Holiday tables feel extra special when the centerpiece combines tradition with a hint of surprise. A Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast does exactly that—juicy, tender meat brushed with a glossy, sweet-tart glaze that sparkles with festive flavor. The cranberries bring tangy brightness, oranges add a natural citrus sweetness, and rosemary layers in that cozy, pine-like aroma we crave during the holidays.
This turkey breast recipe fits seamlessly into Thanksgiving dishes, Christmas food dinner spreads, and any holiday cooking where you want a memorable main course. Pair it with classic side dishes or creative seasonal twists, and you’ll have a showstopper that fills the table with color, aroma, and cozy cheer. Best of all, it’s approachable enough for home cooks of all levels—easy to master, yet impressive enough to become a holiday favorite year after year.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 10 lb turkey breast, cut into 6 pieces bone-in or boneless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup orange juice concentrate or fresh orange juice
- ½ cup cranberry juice concentrate or fresh cranberry juice
- ½ cup orange marmalade or apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt for glaze
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper for glaze
- fresh herbs, orange wedges, cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the oven rack in the bottom third of the oven.
- Rinse turkey pieces and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Rub turkey with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Place skin-side up on a large baking sheet or roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, orange marmalade, rosemary, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until thickened into a glaze, about 8–10 minutes.
- Brush the turkey pieces with a layer of glaze and place in the oven.
- Roast, basting with glaze every 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour chicken broth into the pan to prevent drippings from scorching.
- Continue roasting and glazing until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Brush with a final layer of glaze and roast an additional 15 minutes until bubbling and glossy.
- Remove from oven, transfer turkey to a platter, and rest for 25–30 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, orange wedges, and cranberries. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
A Holiday Turkey That Shines
This isn’t just another turkey recipe for Thanksgiving—it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and seasonality. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Perfectly Juicy: Turkey breast can sometimes feel dry, but basting with the cranberry-orange glaze locks in moisture and flavor.
- Holiday-Ready Presentation: The glossy glaze gives it a gorgeous finish, making it a centerpiece-worthy turkey dish.
- Balanced Flavors: The tartness of cranberries and sweetness of orange marmalade blend beautifully, with rosemary for depth.
- Versatility: Works equally well for Thanksgiving dishes or Christmas dinner, and can even be adapted for smaller gatherings when a whole turkey feels like too much.
- Pairs with Classic Sides: From stuffing to mashed potatoes, it fits seamlessly with all your favorite Thanksgiving recipes side dishes.
When I first tested this dish, I paired it with roasted Brussels sprouts and my homemade Pumpkin Mousse. The sweet-sour glaze balanced the richness of the side perfectly. A week later, I served it with Moist Pumpkin Bread for brunch-style holiday cooking, and it was just as magical.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe:
For the Turkey:
- Turkey Breast (10 lb cut into 6 pieces) – You can also use bone-in breasts for a smaller dinner, or even turkey thighs for a darker-meat option.
- Olive Oil – Helps crisp the skin. Substitute with melted butter for extra richness.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Don’t skimp; they enhance the natural poultry flavors.
- Chicken Broth – Keeps the pan drippings from burning and adds moisture.
- Fresh Herbs, Orange Wedges, Cranberries (for garnish) – Optional, but they make the platter pop.
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
- Orange Juice Concentrate & Cranberry Juice Concentrate – These concentrates deliver bold flavor without excess liquid. If unavailable, use fresh juices but simmer longer.
- Orange Marmalade – Provides natural sweetness and texture. Apricot preserves make a good backup.
- Fresh Rosemary – Adds earthiness. Thyme or sage can also work.
- Butter – Smooths out the glaze and gives shine.
- Salt & Pepper – Balances the sweetness and tang.
Step Into Holiday Flavor
Follow these steps for a perfectly glazed turkey every time:
- Preheat & Prep
Position your oven rack in the bottom third and preheat to 400°F. Rinse and pat the turkey pieces dry. - Season
Rub the turkey with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place skin-side up on a baking sheet. - Roast & Glaze
Brush the turkey with a layer of cranberry-orange glaze. Roast, basting every 15 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F (about 1 hour 10 minutes). - Add Broth
Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep drippings from scorching. Continue roasting. - Finish with Glaze
Brush with more glaze and roast another 15 minutes until bubbling and set. - Rest & Garnish
Transfer to a platter, rest for 25–30 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs, orange wedges, and cranberries. Serve with remaining glaze.
Cozy Variations & Serving Ideas
Variations:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Citrus Boost: Add zest of one orange for an extra pop
- Herb Lovers: Mix thyme and sage with rosemary for a deeper herbal profile.
Serving Ideas:
- Perfect with Thanksgiving recipes side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing.
- For Christmas food dinner, pair it with roasted root vegetables and cranberry chutney.
- Leftovers make an amazing turkey sandwich with brie cheese and arugula.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced turkey and glaze separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs: Turkey, Glaze & More
1. Can I make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry orange glaze two to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, roast the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast fresh to ensure the juiciest texture and best flavor. Prepping the glaze early makes holiday cooking less stressful and gives you more time with guests.
2. What are the best Thanksgiving side dishes to serve with this recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving recipes side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. For a cozy twist, serve the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast with Moist Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Mousse. Its sweet-tart glaze balances hearty and savory flavors perfectly.
3. Can I use this glaze on chicken or other poultry recipes?
Absolutely! The glaze isn’t limited to turkey—it’s delicious brushed over chicken thighs, Cornish hens, or even a roasted duck. Still, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast remains the standout because the mild turkey meat soaks up the glaze’s tangy-sweet flavor so well. It’s a versatile recipe to keep in your holiday toolkit.
4. How do I keep turkey breast from drying out?
The secret to juicy turkey breast is frequent basting with the glaze while roasting. Adding chicken broth to the pan also keeps the meat tender and prevents the drippings from burning. Finally, let the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast rest for at least 25 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.
Bringing It All Together
A holiday meal becomes unforgettable when the main dish feels both comforting and a little bit special, and Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast delivers on every front. The glaze is sweet, tangy, and fragrant, the turkey stays juicy, and the finished dish looks as beautiful on the table as it tastes on the plate.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas food dinner, or simply want a poultry recipe that stands out in your holiday cooking, this dish is a perfect choice. Pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving recipes side dishes or try it alongside seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Soda Floats, Pumpkin Mousse, or Moist Pumpkin Bread for a festive twist that your guests will love.
From the first slice to the last bite, this turkey breast recipe brings color, warmth, and flavor to your celebration. Add it to your holiday traditions, and you’ll have a centerpiece that guests will request year after year.
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