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Holiday Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

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A simple, juicy turkey breast with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this forgiving recipe turns a potential kitchen disaster into a showstopping main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup orange marmalade
  • ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Orange slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then season all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub it in gently to coat every surface.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange marmalade, whole berry cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and unsalted butter. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and well-combined, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned turkey breast in the oven, uncovered. Roast for 45 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  4. After 45 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven. Using a basting brush, generously brush about half of the glaze all over the turkey breast, focusing on the skin and sides. Return to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
  5. Remove the turkey again and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast. Total cooking time should be about 75-80 minutes for a 3-4 lb breast.
  6. Once the turkey reaches 160°F, remove it from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during resting.
  7. After resting, carve against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter and spoon any pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary or thyme sprigs, and orange slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting. Pat the turkey very dry to ensure crispy skin and proper glaze adhesion. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking; pull the turkey at 160°F as it will continue cooking to 165°F while resting. If the glaze seems too thick, thin with a tablespoon of orange juice. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, easy turkey breast, 5-ingredient turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas turkey, glazed turkey breast

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/holiday-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-5-ingredient-recipe/