Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate answer when you need something festive, beautiful, and low-stress for a small holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight. Combining juicy, tender turkey with a glossy, jewel-toned cranberry glaze bursting with sweet-tart flavor, this dish is every bit as impressive as a full roast, but so easy to pull off. There’s something magical about how the zippy cranberries and fragrant rosemary meld with savory turkey—it’s pure celebration on your plate. Whether you’re crafting a mini-Christmas feast or just want to bring some sparkle to your dinner table, you’ll love how simple and stunning Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic behind this dish! Each ingredient plays a starring role, from ensuring the turkey stays juicy and flavorful, to making the cranberry glaze shine like a holiday jewel. Simple, purposeful, and each one adds something essential to the final Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast.

• Turkey breast: Pick a boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2 lbs) for even cooking and effortless slicing—perfect for feeding a small group.
• Olive oil: A brush of olive oil helps keep the meat tender and helps the seasonings stick to every inch.
• Ground sage: Just a shake or two adds a lovely herby aroma that pairs deliciously with turkey.
• Salt: A must for bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey and balancing the cranberry sauce.
• Fresh ground pepper: A little pepper wakes everything up and adds subtle complexity.
• Fresh cranberries: These provide that punchy, tangy base for your signature glaze—frozen work in a pinch if fresh aren’t available.
• Fresh rosemary: An aromatic sprig gives just the right note of woodsy fragrance to the glaze.
• Sugar: Lightly sweetens the cranberries, taming their tartness without masking them.
• Water: A splash helps the cranberries break down and meld into jammy perfection.
• Orange juice: Adds depth, brightness, and a little citrus zing to round out the glaze.

How to Make Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat to 375 degrees, so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to roast. Giving the oven time to come fully to temperature ensures your Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast cooks evenly and gets beautifully caramelized.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, sugar, water, and orange juice in a saucepan over low heat. Stir every so often—after about 5 minutes, you’ll notice the berries soften and the sugar dissolve. Increase the heat to low-medium, and continue cooking until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jammy, ruby-red sauce (about 10 minutes more). Remove the rosemary sprig, fish out any stray leaves, then mash the sauce for a smooth consistency—no big chunks, just glossy, spoonable deliciousness!

Step 3: Season the Turkey Breast

Brush your turkey breast with a generous layer of olive oil to lock in moisture and encourage golden roasting. Sprinkle ground sage, salt, and fresh ground pepper over the turkey—don’t worry about measuring the sage too precisely; a light dusting is all you need. Each seasoning infuses the meat with savory depth and ensures it shines under that cranberry glaze.

Step 4: Glaze and Roast

Now comes the showstopper: slather the cranberry sauce all over the turkey breast, using the back of a spoon or a spatula to coat it evenly—every nook and cranny should get some love. Pop the glazed turkey breast into your preheated oven. Roast for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the thickest part of the meat registers 165 degrees on a thermometer. This slow, steady roast allows the glaze to set up beautifully without burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast is perfectly cooked, take it out and tent it loosely with foil for 5 minutes. This rest allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every slice is moist and flavorful. When ready, slice the turkey breast against the grain into 3/4 inch thick pieces and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary, scattered extra cranberries, or a handful of chopped parsley for a festive pop of green. These simple touches underline the flavors already in your Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast and make it look restaurant-worthy with barely any effort.

Side Dishes

Pair this turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple mixed-green salad. Soft dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up extra glaze, and a citrusy slaw can add a zingy contrast. The gentle sweetness of cranberry is so versatile, letting you build a menu as casual or elegant as you like.

Creative Ways to Present

Go family-style and slice the turkey breast, arranging the pieces shingled atop a platter with the vibrant glaze shining. Or serve individual portions on warm plates with a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce. Tiny, open-faced sandwiches or sliders made from leftovers are a fantastic lunch treat the next day—don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast the star of your table (even beyond dinner!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the extra cranberry glaze separately, so you can reheat and spoon it over the turkey just before serving for maximum freshness and moisture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Arrange cooled turkey slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, with a bit of glaze between the layers to keep things moist. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you need a quick, flavorful meal without the prep.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat sliced turkey covered with foil in a 300 degree oven until warmed through—about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covering lightly to keep the moisture in. Reheat the glaze in a saucepan or microwave until it’s thick and glossy again, then pour over the turkey just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are best for that tart punch and vibrant color, but if you’re in a pinch, try using frozen cranberries or even a good-quality canned whole-berry sauce (just reduce the added sugar). Dried cranberries won’t break down the same way, so the glaze’s texture and brightness may be compromised.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients, and use two turkey breasts. Be sure to give each enough space on the baking sheet so they roast, not steam. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, so always check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What if I don’t have rosemary?

Rosemary gives the Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast its signature herbal aroma, but you can swap in a sprig of thyme for a slightly different—but equally delicious—twist. Or leave it out completely for a more straightforward sweet-tart sauce.

Can this be made with chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken breast is a fantastic substitute if turkey isn’t available. Adjust the cooking time as chicken tends to be a bit thinner; start checking for doneness (165 degrees internal temperature) after about 25–30 minutes.

What’s the best way to slice the turkey breast for serving?

Always slice against the grain using a sharp carving knife, aiming for 3/4 inch thick pieces. Slicing this way ensures bite-after-bite tenderness and showcases that gorgeous cranberry glaze in every piece.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how one simple recipe can transform a gathering, and this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast truly delivers every time. Give it a try this season—you’ll savor the flavor, appreciate the ease, and maybe even find yourself wishing all turkey dinners could be this delicious and stress free!

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