Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Festive Holiday Favorite 🦃🍊🍁
1. Introduction
Celebrate the holiday season with a show-stopping **cranberry orange turkey glaze** that transforms a simple turkey breast into a festive masterpiece. This holiday turkey breast recipe combines the bright, tangy flavors of cranberry and orange, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and citrus zest. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, this **festive turkey dinner** offers a deliciously moist and flavorful centerpiece that will impress family and friends alike.
2. Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- 1 large turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1 large orange (for juice and zest)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
For additional flavor inspirations, explore our honey pepper chicken with mac and cheese for a versatile dinner idea.
3. Preparing the Turkey Breast
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a roasting pan with a rack. This ensures even cooking and crispy skin for your **holiday turkey breast**.
Step 2: Season the turkey
Lightly season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and half of the orange zest. Drizzle with olive oil and massage the seasoning evenly over the meat.
4. Making the Cranberry Orange Glaze
Step 3: Prepare the glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. As the cranberries pop, mash them with a spoon to release their juices. Simmer until the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Finalize the glaze
Stir in the remaining orange zest and adjust sweetness as needed. For a smooth glaze, you can strain out the cranberries or leave them for added texture and visual appeal.
5. Cooking the Turkey Breast
Step 5: Roast the turkey
Place the seasoned turkey breast on the rack and brush generously with the cranberry orange glaze. Roast in the preheated oven, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This typically takes about 1 hour, depending on the size of your turkey breast.
Step 6: Rest and glaze
Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes to retain its juices. During this time, brush with additional glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish.
6. Serving Suggestions for a Festive Turkey Dinner
Serve the **cranberry orange glazed turkey breast** sliced thickly alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch. Pair your meal with seasonal side dishes and a crisp salad for a complete healthy dinner that delights all tastes.
7. Storage Tips and Leftover Ideas
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For an easy lunch, use leftover turkey slices in sandwiches or salads. Also, consider turning leftovers into hearty soups or casseroles.
8. Additional Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too.
- Brine your turkey breast beforehand for extra moisture.
- Experiment with different herbs like sage or rosemary for added aroma.
- For a tangier glaze, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.
If you’re interested in other festive recipes, check out our creamy dreamy tortellini with herbs for a comforting vegetarian option.
9. Conclusion
The cranberry orange turkey glaze elevates any **holiday turkey breast recipe** into a culinary celebration. Its vibrant flavors and juicy texture make it a centerpiece perfect for your **festive turkey dinner**. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your guests and create lasting holiday memories. Make this delicious turkey dish part of your festive tradition and enjoy the taste of the season!
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast: Festive Holiday Favorite
Celebrate the holiday season with a delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, a festive favorite that combines the bright flavors of cranberries and oranges. This moist, flavorful turkey is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1 large orange (for juice and zest)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a roasting pan with a rack.
- Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and half of the orange zest. Drizzle with olive oil and massage evenly.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Mash cranberries as they pop and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining orange zest and adjust sweetness. Strain for a smooth glaze if desired.
- Place the turkey on the rack, brush generously with the glaze, and roast, basting every 15 minutes, until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), about 1 hour.
- Rest the turkey for 10-15 minutes, then brush with additional glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for optimal flavor; frozen cranberries work too.
- Brine the turkey beforehand for extra moisture.
- Add herbs like sage or rosemary for more aroma.
- Incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar for tangier glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
