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Easy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – Best Holiday Recipe

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast - featured image

This easy cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is a showstopper that comes together in under 90 minutes. The sweet-tart glaze creates a sticky, caramelized crust that locks in moisture, making it perfect for small holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-3 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, including the underside.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes.
  5. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Using a basting brush, generously coat the turkey with about half of the glaze. Return to the oven.
  6. Roast for another 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 155°F (68°C). Remove the dish again and brush on the remaining glaze.
  7. Return the turkey to the oven for the final 5-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The skin should be deeply caramelized.
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during this time. Slice against the grain and serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

For crispy skin, pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; pull the turkey at 160°F (71°C) and let it rest to reach 165°F (74°C). The double-glaze method creates a thick, sticky crust. If the glaze starts to burn, tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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