Forget the stress of a whole bird. This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast recipe delivers a beautifully roasted, incredibly juicy main course that’s bursting with festive flavors. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, offering a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes to perfection. If you’re looking for an impressive yet surprisingly simple holiday meal, you’ve found it.
Why This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast is a Holiday Must-Have
This recipe is a game-changer for holiday hosting. Roasting just the breast is quicker, easier to carve, and guarantees moist, tender meat. The star of the show is the vibrant cranberry orange glaze, which combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest of orange for a truly unforgettable flavor. It’s a dish that looks stunning on the table and tastes even better.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want a festive weeknight meal, this Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast fits the bill perfectly. For another festive main course, consider this Christmas salmon recipe (coming soon) that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
The Key Ingredients for a Festive Feast
We’re using simple, high-quality ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of savory herbs with the sweet and tart glaze is simply divine.
For the Turkey Breast
- Boneless Turkey Breast: A 3-4 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast is ideal. This size serves 4-6 people generously.
- Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the skin and keeps the meat moist.
- Herbs: A simple mix of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage provides a classic holiday flavor base.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning the turkey before roasting.
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- Fresh Cranberries: Provide a tart, vibrant base for the glaze.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest offer the best, brightest flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the glaze a subtle, tangy depth.
- Cinnamon Stick & Star Anise: These warming spices infuse the glaze with a festive aroma.
Essential Equipment for a Flawless Roast
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. A few kitchen staples are all it takes to achieve a perfect roast.
- Roasting Pan or Large Oven-Safe Skillet: To ensure even cooking.
- Small Saucepan: For simmering the delicious cranberry orange glaze.
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: This is the most crucial tool for guaranteeing a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey breast.
- Basting Brush: For applying the glaze during the final stages of roasting.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof holiday main course. The key is to not overcook the turkey and to let it rest properly before carving.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels; this is essential for crispy skin. Rub the entire breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Place the turkey in your roasting pan, skin-side up.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze
While the oven preheats, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cinnamon stick, and star anise in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise before using.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey Breast
Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound. For a 3-pound breast, this will be around 60-75 minutes. The turkey is ready for glazing when the internal temperature reaches about 150°F (65°C).
Step 4: Glaze and Rest
Once the turkey reaches 150°F, generously brush about half of the cranberry orange glaze over the skin. Return it to the oven and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This should take another 10-15 minutes. Remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This resting period is critical for a juicy result. Serve the remaining glaze on the side.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast
Want to ensure your turkey is the star of the show? Follow these simple but effective tips.
- Don’t Skip the Meat Thermometer: This is the single best way to avoid dry turkey. Cook to temperature, not time.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
- Dry Skin is Key: Patting the turkey breast completely dry before seasoning is the secret to achieving that perfectly golden, crispy skin.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday sides. For a truly memorable meal, serve it alongside this unique sweet potato lasagna or classic creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, and a simple salad also make excellent companions. And for a festive bread, nothing beats this cranberry walnut artisan bread.
Storing and Using Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best parts of a holiday meal! Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy it cold in sandwiches and salads or gently reheat it in the oven. The leftover turkey is also fantastic in soups, casseroles, or tacos for a quick and easy next-day meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use a bone-in turkey breast. You will need to increase the cooking time. Start checking the temperature after about 90 minutes and continue roasting until it reaches 165°F.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
A good rule of thumb for a boneless turkey breast is to roast it for about 20 minutes per pound in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). However, always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or green beans), stuffing, and gravy. A simple green salad also works well.
The turkey breast is safely cooked and will be perfectly juicy when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165°F (74°C).
Your New Favorite Holiday Dish
This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast is more than just a recipe; it’s a ticket to a delicious and stress-free holiday celebration. The combination of juicy meat and sweet-tart glaze is sure to earn rave reviews from your family and friends. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece on Pinterest!
Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe
Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast: The Perfect Holiday Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and season all over with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
- Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 150°F (65°C).
- Brush half of the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast. Return to the oven and continue to roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze.
Notes
Letting the turkey rest is a non-negotiable step for tender, flavorful meat.
