

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tangy cranberries and bright, zesty oranges—especially when they come together in a luscious glaze for turkey breast. This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is one of my favorite ways to make holiday dinners feel extra special without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory glaze is bursting with fresh flavors that complement the turkey perfectly, giving you that coveted golden, caramelized finish that makes everyone ask for seconds.

This recipe works beautifully any time you want a festive yet approachable centerpiece, whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a Sunday family gathering, or just a cozy weeknight treat. I love how the glaze balances out the richness of the turkey breast and keeps it moist and tender. Plus, it’s super straightforward to prepare—you’ll feel like a pro, even if it’s your first time glazing a turkey. Let me walk you through how to get this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe right on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe plays a vital role. Fresh, bright citrus and the natural sweetness of honey perfectly balance the tart cranberries, while fragrant herbs and garlic add just the right savory touch. When you shop, look for the freshest cranberries available and choose a turkey breast with skin on for the best flavor and moisture.

Turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on: Bone-in helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully under the glaze.
Fresh cranberries: They provide that vibrant tartness and a lovely texture; frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal, adding natural sweetness and acidity.
Honey: Use a mild-flavored honey to enhance sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
Orange zest: Adds an intense citrus aroma that really lifts the glaze.
Garlic, minced: Gives a subtle savory depth—don’t skip it!
Olive oil: Helps brown the turkey skin and brings a light, fruity richness.
Fresh rosemary, chopped: I love the piney notes that brighten the dish.
Fresh thyme leaves: Their earthy flavor complements the citrus and berries perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Key to enhancing all the flavors, so season carefully.

Variations

I like to switch things up with this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to adjust and make it your own—after all, the kitchen is where creativity shines!

Variation: I sometimes swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, slightly smoky sweetness—it pairs wonderfully with the cranberry’s tartness and adds a cozy autumnal vibe.
Variation: For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze. It’s unexpected but really wakes up the flavors.
Variation: If you’re avoiding sugar, try using a sugar-free orange juice and substitute honey with a natural sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
Variation: To make it even more herbaceous, mix in some sage or marjoram alongside the rosemary and thyme.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey Breast Like a Pro

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this is crucial to get that crispy skin everyone loves. Then, season it generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper all over, including under the skin if you can manage. This will enhance the meat’s flavor deeply. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

While the turkey starts to come to room temperature, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a vibrant, glossy glaze. You’ll love how fragrant it smells!

Step 3: Roast and Glaze the Turkey

Place your turkey breast in a roasting pan skin-side up and roast for about 45 minutes. Then, start brushing on a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes until the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature should hit 165°F or 74°C) and the skin is beautifully caramelized. That gradual glazing is what seals in moisture and flavor, so be patient—you’re rewarded with a stunning crust.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential; it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. Use the remaining glaze as a sauce on the side or drizzle a little more over the carved pieces.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

A large raw piece of light pink turkey placed in the middle of a dark wooden cutting board, surrounded by bright red cranberries. Above the board are small clear glass bowls with dark soy sauce, deep red cranberry sauce, and light brown brown sugar. Two halves of a fresh bright orange are placed on the white marbled surface, one on each side of the board. Below the board are additional small clear bowls containing cinnamon powder, orange zest, and a light golden liquid, along with a wooden spoon holding black pepper and salt. Thin cinnamon sticks and a whole garlic bulb add to the arrangement, set on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing this turkey breast with fresh rosemary sprigs and a handful of whole cranberries for that extra pop of color and aroma. A few thin slices of orange zest scattered on top add a cheerful brightness that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe are buttery mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of balsamic vinegar. The creaminess of the potatoes balances the tangy glaze, while the savory Brussels sprouts add a nice textural contrast. Don’t forget a classic stuffing or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the turkey breast sliced and fanned out on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, whole cranberries, and wedges of orange. It not only looks stunning but invites everyone to grab a plate and serve themselves family-style, which always adds to the warm, relaxed vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in foil or store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps really well for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or sandwiches the next few days. Don’t forget to bring your leftovers to room temp before reheating to keep them juicy.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen slices of this turkey breast with some of the glaze in freezer-safe bags. When properly sealed, it’s great for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a speedy, flavorful meal ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, I place the turkey slices in a baking dish, pour a little of the reserved glaze or some broth over them to keep moisture, and cover with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through—this method keeps the meat tender and the glaze glossy. Microwave is fine for quick reheats, just watch closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless turkey breast for this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless turkey breast works well too, just adjust your cooking time accordingly—usually roasting for about 35-45 minutes depending on size. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I prepare the cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before glazing the turkey, stirring well to recombine any separated ingredients, and you’re good to go!
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones—just thaw them before making the glaze. The flavor might be a bit less vibrant, but it’ll still be delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

While this recipe focuses on turkey, you could adapt the cranberry orange glaze to roast vegetables like cauliflower steak or tofu for a flavorful vegetarian option.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast—the safe internal temp is 165°F (74°C). Once it hits that, your turkey is cooked perfectly and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe has become my go-to for special gatherings because it’s impressive without being intimidating. It captures the festive spirit with fresh, vibrant flavors and delivers juicy, tender turkey every time. Give it a try—you’ll see how easy it is to create a memorable meal that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles.