Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey has a way of making any occasion feel extra special, and I’ve loved making it for years. The aroma that fills my kitchen when this turkey is roasting is simply divine – a perfect blend of savory herbs, sweet citrus, and tangy cranberries. This cranberry orange turkey recipe is my go-to for holidays and even just a fancy Sunday dinner when I want something impressive but manageable. It’s incredibly juicy, and that glistening glaze is the star of the show, offering a delightful sweet and tart contrast. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
This recipe offers a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to impress:
- Incredible Taste: Experience a perfect balance of sweet and tart with the juicy turkey and vibrant cranberry-orange glaze.
- Quick Prep Time: With minimal fuss, you can have this ready for the oven in about 20 minutes.
- Healthy Choice: Lean turkey breast and fresh ingredients make this a nutritious option.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a festive meal without breaking the bank, especially when turkey breast is on sale.
- Family Favorite: The familiar flavors and beautiful presentation make this a hit with all ages.
- Effortless Elegance: This orange cranberry glazed turkey looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Meal: It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion needing a touch of festivity.
- Flavorful Glaze: The homemade cranberry orange sauce for turkey is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step in creating a truly memorable cranberry orange turkey breast recipe. The combination of fresh cranberries, bright orange juice, and sweet honey forms the foundation of our signature glaze. The turkey breast itself is seasoned with olive oil, minced garlic, and fragrant fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, which nestle beautifully under the skin to infuse every bite with savory goodness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all those wonderful flavors!
- 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on – this cut ensures juiciness
- 2 cups fresh cranberries – the star of our sweet and tart glaze
- 1 cup orange juice – adds bright citrus notes
- ½ cup honey – for that perfect sweet glaze
- 2 tablespoons orange zest – intensifies the orange flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – provides a savory depth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps the herbs adhere and promotes browning
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – classic poultry herb
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves – another aromatic herb that pairs wonderfully
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping turkey that’s incredibly juicy and bursting with flavor. You’ll see just how easy it is to make cranberry orange glazed turkey.
- Step 1: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). While the oven heats up, grab a small saucepan.
- Step 2: Combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup orange juice, ½ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons orange zest in the saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens beautifully. This is the base for our amazing glaze!
- Step 3: While the glaze simmers, prepare your turkey. Pat the 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for crispy skin.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast, being careful not to tear it. Rub about half of that aromatic herb and oil mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Then, rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the skin and inside the cavity.
- Step 6: Place your seasoned turkey breast, skin-side up, into a roasting pan.
- Step 7: Now it’s time to roast! Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 °F (74 °C).
- Step 8: For the last 30 minutes of cooking, it’s glaze time! Brush the turkey breast generously with the reserved cranberry orange glaze. Repeat this glazing process every 10 minutes. This is how to make cranberry orange glazed turkey truly shine, creating that gorgeous, sticky finish.
- Step 9: Once your turkey reaches the perfect internal temperature, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. This resting period is essential for juicy, tender meat.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this turkey recipe foolproof and absolutely delicious. These tips will help you achieve that perfect juicy texture and beautiful glaze every time you make this dish.
- Don’t skip patting the turkey breast dry; it’s key for crispy skin.
- Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
- Letting the turkey rest is crucial for juicy meat, so be patient!
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work too, just use about a third of the amount.
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?
The magic lies in the balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry-orange glaze, combined with gentle cooking and resting. Ensuring the turkey stays moist under the skin and basting with that flavorful glaze during the final roast creates an incredible turkey glaze cranberry orange flavor. For more insights into achieving perfect poultry, check out these dinner recipes.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also season the turkey breast and rub the herb mixture under the skin up to 24 hours before roasting. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before it goes in the oven.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?
A common pitfall is overcooking, which leads to dry meat. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F. Also, don’t forget to let the turkey rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender. For more tips on cooking poultry, you might find this guide on spicy ginger chicken helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Turkey with Cranberry Orange Glaze
This festive turkey is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides truly elevates the meal. Imagine a slice of this juicy turkey alongside creamy mashed potatoes and some roasted Brussels sprouts – that’s a holiday plate! For a truly special experience, consider serving it with a side of stuffing or a wild rice pilaf. The sweet and tart notes of this glazed turkey with citrus and cranberry also pair beautifully with lighter, brighter dishes like a quinoa salad or a crisp green bean casserole. It’s a dish that truly sings with complementary flavors.
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
When you prepare this cranberry orange turkey breast recipe, you’re looking at a wholesome and delicious meal. A typical serving of this turkey with cranberry orange glaze offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for any special occasion.
- Calories: 320 (estimated)
- Fat: 15g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (estimated)
- Protein: 35g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: 12g (estimated)
- Fiber: 2g (estimated)
- Sugar: 9g (estimated)
- Sodium: 280mg (estimated)
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
To keep your delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey tasting its best, proper storage and reheating are key. Once it’s had a chance to cool down completely, which usually takes about an hour after resting, wrap the leftover turkey tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of delicious turkey left over, don’t fret! This turkey is also freezer-friendly. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months. This makes having a simple cranberry orange turkey recipe on hand super convenient. For more tips on preserving food, consider looking into food preservation techniques.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For the best results, place slices of the turkey in a baking dish. Spoon a little leftover cranberry orange sauce for turkey or some chicken broth over the meat to help keep it moist. Cover the dish tightly with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures your turkey remains delightfully juicy, just like the first time! You might also enjoy this recipe for easy homemade mayonnaise as a side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
What makes this an easy cranberry orange turkey recipe?
The simplicity comes from using a turkey breast, which cooks much faster than a whole bird. The glaze is also straightforward, involving just a few ingredients simmered together. Plus, the minimal prep means you can have a festive meal on the table without a ton of fuss. If you’re looking for other easy meals, this easy ground beef and broccoli recipe is a great option.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! If using dried cranberries, you might need to adjust the liquid and simmering time slightly. Dried cranberries won’t burst like fresh ones, but they will plump up and absorb the flavors of the glaze. You may want to add a little extra orange juice or water if the glaze seems too thick.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme?
Not to worry! You can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so start with less and add more to taste if needed. They still provide a wonderful aroma and flavor to the turkey glaze cranberry orange.
How can I ensure the turkey stays moist?
Besides using a turkey breast, which is naturally more forgiving, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for the 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Also, the resting period after cooking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is succulent. For more poultry cooking tips, explore jerk chicken sides.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey You Can Try
While this cranberry orange turkey breast recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and methods. Trying these variations can add a new twist to your favorite dish. Making a homemade cranberry orange turkey is wonderfully adaptable!
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Turkey: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a star anise to the cranberry orange sauce for a warm, spiced flavor profile. This is especially lovely during the fall and winter holidays.
- Citrus Swap: Instead of orange juice and zest, try using grapefruit or even tangerine for a different citrusy note. A blend of orange and lemon also works beautifully for a sweeter and tarter glaze.
- Slow Cooker Method: For an incredibly hands-off approach, prepare the glaze and place the turkey breast in your slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until cooked through. You might want to finish it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like sage or marjoram in the rub under the skin. A bit of fresh ginger minced into the glaze can also add a lovely warmth and zing.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A juicy turkey breast with a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange glaze, perfect for holiday dinners or special meals. The fresh cranberries and citrusy brightness from the orange juice and zest bring a vibrant contrast to the savory herbs and tender turkey meat. This is a dish you’ll love to prepare when you want something festive without cooking a whole bird.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
- Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) at the thickest part.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes.
- Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For a quicker meal, swap turkey breast for turkey tenderloin.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in a baking dish covered with foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Spoon leftover glaze or broth over to add moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-6 oz turkey)
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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