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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • For the Turkey Breast
  • 1 whole turkey breast bone-in, skin-on (4–6 lb)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice fresh-squeezed preferred
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup orange marmalade
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of salt & pepper

Method
 

  1. (Optional Brine):
  2. In a large pot, dissolve 1 cup kosher salt + ½ cup brown sugar in 4 cups warm water. Add zest of 2 oranges + 4 rosemary sprigs. Cool completely, add turkey breast, cover, and refrigerate 8–12 hours. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
  3. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Pat the turkey dry, rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs, and orange zest. Place skin-side up on a roasting rack in a pan.
  5. Make Glaze:
  6. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, orange marmalade, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Reserve half for basting.
  8. Roast:
  9. Brush turkey with glaze. Roast about 20 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 15 minutes during the last half hour.
  10. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Rest & Serve:
  12. Tent turkey with foil, let rest 10–15 minutes, slice, and drizzle with remaining glaze. Garnish with orange slices and rosemary sprigs.

Notes

  • Brining = Juicy Magic: Skip if short on time, but it guarantees moisture.
  • Don’t skip resting! It locks in juices and tenderness.
  • Check temp with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
  • Make glaze a day ahead to save time on cooking day.