Thank you so much for being here! If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table — without committing to a full turkey — this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is your perfect solution. It’s tender, juicy, and beautifully glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry-orange sauce that sparkles with seasonal cheer.
This recipe delivers everything you love about holiday turkey — golden, aromatic, and full of flavor — but in a smaller, easier-to-manage portion. Perfect for intimate gatherings, weeknight holiday dinners, or Friendsgiving!
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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This recipe combines the comfort of roasted turkey with the bright, festive flavors of citrus and cranberry. It’s elegant enough for your holiday table but simple enough for any weekend dinner.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Bursting with flavor – the glaze blends sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and a hint of spice.
- Juicy and tender – no dry turkey here! The glaze keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Perfectly portioned – ideal for small holiday gatherings or couples.
- Make-ahead friendly – the glaze and turkey can be prepped in advance.
The flavor? It’s a delicious balance of savory and sweet — the rich turkey pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry and fragrant orange zest.
Benefits of This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Easy to prepare – fewer steps than roasting a whole turkey.
- Elegant presentation – looks stunning with its glossy glaze and bright cranberries.
- Balanced nutrition – lean protein with a naturally sweet glaze.
- Versatile – perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy winter Sunday.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- 1 (3–4 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Saucepan (for the glaze)
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Whisk
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer flavor.
- Add spice: A pinch of cayenne or chili flakes adds warmth.
- Fresh herbs: Add rosemary or sage to the glaze for depth.
- No cranberries? Use cranberry sauce instead of fresh berries (reduce sugar by half).
- Citrus twist: Replace orange with clementine or blood orange for a unique flavor.
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 and place it skin-side up in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. Rub evenly to coat.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside about ½ cup of the glaze for serving later.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Brush the turkey breast with a generous layer of the glaze. Roast uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze.
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
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, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Slice and drizzle with the reserved glaze for a glossy, picture-perfect finish.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This dish pairs beautifully with classic and modern sides alike:
- Garlic mashed potatoes – creamy and rich to balance the tangy glaze.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans – fresh and vibrant.
- Herb stuffing or wild rice – for hearty, savory flavor.
- Homemade dinner rolls – to soak up that gorgeous glaze!
Tips for Perfect Turkey Breast
- Use a thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy turkey.
- Don’t skip resting: Cutting too soon will cause the juices to run out.
- Make glaze ahead: It keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Double the glaze: It’s delicious drizzled over sides or sandwiches.
- For extra shine: Brush with glaze again just before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months with a little glaze on top for moisture.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey tenderloins instead of a breast?
Yes! They’ll cook faster — about 30–40 minutes depending on size.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Place the seasoned turkey in your crockpot, pour half the glaze over, and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Finish under the broiler for that golden glaze.
What if I only have canned cranberry sauce?
Use it! Just heat with orange juice, zest, and a bit of honey to thin and flavor it.
Can I make this glaze for chicken or pork?
Yes — it’s fantastic on roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even ham!
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a festive masterpiece — juicy, flavorful, and glistening with a holiday-perfect glaze. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but stunning enough for your Christmas or Thanksgiving table. Every bite is a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory goodness that tastes like the holidays themselves.