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Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Easy Holiday Recipe

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This Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a juicy, flavorful holiday centerpiece that comes together in under 2 hours. The double-glaze technique creates a sticky, caramelized crust while keeping the meat impossibly moist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups water (for brine)
  • 1/4 cup salt (for brine)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for brine)
  • 1 orange, quartered (for brine)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for brine)

Instructions

  1. Brine the turkey (optional, 1-8 hours ahead): Combine 4 cups water, 1/4 cup salt, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, quartered orange, and rosemary sprigs in a large pot. Heat until salt dissolves, then cool completely. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
  2. Make the cranberry orange glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup cranberries, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry. Gently loosen the skin and rub softened butter under the skin. Season the outside with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Place turkey skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  4. Roast the turkey for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and brush a generous layer of glaze over the entire surface. Return to oven for 15 minutes. Baste again with another layer of glaze. Repeat one more time for a total of three basting applications.
  5. Check temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Cook until it reaches 160°F (71°C). The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) while resting.
  6. Remove turkey from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes. Warm the remaining glaze in the saucepan. Carve against the grain into thick slices, drizzle with reserved glaze, and serve.

Notes

For best results, brine the turkey for at least 1 hour. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Baste quickly to minimize oven heat loss. If the glaze starts to over-brown, tent the turkey with foil. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to retain juices.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/best-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-holiday-recipe/