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Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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This Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a quick and easy recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful turkey with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Perfect for small gatherings or a special weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will become a holiday staple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove turkey breast from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and slide half the seasoned butter under the skin. Rub remaining butter all over the outside. Place turkey on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne (if using). Whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
  4. Roast turkey for 45 minutes without opening the oven door.
  5. After 45 minutes, remove turkey from oven and apply a generous layer of glaze all over. Return to oven and roast for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove turkey, apply another layer of glaze, and roast for 10 minutes. Repeat one more time: glaze and roast for 10 minutes. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Total cooking time is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  8. Remove turkey from oven and let rest, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Drizzle remaining glaze over the top or serve on the side.

Notes

For best results, use a bone-in turkey breast for maximum flavor and moisture. Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Apply the glaze in layers during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, holiday turkey, roasted turkey, easy turkey recipe

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/perfect-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-2/