Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

A sweet, savory, and stunning twist on your classic roasted turkey breast recipe.

A Festive, Juicy Holiday Turkey Recipe for Small Gatherings

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is everything you want for a holiday centerpiece—without the stress of roasting an entire bird. We’re talking a juicy turkey breast, crispy skin, and a glossy, sweet-tart cranberry glaze with citrusy brightness. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want something festive and a little fancy—but still weeknight-manageable.

Using a bone-in turkey breast with skin-on helps retain moisture and gives you that golden, crackly skin. Plus, with lean protein and an herb-packed rub, this one’s not just delicious—it’s lighter and healthier than your average feast.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• 1 (3–4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
  
• 1 cup orange juice
  
• 1/2 cup honey
  
• 2 tbsp orange zest
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

How to Make This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Herb Turkey with Homemade Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Make the cranberry-orange glaze: Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer until the cranberries burst and it thickens—about 10–15 minutes. Set aside.
   
3. Prep the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry (don’t skip this—moisture ruins the crisp). Gently loosen the skin and rub half the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme underneath. Rub the rest on the outside. Season generously with salt and pepper.
   
4. Roast in a pan, skin-side up, for about 20 minutes per pound—so ~1 hour 15 minutes for a 3.5 lb breast.
   
5. Glaze frequently: In the final 30 minutes, brush the glaze on every 10 minutes. That’s what gives it the shiny, caramelized crust.
   
6. Rest for at least 15–20 minutes before carving. Let those juices settle—it makes all the difference.
   

Why This Sweet and Savory Turkey Works So Well

Balancing the Bright Cranberry Glaze with Herb Roasted Turkey

You’re combining savory garlic and rosemary with the bold flavors of a cranberry glaze and orange glaze for turkey. That combo? Magic. It cuts through the richness of the meat, gives every bite a pop, and brings both holiday nostalgia and a modern zing.

Why a Roasted Turkey Breast is Ideal

The Benefits of a Skin-On, Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Perfect for small groups: You don’t need to commit to a whole bird.
  
• Faster to cook: Less time, same holiday impact.
  
• Juicier and more flavorful: The bone and skin lock in the moisture and fat, giving you restaurant-level results.
  

A Little Citrus Makes a Big Difference

The Power of Orange and Cranberry in a Citrus Glazed Turkey

Both orange and cranberry are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, but more importantly—they balance each other out. The tart berries and sweet citrus create a layered glaze that elevates even a simple oven roasted turkey breast to festive status.

Serving Ideas for This Herb Roasted Showstopper

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
  
• Wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds
  
• Creamy mashed potatoes
  
• Arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette
  

Drink pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or a cranberry-orange mocktail with rosemary

Garnish: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary

Tips to Nail This Honey Glazed Turkey Recipe

• Dry the skin: Moisture kills crisp.
  
• Season under and over: That’s how you get flavor in every bite.
  
• Use a thermometer: Pull it at 160°F, it’ll coast to 165°F while resting.
  
• Glaze at the end: You want color and shine, not burnt sugar.
  
• Let it rest: Always. The juice? That’s gold.
  

Storing Leftovers (If You’re Lucky Enough to Have Any)

Making the Most of Leftover Turkey Breast

• Store in the fridge for 3–4 days
  
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist
  
• Repurpose: Add to sandwiches, salads, tacos, or a creamy pasta
  

Suggested Internal Linking Opportunities

Related to Poultry or Holiday Mains

• Looking for more comforting holiday chicken dishes? Check out Perfect Chicken Pot Pie.
  
• Love hearty meat-based entrées for festive dinners? Don’t miss Savory Caramelized Onion Meatloaf.
  
• Craving more sweet and savory poultry recipes? Try this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
  

Great Side Dishes for Turkey

• For a classic potato salad to serve with turkey breast, this Country Style Potato Salad is a must.
  
• Add a pop of color with vibrant salads that complement roasted turkey like Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad.
  
• Or try a twist with a Mexican-inspired pasta salad to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey: Elote Pasta Salad Recipe.
  

Conclusion

This is the kind of turkey you dream about—deep flavor, bright glaze, juicy meat, and crisp skin. It’s bold, balanced, and way easier than it looks. Whether you’re planning a mini Thanksgiving or just want to impress some dinner guests, this cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is the move.

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FAQ About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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