Print

Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, make-ahead turkey breast recipe with a bright cranberry orange glaze that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of one large orange
  • 2 tablespoons raw or mild-flavored honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the turkey breast from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary if using. Make sure to get under the skin a bit to flavor the meat directly.
  4. Place the turkey breast on the rack in the roasting pan, skin side up. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
  5. Brush half the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is sticky and slightly caramelized.
  6. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.
  7. Slice the turkey breast against the grain and drizzle with the remaining glaze. Garnish with fresh orange slices or extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat turkey skin dry before roasting for a crisp finish. Apply glaze in layers, brushing half before the final bake to caramelize sugars. Rest turkey loosely tented with foil for juicy slices. Prepare glaze a day ahead for better flavor melding. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; remove turkey at 160°F internal temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, holiday recipe, make-ahead turkey, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy turkey recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-make-ahead-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-recipe-for-perfect-holiday-meals/