Looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both flavorful and simple? Look no further than the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast! This delightful recipe combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry and orange to elevate your turkey, making it not just a meal, but a celebration. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this turkey breast is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This turkey breast comes together swiftly, without hours of fuss.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most items in your pantry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a Sunday family dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet glaze complements the turkey perfectly, catering to all tastes.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of cranberry and orange brings a unique twist that stands out from regular turkey recipes.
This recipe’s balance of flavors ensures comfort and satisfaction, making it a winner on any dinner table.
Ingredients Needed
For the Turkey:
- 1 turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup of fresh or canned cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until all ingredients are fully mixed. This will create your delicious glaze.
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil. Season it generously with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the turkey, making sure it gets coated well.
- Roast your turkey breast in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste it occasionally with the remaining glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), which is safe for serving.
- Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices. Serve it with the pan juices for extra flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
- Slice the turkey breast and arrange it attractively on a platter.
- Drizzle extra glaze over the slices for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked turkey slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to experiment with ingredients in the glaze, perhaps adding a splash of whiskey or some herbs for added complexity.
- You can substitute orange juice with another citrus juice if desired, like mandarin or lemon.
- If you want a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar slightly.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a sensational dish that will impress your family and friends with its beautiful flavor and presentation. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and give it a star rating! Don’t forget to share any variations you made on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of meat for this recipe?
Yes! While turkey breast is delicious, chicken breast or even pork tenderloin can be used with this glaze for equally tasty results.
How do I ensure my turkey breast stays moist?
Basting your turkey with the glaze during cooking and allowing it to rest after roasting will help retain moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked turkey breast for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe bag.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a cozy, flavorful main dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. The glaze combines tart cranberries, bright orange juice, and a hint of brown sugar for a sweet and savory balance that turns an ordinary turkey into something unforgettable.
Ingredients
1 turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour half of the glaze on top.
5. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the remaining glaze.
6. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove from oven, rest for 10–15 minutes, then slice and serve with pan juices.
Notes
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
For a twist, add a splash of whiskey or fresh herbs to the glaze.
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg