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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of citrus and cranberries dancing in the kitchen to signal the start of a festive occasion. This simple turkey breast recipe uses a sweet-tart cranberry glaze infused with bright orange zest, guaranteed to make your gathering extra special.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin on
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- Zest of one orange
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. If you like subtle herbal notes, sprinkle on some dried thyme for extra flavor.
In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and honey. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Taste the glaze to see if you’d like a bit more sweetener or a hint more zest.
Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking dish. Brush about half of the cranberry-orange glaze over the turkey, reserving the remainder for later. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the turkey for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on its size, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush on the reserved glaze to give the skin an irresistible glossy finish.
Once you remove the turkey from the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes so the juices rearrange and the flavors settle. Slice against the grain to ensure tender pieces, then drizzle any remaining pan drippings or extra glaze on top.
This cranberry-orange glazed turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for anyone who loves a sweet, tangy twist on classic roast poultry. Turkey is naturally lean and packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners alike. You can substitute maple syrup for the honey or use a blend of citrus for extra brightness––try adding a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe’s velvety glaze and succulent turkey payoff is always worth savoring.
