Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: 5 Irresistible Holiday Flavors

There’s something magical about the holidays — the twinkle lights, the laughter, and yes… the smell of Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast roasting in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with that “just like Grandma’s kitchen” aroma while giving you time to actually enjoy your guests (or, let’s be honest, sneak a few bites of pie early).

If you’ve ever felt that a whole turkey was too much commitment — too big, too messy, too everything — this recipe is your stress-free solution. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings all the festive feels without taking over your day (or your oven).

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

This dish isn’t just another turkey recipe. It’s bright, tangy, and beautifully balanced — the perfect mix of savory herbs and sweet citrus.

Here’s why it’ll quickly become your go-to:

• Quick to prepare: No wrestling a full-sized turkey this year — just a manageable turkey breast that cooks evenly and beautifully.
• Flavor that shines: The cranberry-orange glaze gives every bite a tangy sweetness that feels straight out of a holiday dream.
• Perfect for small gatherings: Whether it’s Friendsgiving, a Sunday dinner, or just a cozy date night, this dish delivers festive comfort without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (3–4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, take a deep breath — this part is easy! Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels (crispy skin loves a dry start).

2. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Set it aside to cool — it’ll continue to thicken as it rests.

3. Season the Turkey

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast (your hands are your best tools here) and rub half the herb mixture underneath. Then, spread the rest over the skin and inside the cavity.

4. Roast to Perfection

Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up, and roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

5. Glaze and Shine

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey with your cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This builds up that gorgeous, sticky-sweet finish that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.

6. Rest and Serve

Once done, let your turkey rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. This is your golden window to pour yourself something festive — maybe a cranberry-orange spritz?

Mounia’s Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Don’t skip the rest time: It’s tempting to dive right in, but those few extra minutes make the meat unbelievably juicy.
• Add extra glaze for serving: Set aside a bit of the cranberry-orange sauce (before it touches raw poultry) to drizzle over your slices — it’s pure flavor magic.
• Want a slow cooker version? You can absolutely adapt this for your trusty slow cooker! Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then pop it under the broiler for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, I was hosting a mini Friendsgiving — the kind where everyone brings something, and you secretly hope nobody burns the stuffing. Between juggling appetizers and my toddler’s “help,” I needed a recipe that looked impressive but didn’t need babysitting.

This was it. By the time it came out of the oven, the house smelled like cozy citrus and herbs, and my friends were convinced I had been cooking all day. Spoiler: I wasn’t.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Bring Home the Flavor

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a main dish — it’s a celebration on a platter. Juicy, tangy, and a little bit fancy without any fuss, it’s the perfect recipe to remind you that home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated to be memorable.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a chilly Sunday evening, this turkey brings that warm, homemade comfort we all crave — and lets you actually enjoy it, too.

Delicious Pairings & Recipe Inspiration

If you loved this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more comforting, flavor-packed recipes from our kitchen. Each one pairs beautifully with this festive dish or offers inspiration for your next cozy dinner night.

• Balance the sweetness of your turkey with a creamy and savory side like our Green Bean Casserole — a timeless classic that completes any holiday table.
• For a festive twist on pasta, try the Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells — rich, comforting, and bursting with fall flavor.
• If you’re craving another fruity-meets-savory entrée, you’ll adore the Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken — a cozy recipe that feels like autumn in every bite.
• And don’t forget dessert! End your meal on a sweet note with the irresistible Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes — the perfect complement to your turkey’s citrusy glaze.

Each of these recipes brings that same balance of warmth, simplicity, and flavor that makes your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast such a hit — ideal for creating a menu your family and friends will remember long after the last slice is gone.

Print