Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful twist on a classic roast, combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion where you want a juicy, flavorful turkey with a beautiful glossy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then season it generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to help it brown.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and honey or maple syrup. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Roast the turkey breast in the oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 5 minutes to build up a rich, caramelized coating.
- Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with any remaining glaze on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cranberries for a tangier glaze or frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; just add a couple of extra minutes to cooking.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, festive flavor.
- For extra moisture, brine the turkey breast in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking.
Storage
Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture, adding a little extra glaze or broth if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this glaze on a whole turkey?
Yes, you can apply the cranberry orange glaze to a whole turkey, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Begin glazing the last 30-40 minutes of roasting for the best caramelization.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before brushing onto the turkey.
PrintCranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
A flavorful cranberry orange glazed turkey breast that is juicy, tender, and coated with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for festive occasions or a delicious family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Turkey Breast
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 3 to 4 pounds)
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Season the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Roast the turkey breast: Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Glaze the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and brush the cranberry orange glaze generously over the top and sides of the turkey breast.
- Continue roasting: Return the turkey to the oven and roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 5 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a moist turkey.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast is fully cooked but not overdone.
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the glaze while cooking.
- Leftover cranberry orange glaze can be saved and used as a sauce for turkey sandwiches or mashed potatoes.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work just as well.
Keywords: cranberry orange glaze, turkey breast, roasted turkey, festive turkey recipe, cranberry sauce, holiday turkey
