Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup orange juice; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons orange zest

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a turkey breast recipe that feels both festive and fresh, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is going to delight your taste buds and wow your guests. The tangy sweetness of cranberries paired with bright orange zest creates a glaze that perfectly complements the juicy turkey breast, turning a simple cut of meat into a show-stopping centerpiece. I love making this during the holidays or any special weekend when you want something a little extra special without fussing over a whole bird.

One of the best things about this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare, yet it delivers complex flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it only calls for fresh, wholesome ingredients that you can find easily. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings that wonderful balance of citrusy brightness and cozy sweetness that makes every bite juicy and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast come together beautifully to create a vibrant glaze and juicy meat. I find that choosing fresh, quality ingredients, especially fresh cranberries and fresh herbs, makes all the difference in bringing out those lively holiday flavors.

Turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on: Keeps the meat moist and flavorful as the skin crisps up beautifully under the glaze.
Fresh cranberries: These give you the perfect tart pop and texture in the glaze—skip the frozen if you want a brighter, fresher taste.
Orange juice: Fresh squeezed is ideal here, to balance the tang and sweetness naturally.
Honey: Adds just the right touch of smooth sweetness to complement the cranberries and orange.
Orange zest: Packs in the citrus aroma and amps up the orange flavor without extra acidity.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for that savory depth to balance the sweet glaze.
Olive oil: Helps with roasting and gives richness.
Fresh rosemary: Chopped rosemary adds an earthy, fragrant note that works wonders with turkey.
Fresh thyme leaves: Another herb that brightens the overall flavor with a subtle herbal hint.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season and bring out all these flavors.

Variations

While I stick close to this recipe most of the time, I love how forgiving it is for personal twists—you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic cranberry-orange vibe.

Variation: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of chili flakes to the glaze—I tried this one Thanksgiving and it added a wonderful subtle kick that kept everyone reaching for more.
Variation: Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a deeper sweetness with a slightly different nuance.
Variation: Herb-wise, if you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dried versions will work—just use them sparingly as their flavor is more concentrated.
Variation: For a gluten-free and paleo-friendly option, all ingredients here naturally fit, so just be sure your honey is pure and unprocessed.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Marinade

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels—that skin crisps up best when it isn’t wet. While doing that, combine your fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme in a small saucepan. Simmer this mixture gently over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally and keep an eye on the consistency; you want it thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Trust me, this step is where all those bright, zesty flavors get concentrated and ready to hug your turkey breast.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Turkey Breast

Generously season your turkey breast with salt and pepper on all sides. Place it in a roasting pan and brush a bit of that cranberry orange glaze over the skin. Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with the glaze. This slow roasting lets the skin crisp and the flavors soak in gradually. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—the internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step 3: Rest Before Slicing

Once you pull it from the oven, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Resting locks in those juices so your slices aren’t dry, plus it gives your glaze a chance to set a bit. This step is crucial for that tender, juicy bite you’ll love.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love garnishing this turkey breast with fresh orange slices and a handful of whole cranberries for that pop of color on the plate. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary right before serving lifts the dish’s aroma and looks gorgeous. Plus, it’s a simple touch that adds a restaurant-quality finish in your own kitchen.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced. Sometimes, I whip up some wild rice pilaf to soak up all that delicious glaze—it’s like a hug on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I sometimes carve the turkey breast into medallions and arrange them fan-style on a large platter surrounded by orange wedges, fresh cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary. Another fun idea is serving slices over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of the extra glaze as a warm dressing. It makes for a beautiful and approachable presentation, especially when entertaining a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh turkey breast, I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keeping some extra glaze on the side helps me reheat without drying out the meat. Just make sure to cool it to room temp before refrigerating.

Freezing

Freezing slices of this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast works surprisingly well. I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep that juicy flavor intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover turkey in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, adding a little of the reserved glaze or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the meat and mute those lovely citrus notes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available, but they may release more water, making the glaze slightly less thick. To compensate, cook the glaze a bit longer to reduce excess liquid or gently mash the cranberries to get the texture you want.
How do I know when the turkey breast is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. The turkey breast is safely cooked and juicy when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Avoid cutting it too soon to prevent losing precious juices.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry orange glaze can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Just rewarm gently before brushing it onto your turkey.
Is this recipe suitable for a whole family gathering?

Definitely. A 3-4 lb turkey breast will serve about 6-8 people, making it perfect for smaller family get-togethers when you want flavorful turkey without cooking a whole bird.
What substitutions work well in this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe?

You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness profiles. Fresh orange zest is a must for that brightness, but if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work with smaller amounts.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe holds a special place on my holiday table because it’s just as approachable as it is impressive. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for the recipe, and I love sharing because it’s straightforward yet feels indulgent. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the balance of tartness, sweetness, and herbaceous warmth as much as I do. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe rotation for many celebrations to come.