Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

Add a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving table with this tangy and sweet cranberry-glazed turkey breast. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate your holiday meal with a beautiful, glossy finish and a delicious balance of tart and sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and orange zest over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper on all sides, then place it in a roasting pan.
4. Step 4: Brush the prepared cranberry glaze evenly over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the top and sides.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the turkey occasionally with the remaining glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Step 6: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy bite.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cloves to the cranberry mixture.
• Use fresh cranberries and sugar to make your own cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
• Cover the turkey loosely with foil halfway through roasting to prevent the glaze from burning.
• Serve leftovers as sandwiches or chopped in salads for a flavorful twist.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast and cranberry glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, brushing with extra glaze to keep the meat moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even roasting and food safety.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

You can use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard as a substitute, though Dijon provides a milder, slightly tangy flavor that complements the glaze best.

Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

This Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or holiday table. The turkey breast is roasted to juicy perfection and coated with a vibrant cranberry glaze featuring honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh orange zest for an extra burst of brightness.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 1 turkey breast (about 4–5 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Glaze

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
2. Prepare Cranberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and orange zest. Stir the mixture consistently until smooth and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Season Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance the flavor.
4. Glaze the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and brush the cranberry glaze evenly over the entire surface of the meat, ensuring full coverage.
5. Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the turkey occasionally with additional cranberry glaze or pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
6. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final result.
7. Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with any remaining cranberry glaze or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Leftover cranberry glaze can be warmed and served as a sauce alongside the turkey.
• If you prefer, you can substitute fresh cranberries cooked down into a sauce for canned cranberry sauce.
• This recipe can be adjusted for smaller or larger turkey breasts by modifying cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: cranberry glazed turkey breast, Thanksgiving turkey, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, cranberry sauce turkey