Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast (Moist & Flavorful!)

Juicy, festive, and glazed with a stunning sweet-tart coating, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate holiday centerpiece with an elegant twist. This show-stopping dish features a perfectly roasted turkey breast basted with a gorgeous cranberry-orange glaze made with fresh cranberries, citrus zest, honey, and warming spices, all caramelized to glossy perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with incredible holiday aromas and draws everyone straight to the table.

Each slice delivers a delightful combination of textures—tender, juicy, and beautifully balanced with bright citrus notes and tangy cranberry sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or a special celebration, this turkey breast is as impressive to serve as it is to love. Add your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, fresh herbs, or candied pecans for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like a restaurant-worthy feast.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Smaller and faster than whole turkey: Perfect for small gatherings—no need to roast a giant bird for hours.
• Gorgeous presentation: The glossy cranberry-orange glaze creates a stunning, Instagram-worthy centerpiece.
• Bright holiday flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet oranges screams festive celebration.
• No brining required: The glaze keeps the turkey moist and flavorful without lengthy prep time.
• Easier carving: Turkey breast is much simpler to slice than a whole bird, making serving effortless.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Roasting Pan with Rack
This is the MVP of the recipe. The rack elevates the turkey for even heat circulation and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.

Meat Thermometer
Essential for ensuring turkey reaches exactly 165°F—the difference between dry and perfectly juicy meat.

Small Saucepan
Perfect for simmering the cranberry-orange glaze until it reaches the right consistency.

Basting Brush or Silicone Pastry Brush
Ideal for applying the glaze evenly over the turkey breast during roasting.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the glaze ingredients to achieve that perfect sweet-tart balance.

Sharp Carving Knife
Best for slicing the turkey breast into clean, beautiful portions for serving.

Cutting Board with Juice Groove
For safely carving and catching all those delicious juices.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

• Bring turkey to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before roasting for more even cooking throughout.
• Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents proper browning and crispy skin.
• Make the glaze ahead of time so it has time to cool slightly before brushing—too hot and it slides right off.
• Start with butter under the skin for extra moisture and flavor that bastes the meat from within.
• Tent with foil if browning too quickly to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
• Let it rest for 15–20 minutes after roasting so juices redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this festive, flavor-packed turkey to life. Most of the ingredients are seasonal staples, making it both special and accessible.

For the Turkey Breast:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (5–7 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth (for the pan)

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Candied pecans
• Pomegranate arils

Everything in this list balances richness and brightness—the cranberry-orange glaze adds festive color and flavor while keeping the turkey incredibly moist. The garnishes are optional but give the dish a stunning, holiday-worthy finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat and spread the softened butter underneath, smoothing it evenly. Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, then season all over with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon stick, cloves, ground ginger, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves. Let cool slightly, then strain half the mixture for a smooth glaze (reserve the chunky portion for serving).

Step 3: Set Up for Roasting

Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan (this keeps the meat moist and provides liquid for basting). Position the turkey breast-side up.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for approximately 15–20 minutes per pound. For a 6-lb breast, this is about 1½–2 hours. After the first 45 minutes, begin basting with the cranberry-orange glaze every 20–25 minutes. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Finish with Glaze

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey generously with glaze every 10 minutes to build up a beautiful, glossy coating. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the turkey rest for 15–20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute. Transfer to a cutting board and carve into slices. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with remaining glaze (both smooth and chunky), and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and herbs as desired. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Boneless Option: Boneless turkey breast works too but cooks faster—reduce cooking time to about 12–15 minutes per pound.

Make-Ahead Glaze: Prepare the cranberry-orange glaze up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before basting.

Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or star anise to the glaze for deeper holiday spice notes.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not using a meat thermometer: Guessing doneness leads to dry, overcooked turkey. Always use a thermometer for perfect results.
• Applying glaze too early: Sugar burns easily. Wait until the turkey is at least halfway cooked before starting to glaze.
• Not letting turkey come to room temperature: Cold turkey cooks unevenly—the outside dries out before the inside is done.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting immediately causes all the juices to run out. Always rest for 15–20 minutes.
• Using a roasting pan without a rack: Turkey sitting in its own juices steams instead of roasts, resulting in soggy skin.
• Overcooking past 165°F: Turkey breast dries out quickly. Remove from oven at exactly 165°F for juicy meat.
• Not basting frequently enough: Regular basting with the glaze builds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
• Forgetting to strain the glaze: Whole spices left in create an unappealing texture. Always remove them before brushing.

What to Serve With Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast?

This beautifully glazed turkey breast is impressive on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a complete holiday feast. Whether you’re going traditional or creative, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Classic Herb Stuffing
Savory bread stuffing with sage and thyme complements the sweet-tart glaze perfectly.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Rich, buttery mashed potatoes are essential for soaking up the cranberry-orange glaze.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Caramelized sprouts with crispy bacon add savory depth to the sweet turkey.

Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes with marshmallow or pecan topping echo the orange notes beautifully.

Green Bean Almondine
Elegant green beans with toasted almonds and lemon butter provide a light, fresh contrast.

Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice with dried cranberries and pecans ties the flavors together perfectly.

Roasted Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash roasted with herbs add color and earthy sweetness.

Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crisp (for dessert)
A classic holiday dessert rounds out the festive meal with warm, spiced perfection.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is just as delicious as leftovers—and it stores beautifully.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the turkey cool completely, then slice and store in airtight containers. Keep the extra glaze separately. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cooled turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil with a splash of broth, for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Stovetop: Warm slices gently in a skillet with a bit of glaze and broth over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes. Add extra glaze to prevent drying out.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	365
Protein	48g
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	24g
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	130mg
Sodium	580mg

This dish delivers a lean, protein-rich meal—perfect for a satisfying holiday lunch or dinner with sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast ahead of time?
You can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead. The turkey is best roasted fresh, but you can season it the night before and refrigerate.

2. Can I use turkey tenderloin instead of turkey breast?
Yes! Turkey tenderloins cook much faster (about 25–30 minutes total). Adjust glazing accordingly and check temperature frequently.

3. Is the glaze very sweet?
The glaze has a balanced sweet-tart flavor thanks to the cranberries and balsamic vinegar. You can reduce honey if you prefer less sweetness.

4. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for the glaze. Dried cranberries won’t break down properly and create the right consistency.

5. What if I don’t have a roasting rack?
Create a makeshift rack using thick slices of onion, celery, and carrots arranged in the bottom of the pan.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Use a larger turkey breast (or two smaller ones) and double the glaze. Cooking time increases with size.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll lose the caramelized glaze effect. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then broil briefly with glaze for color.

8. How do I know when the turkey is done without overcooking?
Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Remove at exactly 165°F—carryover cooking will bring it to perfect doneness.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate combination of holiday elegance and incredible flavor—all roasted into one stunning, festive dish. With its tender, juicy meat and gorgeous cranberry-orange glaze, it’s everything you love about holiday meals, made simpler and more beautiful.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special celebration, this turkey breast is as impressive as it is delicious. Plus, with endless side dish options, it creates a memorable feast every time. So grab your roasting pan and make dinner something everyone looks forward to.