Description
Juicy roasted turkey breast glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce, infused with herbs and warm spices. A festive and elegant main dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special holiday dinner.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds), bone-in or boneless
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional for garnish)
Fresh orange slices for garnish (optional)
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.
Season turkey with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
Place turkey breast in a roasting pan and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the turkey roasts, prepare the glaze: combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush the glaze over the turkey breast every 5–10 minutes.
Remove turkey from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice turkey, drizzle with extra glaze, and garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary, and orange slices before serving.
Notes
Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh with no need to thaw.
Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
If turkey starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
This glaze also pairs beautifully with chicken, Cornish hens, or pork tenderloin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey breast, Christmas turkey dinner, turkey with cranberry glaze, citrus turkey breast