Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful holiday main dish that combines savory herb-rubbed turkey with a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry orange glaze. Roasted to juicy perfection, the turkey features a fragrant blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic, complemented by the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Perfect for festive gatherings, this recipe serves six and promises a stunning centerpiece with a burst of seasonal freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Herb Rub
- 1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Turkey Rub: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant herb mixture.
- Apply Herb Rub: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Rub half of the herb mixture underneath the skin directly onto the meat. Then rub the remaining herb mixture on the skin and inside the turkey cavity for maximum flavor.
- Roast Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze Application: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the prepared cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked through, remove the turkey breast from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute for moist, tender slices.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Allowing the turkey to rest before carving enhances juiciness.
- You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before using.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, especially salt and pepper.
