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Perfect Cozy Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast for Two

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A tender, juicy turkey breast for two, coated in a sticky, tart-sweet cranberry orange glaze with a hint of cinnamon. This recipe recreates a beloved bistro dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2 to 2.5 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 large orange)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ small onion, cut into wedges (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let turkey breast sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into a paste. Gently loosen turkey skin and spread half the butter under the skin, then spread remaining butter over the outside. Place turkey in a roasting pan or baking dish.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and soften (about 5 minutes). Crush some cranberries with a spoon. Simmer 3-4 minutes until glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  4. If using, scatter onion wedges, rosemary sprigs, and smashed garlic around the turkey in the pan.
  5. Roast turkey uncovered for 25 minutes.
  6. Remove pan from oven. Brush glaze generously over turkey. Return to oven and roast for another 20-30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part.
  7. Remove turkey from oven. Brush with another layer of glaze. Let rest in pan for 15 minutes (temperature will rise to 165°F).
  8. Transfer turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick pieces. Spoon remaining glaze and pan juices over slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat turkey dry for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; turkey is done at 155°F as carryover cooking brings it to 165°F. Let rest 15 minutes before carving. Glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead. For bone-in turkey breast, increase initial roast to 35 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange, roasted turkey, dinner for two, holiday, cozy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/perfect-cozy-cranberry-orange-turkey-breast-for-two/