Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays

Name: Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 1 turkey breast (4-5 lbs); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Zest of 1 orange; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday feast with this stunning Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe. Infused with sweet and tart cranberry and zesty orange flavors, this turkey breast is perfectly roasted to create a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving celebration. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests, it's the ideal dish for your festive gatherings.

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:36:59.219Z

A Flavorful Twist on Tradition

This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast takes a classic holiday dish and brings it to a whole new level. The combination of sweet and tart cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges not only elevates the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to your festive table. It’s a delightful departure from traditional turkey recipes that often stick to savory herbs and spices.

By incorporating unique flavors, this recipe ensures that each bite is bursting with freshness. The glaze caramelizes beautifully during roasting, giving the turkey a lovely, shiny finish. This blend of textures and tastes is sure to excite your taste buds and keep your guests coming back for more.

Easy Preparation for Holiday Stress

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, you deserve a recipe that is both simple and impressive. This turkey breast can be prepared with minimal fuss, allowing you to focus on other dinner elements and enjoy time with your loved ones. With straightforward steps and easily manageable ingredients, you’ll find this dish a breeze to make.

Even novice cooks can tackle this recipe with confidence. The clear instructions guide you through each phase, from seasoning to roasting, ensuring that your turkey turns out tender and juicy every time. Your holiday table will shine not only with this centerpiece but also with the joy of stress-free cooking.

Perfect Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Table

Completing your Thanksgiving feast goes beyond the turkey itself. Serve this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast alongside traditional sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp autumn salad. Each dish can complement the zesty notes of the turkey while providing a balanced meal that everyone will love.

Don’t forget to consider your beverage options! A dry white wine or a sparkling cider can perfectly complement the citrusy glaze, enhancing the overall dining experience. Bringing these elements together will create a memorable holiday dinner that your guests will rave about long after they leave.

Ingredients

Turkey Breast

1 turkey breast (4-5 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Orange Glaze

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper on all sides.

Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and brush generously with the cranberry orange glaze. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve the turkey slices with additional glaze drizzled on top.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with turkey leftovers, you’re in luck! The cranberry orange glaze not only enhances the flavor of the freshly roasted turkey but also keeps it moist when stored. Place any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to include some of the glaze to maintain that delicious taste.

You can also freeze any leftovers for a later date. Wrap the turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy, and consider reheating them with a bit of glaze to keep them juicy.

Cooking Tips for Success

To ensure your turkey breast is perfectly cooked, using a meat thermometer is highly recommended. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone for the most accurate reading. When it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), you can be confident it’s safely cooked through and ready to serve.

Basting the turkey every 30 minutes while it roasts will help to keep it moistened and flavorful. Additionally, covering it with aluminum foil during the first half of cooking can help prevent over-browning. Just remove the foil for the last half of the cooking time to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Making the Glaze Ahead of Time

For added convenience, feel free to prepare the cranberry orange glaze a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. When you’re ready to bake your turkey, simply reheat the glaze on the stove until it’s warm and pour it over your turkey breast before roasting.

This make-ahead option not only saves time on the day of your festivities but also allows you to enhance the flavor even further. Your guests will be impressed by the rich taste and your seamless execution, making the effort you put into this dish feel effortless.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.