Description

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast features a juicy bone-in, skin-on turkey breast roasted to perfection and basted with a tangy, sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zest. Infused with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory herbs and bright citrus flavors, perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Herb Mixture

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

Cranberry Orange Glaze

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Remove it from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create an herb mixture.
Apply the Herb Mixture: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers and rub half of the herb mixture underneath the skin, ensuring flavor penetrates the meat. Rub the remaining mixture over the turkey skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
Place Turkey in Pan: Put the prepared turkey breast into a roasting pan with the skin side facing upward, ready for roasting.
Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part for safe consumption.
Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build up a flavorful and glossy coating.
Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Notes

Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Loosening the skin carefully helps the herb mixture penetrate the meat for more robust flavor.
You can prepare the cranberry orange glaze in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Letting the turkey rest after roasting improves juiciness and makes carving easier.
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen can be used but may require additional simmering time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes (depending on turkey weight)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry glaze, orange glaze, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving recipe, herb roasted turkey, citrus glaze