Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering, combining the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of oranges for a flavorful and moist turkey experience.
This recipe was inspired by the traditional flavors of the holiday season, combining sweet and savory elements that appeal to everyone at the table. The cranberry orange glaze not only adds a beautiful color to the turkey but also enhances its flavor profile, making it a must-try for your next gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Moist and tender turkey with a beautiful glaze
- An impressive dish that’s easy to make
The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together. The stunning presentation of a beautifully glazed turkey breast will be the highlight of your holiday table. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have your guests eagerly anticipating their first bite. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this turkey breast will create lasting memories.
Moreover, the combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a festive touch to your dining experience. The glaze glistens beautifully, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It's an impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, yet it's surprisingly simple to make.
Flavorful Ingredients You Can Trust
When preparing this turkey breast, you'll find that the ingredients are both simple and wholesome. The star of the dish, the turkey breast, is complemented by a glaze made from fresh or frozen cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice. These natural ingredients not only contribute to the delicious flavor but also provide nutritional benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamin C.
Using brown sugar adds a depth of sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries, while Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang. The warmth of ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the overall flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe allows you to serve a dish that is both nourishing and bursting with flavor.
Tips for a Successful Roast
To ensure your turkey breast turns out perfectly moist and tender, it's essential to monitor the internal temperature carefully. Investing in a good meat thermometer will help you achieve the ideal doneness without overcooking. Remember, the turkey will continue to cook while resting, so removing it from the oven at around 160°F (71°C) will yield the best results.
Basting the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 30 minutes not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the meat juicy. Don't hesitate to experiment with the basting intervals if you prefer a deeper glaze. Additionally, allowing the turkey to rest before slicing is crucial; this step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every slice is as flavorful as the last.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast
- 1 (4-5 lb) turkey breast, bone-in
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. Place it in a roasting pan.
Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Glaze the Turkey
Brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast, reserving some for basting later. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
Roast the Turkey
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 90 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Slice the turkey and serve it with the remaining glaze drizzled on top. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables for a complete holiday meal. The sweet and tangy flavors of the glaze complement savory sides beautifully, creating a harmonious dining experience. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad to add a refreshing crunch.
For those looking to elevate the meal further, consider offering a selection of sauces and gravies. A rich turkey gravy or a tart cranberry sauce can enhance the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the glaze.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover turkey, don’t worry! This dish reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the turkey in the oven at a low temperature to keep it moist. You may want to add a splash of broth or a bit of the reserved glaze to prevent drying out.
Leftover turkey can also be repurposed in a variety of dishes. Consider making a turkey salad, sandwiches, or even a comforting turkey pot pie. The flavorful glaze will add an extra dimension to whatever dish you choose, making your leftovers as enjoyable as the main event.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! If you're looking to switch up the flavors, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic twist. You could also experiment with different citrus juices, like grapefruit or lemon, for a unique variation on the classic flavor profile.
For a spicier kick, try incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the glaze. This contrast between sweet, tart, and spicy can elevate the dish and surprise your guests with unexpected flavors. Remember, cooking is all about personalization, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly fine in this recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it.
→ What can I serve with this turkey?
This turkey pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering, combining the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of oranges for a flavorful and moist turkey experience.
Created by: Lucinda Price
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Turkey Breast
- 1 (4-5 lb) turkey breast, bone-in
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. Place it in a roasting pan.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast, reserving some for basting later. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 90 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 30g