Dinner

Cranberry Orange Glazed Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

BySana Jeannette November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a flavorful and festive dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. Featuring a tangy, sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange, it adds a bright twist to tender, juicy turkey.

A sliced honey-glazed roast turkey breast sits on a white plate, with a shiny golden-brown glaze and bits of red cranberry sauce on top, garnished with small green sprigs of thyme. The turkey is cut into thick, juicy slices showing moist, white meat inside. Around the turkey, there are whole red cranberries and bright orange slices placed on a white marbled surface, creating a fresh and colorful contrast. The glaze reflects light, giving the dish a glossy and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3-4 lb turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup orange juice
½ cup honey

2 tablespoons orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.

Step 6: Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Step 7: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes.
Step 8: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the turkey with the herb mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work well too—just thaw before cooking.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a deeper, tangy note.

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete your meal.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals. The cranberry glaze can be warmed separately and spooned over the sliced turkey when serving.

How to Serve

A white scalloped platter holds a sliced, glazed turkey breast with a shiny, amber-brown sauce speckled with red cranberries on top. The turkey is cut into about seven thick layers with the moist white meat visible inside. Around the turkey, there are bright orange slices and whole cranberries placed decoratively. Fresh green thyme sprigs are arranged on the platter nestled among the fruit. The platter is set on a table with a white marbled texture surface, and a lit candle is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, boneless turkey breast can be used, but adjust cooking time as it may cook faster. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

What can I substitute for fresh rosemary and thyme?

If fresh herbs aren’t available, 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme can be used instead. Reduce the amount slightly since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.