Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

If you’re searching for a holiday dish that’s festive, flavorful, and easier to make than a full turkey, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the perfect choice. Juicy, tender, and coated with a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze, this recipe brings all the cozy holiday flavors to your table without the stress of cooking an entire bird.

This dish combines the tartness of cranberries, the bright citrus aroma of orange, and the savory comfort of roasted turkey into one stunning main course. Let’s dive into how to make this beautiful centerpiece that’ll impress everyone at your table!

🦃 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is perfect for both small holiday gatherings and everyday dinners when you crave something special.
Here’s why it stands out:

🌟 Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The glaze is the heart of the recipe—sweet, tangy, and citrusy all at once.
👩‍🍳 Simple Yet Elegant: You only need one pan and basic ingredients to create something restaurant-worthy.
⏰ Quick to Make: Cooks faster than a whole turkey but still feels festive.
🍊 Aromatic & Colorful: The orange zest and cranberry glaze add brightness and holiday charm to your table.

🍊 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this turkey breast shine, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Turkey:

1 (3–4 lb) boneless turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Zest of 1 large orange
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt

🔪 How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil (or butter), then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Place it in a roasting pan or baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and mash lightly with a spoon.

Reserve about half of the glaze for serving later, and the other half for basting during roasting.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey

Brush the turkey breast generously with the cranberry orange glaze.
Roast uncovered for 60–75 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze.
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, cover the turkey loosely with foil.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Serve with extra glaze drizzled over the top for that glossy, irresistible finish.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides!
Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:

🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – smooth and buttery to balance the tart glaze.
🥦 Roasted Brussels Sprouts – add crunch and caramelized goodness.
🍞 Homemade Stuffing – the perfect savory companion.
🥖 Buttery Dinner Rolls – ideal for soaking up the glaze.
🍰 Cranberry Cheesecake Bars – a sweet way to end your meal.

💡 Helpful Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid dry turkey, check for 165°F at the thickest part.
Make the Glaze Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry-orange glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it.
Double the Sauce: It’s so delicious that you’ll want extra for drizzling over sides or sandwiches!
For a Whole Turkey: Double all ingredients and baste frequently to prevent drying out.

🎄 Perfect for Holidays (and Beyond)

While this recipe is a natural fit for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s also wonderful year-round. The bright flavors of cranberry and orange complement turkey so beautifully that you’ll want to make it anytime you crave something festive yet easy.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is everything you want in a holiday meal — stunning, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting an intimate holiday dinner or just treating yourself to something special, this dish brings joy to every bite.

With its vibrant color, juicy texture, and heavenly aroma, this turkey breast is guaranteed to become one of your favorite recipes for years to come.