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Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Easy Holiday Recipe

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A quick and easy turkey breast recipe with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and delivers tender, juicy meat with a beautiful caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 pound) boneless turkey breast, skin-on recommended
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Extra orange slices for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give it a full 15-20 minutes to come to temperature.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, including underneath the skin if possible. Mix the salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder together, then sprinkle evenly over the entire surface. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter until melted and the glaze looks glossy. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze for serving later.
  6. Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes without opening the oven door.
  7. After 30 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven and generously brush about half of the remaining glaze over the entire surface. Return to the oven.
  8. Roast for another 20 minutes, then apply another layer of glaze. Total roasting time will be about 50-60 minutes for a 3-pound breast, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured at the thickest part.
  9. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone. Target 160°F. If the skin is getting too dark before the turkey is done, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
  10. Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The internal temperature will rise to 165°F during this time.
  11. Slice the turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with reserved glaze, and garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the turkey sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking to dry out the skin. If you don’t have a roasting rack, place a few carrots or celery stalks under the turkey to lift it off the pan. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover turkey keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, easy holiday recipe, quick turkey dinner, boneless turkey breast, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, comfort food, holiday turkey

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/cozy-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-holiday-recipe/