Savory Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

Tangy Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast steals the spotlight on my holiday spread year after year giving fantastic taste without any hassle. This tender turkey breast gets a zippy sweet coating from fresh cranberries and oranges making a dish that's not just pretty but also simple enough for intimate gatherings or regular weeknight meals.

When I whipped this up at a Friendsgiving party a few years back, my buddies talked about it so much that they now ask for it every time December rolls around and even during casual Sunday get-togethers. Just the aroma gets everyone pumped up for mealtime.

Round Up Your Ingredients

• Boneless or bone in skin on turkey breast: roughly three to four pounds pick one with tight, damp skin and full meat for juiciness
• Fresh cranberries: give natural sourness and bright color use thawed frozen ones if fresh aren't around
• Orange juice: grab freshly squeezed for the liveliest flavor stay away from bottles marked from concentrate for best taste
• Honey: adds just enough sweetness and helps create a sticky finish local or unfiltered honey gives the most flavor
• Orange zest: boosts the citrus smell clean the orange and only grate off the colored outer layer
• Olive oil: adds depth and helps herbs stick the extra virgin kind offers nice flavor notes
• Garlic: finely chopped brings bold taste use cloves not pre-minced stuff for top results
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: these aromatic herbs create earthy notes pick bright green bunches and remove any woody parts
• Salt and black pepper: for flavor enhancement try sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper for clean sharp taste

How to Make It

Prepare the Oven:

Heat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius Give it at least fifteen minutes to warm up completely for even cooking

Make the Glaze:

In a small pot mix fresh cranberries orange juice honey and orange zest Heat until bubbling then turn down to a slow simmer Cook for ten to fifteen minutes until berries pop open and the mix gets thicker stir regularly to prevent burning Let cool a bit so it thickens enough to brush on

Season the Turkey:

Wipe the turkey breast completely dry using paper towels This helps get crispy skin Mix olive oil chopped garlic rosemary thyme salt and pepper in a small bowl

Apply the Herb Mixture:

Pull the skin away from the turkey meat carefully and rub half the herb mix under the skin for flavor that goes deeper Spread the remaining mix all over the outside making sure to cover everything

Roast the Turkey:

Set the turkey breast skin up in a roasting pan Cook about twenty minutes per pound until the thickest spot reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Check smaller pieces after thirty minutes and cover with foil if getting too brown

Glaze and Baste:

During the final thirty minutes paint the turkey generously with cranberry orange glaze every ten minutes Do this several times to build up a shiny tacky layer and boost the flavor

Rest and Serve:

After taking it from the oven let the turkey sit loosely covered for fifteen to twenty minutes This lets the juices settle back into the meat for better slicing Cut across the grain and serve with extra glaze

Turkey always takes me back to my grandma who always said constant basting was key her technique turned every meal into a tasty family story I adore how the rosemary brings her kitchen scents straight into my house whenever I cook this dish

Flavor Boosters

You can trade honey for maple syrup to get a deeper sweetness or try agave for plant-based cooking Don't attempt using dried cranberries here stick with fresh or frozen When you're out of fresh herbs use half as much dried rosemary and thyme instead

Serving Suggestions

Match slices with traditional sides such as baked sweet potatoes and garlicky green beans For something different try it with wild rice mix or a zesty citrus salad The extras make killer sandwich fillings or wrap stuffers the day after

Creative Twists

Cranberries and turkey stand as timeless winter holiday symbols across North America Their pairing brings back memories of countless festive family meals making this dish particularly significant during Thanksgiving and Christmas Fresh oranges become plentiful in December so this recipe perfectly highlights what's in season

Share this festive main dish with family and friends and let the bright glaze and moist turkey build new happy memories Enjoy the extras for quick tasty meals well after your celebration ends

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the turkey breast moist while roasting?

Dry the breast completely for crunchy skin, apply plenty of herbs under and over the skin, pour the cranberry orange glaze on often, and always let it cool down before cutting to keep all the juices inside.

→ What sides pair well with cranberry orange glazed turkey breast?

Oven-baked veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a colorful winter salad all taste amazing with the sweet-tangy turkey flavor.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can mix up the cranberry orange glaze a few days early and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just warm it up before you use it so it spreads easier.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Definitely, the turkey breast and cranberry orange glaze don't have gluten naturally. Just make sure all your spices and side dishes are gluten-free too.

→ How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The middle part should hit 165°F (74°C) at its thickest spot. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure it's done right.