Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: 5-Star Holiday Favorite

Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 2.5 lb boneless turkey breast; 1 cup fresh cranberries; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 tbsp orange zest; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

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Whether you’re planning a small holiday dinner, hosting a cozy Friendsgiving, or simply craving the bold, sweet-savory flavor of a seasonal dish, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast delivers elegance with minimal effort. In this article, you’ll learn why this dish is a must-try, exactly what you need to make it, how to cook it step-by-step, and simple variations to suit your style. You’ll also find answers to top questions to help you get it right every single time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Sweet, tangy, and deeply comforting

Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who’s learned that the most memorable meals are often the simplest. This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is proof. One holiday season, I wanted something easier than a whole turkey, but still full of fall flavor. I glanced at a bag of cranberries, a few juicy oranges, and a single turkey breast in the fridge. The result? Magic.

The glaze hits all the notes: citrusy brightness, warm spice, and a deep cranberry tang that clings to the juicy turkey with a glossy finish. It’s everything I wanted in a Thanksgiving glazed turkey, without the hours of prep or clean-up.

My husband? He called it “better than the big bird.” And when he went in for seconds (and asked for it again the following week), I knew it was a keeper.

This is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is totally weeknight-doable. Serve it with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls or roasted vegetables and you’ve got a holiday-worthy meal with almost no fuss.

Ideal for holidays, Sunday dinner, or meal prep

This glazed turkey breast is perfect for smaller gatherings. No need to wrestle a giant bird or wake up at dawn to start roasting. Just glaze, bake, slice, and watch it disappear. The leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any) are amazing in sandwiches or wraps.

It’s festive without being fussy. Elegant, but effortless. And once you try it, it’ll become one of your most repeated fall and winter recipes.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Simple ingredients, seasonal flavor

What makes this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast recipe so special is how it turns basic, easy-to-find ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Each component plays a role: the turkey is juicy and lean, the cranberries offer tartness, the orange adds brightness, and the glaze pulls everything together in a sweet, sticky hug.

The best part? You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. This isn’t one of those complicated holiday dishes that require a trip to a gourmet store.

If you’re planning a full Thanksgiving spread, consider adding pumpkin French toast casserole to your menu, it makes an unforgettable brunch pairing the next morning.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless turkey breast	2 to 2.5 lbs	Skin-on or skinless both work
Fresh cranberries	1 cup	Frozen works too (no need to thaw)
Orange juice	½ cup	Freshly squeezed for best flavor
Orange zest	1 tbsp	From one large orange
Brown sugar	¼ cup	Adds deep sweetness
Dijon mustard	1 tbsp	Balances sweetness with sharpness
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Optional but adds depth
Cinnamon	½ tsp	Adds cozy warmth
Salt	1 tsp	Adjust to taste
Pepper	½ tsp	Fresh cracked is best
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For rubbing the turkey
Rosemary sprigs	Optional	For garnish or added aroma

Ingredient notes & swaps

No cranberries? Use canned whole cranberry sauce, but reduce the sugar to avoid oversweetening.
No fresh orange? Bottled juice is okay, but fresh zest makes a big difference.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for heat.
Low sugar? Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup in equal amounts.

This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and fuss-free, just how holiday cooking should be.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Step-by-step instructions for juicy, flavorful results

This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is all about layering flavor, not stress. You’ll start by preparing a quick glaze that simmers into a thick, sticky coating. Then, while the turkey roasts, the glaze gets brushed on, building flavor and shine with every pass.

If you’re thinking of a side that plays well with these flavors, consider the pumpkin baked oatmeal as a brunch-for-dinner companion or next-day leftover treat.

Here’s how to bring this Thanksgiving glazed turkey to life:

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

2. Prep the glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

1 cup cranberries
½ cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 minced garlic cloves (optional)
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt and pepper

Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Set aside.

3. Season the turkey
Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place it skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan.

4. Bake the turkey
Roast uncovered for 25 minutes per pound (about 50–60 minutes for a 2–2.5 lb breast), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.

5. Glaze, glaze, glaze
Every 15–20 minutes, brush the turkey breast generously with the cranberry-orange glaze. Pour a bit into the pan too, so the flavor steeps into the drippings.

6. Rest and slice
Once fully cooked, tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.

7. Serve and spoon extra glaze on top
Slice against the grain and drizzle with pan juices and leftover glaze. Top with fresh rosemary if desired.

This method guarantees a glazed turkey breast that’s juicy, glossy, and packed with balanced fall flavor in every bite.

Tips and Variations for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

How to guarantee success every time

This dish is simple, yes, but a few pro tips can take it from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re planning ahead or cooking on the fly, here’s how to make sure your Thanksgiving glazed turkey turns out tender, flavorful, and photo-worthy.

And if you’re looking for the perfect veggie side, this yellow squash casserole offers cozy, cheesy comfort that complements the sweet-tart turkey beautifully.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Use a meat thermometer
It’s the only way to know if your turkey is done. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast (without touching bone, if using bone-in).
Don’t skip the resting time
Resting the turkey after baking allows the juices to redistribute, making your slices moist and tender.
Brush in layers
Glazing every 15–20 minutes creates a beautifully caramelized finish. Don’t just dump it on at the end.
Reduce the glaze
If you want it thicker or stickier, simmer it longer. For a pourable sauce, stop once it coats the back of a spoon.
Add aromatics
Roast with orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or onion wedges around the turkey for added aroma and moisture.

Recipe Variations You’ll Love

Make it spicy
Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne to the glaze for a gentle kick.
Try bone-in
Using bone-in turkey breast? No problem. It’ll be even juicier, just increase the roasting time by 10–15 minutes.
Citrus twist
Swap orange with blood orange or add a splash of lemon juice for a tangier glaze.
Switch up the glaze
Add a spoonful of balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for complexity and richness.
Make it ahead
You can prepare the glaze 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before using.

Small tweaks make a big difference. Try one or two of these tips the next time you make this cranberry orange turkey breast, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new holiday go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pairs well with cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?

This glazed turkey breast is rich, sweet, and savory, which makes it incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. It pairs beautifully with creamy or herby flavors. Think zucchini casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or wild rice stuffing. For an appetizer, Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are festive and echo the cranberry flavors beautifully.
For a full spread, try mixing in sweet and savory options to balance the glaze.

How do you keep a glazed turkey breast from drying out?

The key to a juicy cranberry orange turkey breast is threefold:
Don’t overcook it: Always use a meat thermometer and remove the turkey at 165°F.
Rest the meat: Letting it rest after roasting allows juices to redistribute.
Glaze frequently: The glaze adds moisture and keeps the surface from drying out. You can even spoon pan drippings over the turkey during resting time for extra flavor.

Can I make cranberry orange glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze is ideal for prepping in advance. Make it up to 3 days ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and warm it up before brushing onto the turkey. In fact, letting the glaze rest often deepens the flavor.

What kind of turkey breast works best for glazing?

Boneless, skin-on turkey breast is the best choice for this recipe. It’s easy to handle, cooks quickly, and the skin helps retain moisture while crisping up under the glaze. However, bone-in turkey breast works just as well if you don’t mind a slightly longer cooking time (about 10–15 minutes more). Skinless turkey breast will work too, but it may need extra basting to stay moist.

Final Touch

This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is more than a recipe, it’s a tradition in the making. With its bold flavors, simple prep, and juicy results, it’s ideal for Thanksgiving, weeknight fall dinners, or anytime you want comfort with a touch of elegance.

From the very first bite to the final leftover sandwich, this dish is one your family will remember, and request again and again. Whether paired with cottage cheese baked eggs for brunch or served with roasted veggies for a cozy dinner, this turkey is always the star.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast