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Easy Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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A simple, soul-soothing turkey breast recipe with a sticky-sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a small holiday gathering, this dish delivers comfort on a plate with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs / 1.4–1.8 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 100g)
  • ½ cup orange juice (about 120 ml)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (about 85g)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle. While it’s heating, take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface, including underneath the skin if possible.
  3. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan or baking dish. Roast it uncovered for 30 minutes.
  4. While the turkey is roasting, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, balsamic vinegar (if using), and the rosemary sprig. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrupy glaze. Remove the rosemary sprig and set the glaze aside.
  5. After the first 30 minutes of roasting, remove the turkey from the oven. Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat the turkey breast with about half of the cranberry orange glaze. Reserve the rest for later.
  6. Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting for another 30-40 minutes. After 20 minutes, baste again with the remaining glaze. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (without touching bone) reads 155°F (68°C).
  7. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes.
  9. While the turkey rests, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and whisk in a tablespoon of butter if desired for a simple pan sauce.
  10. Carve the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, spoon any remaining glaze or pan sauce over the top, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer and pull the turkey at 155°F (68°C) to allow carryover cooking. If the glaze gets too thick, add a splash of orange juice or water. The turkey can be marinated in the glaze (without cranberries) overnight for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, easy turkey breast recipe, cozy turkey dinner, holiday turkey breast, weeknight turkey

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/easy-cozy-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-recipe/