The Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: A Perfect Holiday Main
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is juicy, festive, and bursting with flavor. Featuring a savory herb rub and a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze, this easy turkey breast recipe is perfect for smaller gatherings and cooks much faster than a whole bird.
Equipment
- Roasting Pan For roasting the turkey breast
- Small saucepan To prepare cranberry glaze
- Meat thermometer Ensure turkey reaches 165°F
- Basting Brush For applying glaze
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and glaze thickens. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Loosen turkey skin and rub half under skin, half over outside.
- Place turkey breast skin-side up in roasting pan. Roast about 20 minutes per pound.
- During last 30 minutes, brush with glaze every 10 minutes to build a glossy coating.
- Turkey is done when internal temp at thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 15–20 minutes before carving. Serve with extra glaze.
Notes
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast when you want a show-stopping main that’s simple yet impressive. The glaze can be made ahead for stress-free prep.