Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast That Steals The Holiday Spotlight

Growing up, the holidays at our house were always cozy and a little chaotic — laughter in the kitchen, the clink of serving spoons, and my mom’s voice calling out instructions. But one year, everything felt quieter. It was a smaller gathering, just a few close family members, and I remember standing there thinking: “We don’t need a giant turkey. We need something that feels just as special — just scaled to our table.”

That’s the first time I made this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast. I wanted something festive and flavorful, but simple enough to let me actually enjoy the evening, not just cook through it. The sweet-tart cranberries, bright citrus, and savory turkey all came together like they were meant to — a perfect balance. And when I brought it to the table, glossy and golden, it didn’t matter that it wasn’t a whole bird. It was beautiful, delicious, and just right for the moment.

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If you’re planning a holiday brunch the next day, prep ahead with our Crack Breakfast Casserole — it’s hearty, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Incredibly flavorful: The glaze features a rich mix of cranberries, orange juice, zest, and marmalade, offering layers of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Moist and juicy: Roasting the turkey breast with layers of glaze ensures a tender, juicy result every time.
• Perfect for smaller gatherings: If you’re hosting a smaller celebration or a weeknight feast, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a manageable yet elegant solution.
• Beautiful presentation: That deep red-orange glaze makes every serving look gourmet and festive.
• Easy to prepare: With a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can serve a show-stopping dish.

Ingredient Breakdown for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

For the turkey:

• 1 whole turkey breast (4–5 lbs), bone-in or boneless, skin-on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the glaze:

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
• 2 tsp orange zest
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

Each ingredient plays a key role in enhancing the natural flavors of Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, making it both aromatic and delicious.

For a cozy follow-up meal, turn leftover turkey into comfort with our rich, tomato-y Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup — perfect for chilly nights.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

1. Prep the turkey

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pat the turkey breast dry. Rub with olive oil, then season all over with salt and pepper.
• Place on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up.

2. Make the cranberry orange glaze

• In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, marmalade, brown sugar (or honey), and optional ginger.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally as cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
• If desired, whisk cornstarch with a splash of water and stir into the sauce for extra thickness.
• Add rosemary, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread pairs beautifully with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast and soaks up glaze like a dream.

3. Roast and glaze the turkey

• Roast turkey breast for 35 minutes.
• Begin glazing: brush half the cranberry orange glaze over the breast.
• Roast for another 35–45 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 15 minutes.
• Cover loosely with foil if glaze darkens too quickly.
• Check internal temperature; remove turkey when it hits 160°F (it will rise to 165°F during resting).

4. Rest and serve

• Let Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast rest for 15 minutes.
• Slice against the grain and drizzle with extra glaze.

Tips & Tricks for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Use a thermometer: Don’t guess — use an instant-read thermometer to hit perfect doneness.
• Layer the glaze: Apply glaze gradually to build color and flavor without burning.
• Dry skin = crispy skin: Pat the turkey thoroughly dry before roasting.
• Taste your glaze: Adjust sweetness or tartness before brushing.
• Tent with foil: If browning too fast, a foil tent prevents scorching.

Hosting a fall party? Add a spooky twist to your table with our Creepy Deviled Eggs for Halloween — festive, fun, and surprisingly tasty.

Variations on Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Slow Cooker Version: Place seasoned turkey in a slow cooker. Pour glaze over top. Cook on low 6–7 hours.
• Dutch Oven Method: Sear the turkey in a Dutch oven, then roast covered with glaze. Finish uncovered.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh thyme or sage into the glaze.
• Citrus Swap: Try blood orange or tangerine for a unique citrus profile.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Pair with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, wild rice pilaf, or roasted root vegetables.
• Use leftover slices in sandwiches with arugula and goat cheese.
• Serve on a platter with fresh orange slices and rosemary sprigs for a festive look.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F covered with foil, or microwave gently with extra glaze to prevent drying.

Want to serve homemade bread with your turkey? Learn how to use bolted flour in sourdough bread for a flavorful, rustic loaf.

You can find more festive turkey inspiration on our Pinterest board, and read the full story behind this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast on Medium.

Conclusion

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings big holiday flavor in a manageable form. It’s simple to prepare, vibrant on the table, and full of tangy-sweet goodness. With a few fresh ingredients and smart tips, this turkey breast will be the star of your meal.

From its citrus-scented glaze to its juicy interior, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the festive recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast