There’s something special about a perfectly roasted Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast — tender, juicy meat coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that shines like a jewel. It’s everything you love about a holiday turkey, but so much easier to make.
The first time I made this, it was Thanksgiving for four — too small for a whole bird, but I still wanted that holiday magic. I whisked together cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a touch of honey, brushed it over the turkey breast, and let the oven do the rest. The glaze turned into a sticky, citrusy caramel that smelled like pure celebration. Now it’s a tradition in our home, right alongside my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread and Christmas Bread Recipe.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Place in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Reserve half the glaze for serving.
- Brush the turkey breast with glaze and roast uncovered for 45–55 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Brush with the remaining warm glaze just before serving. Garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This dish is festive yet simple. The glaze combines the tartness of cranberry with the brightness of orange and a hint of sweetness from honey or brown sugar. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal — or just a cozy Sunday dinner.
If you love cozy, flavor-packed recipes like my Cajun Seafood Alfredo or Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, this turkey will feel right at home on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Turkey:
- 1 (3–4 lb) boneless turkey breast, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh orange slices
- Extra cranberries
- Sprigs of rosemary or thyme
If you love recipes that look beautiful on the table but are easy to make, you’ll also enjoy my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes — a perfect side dish for this turkey.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Place in a roasting pan or baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Reserve half the glaze for serving.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Brush the turkey breast with glaze and roast uncovered for 45–55 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze.
Step 4: Check Doneness
When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
Brush with the remaining warm glaze just before serving. Garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
If you’ve ever loved my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup, you know how simple ingredients can create restaurant-level results — this dish works the same way.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Pat the turkey dry: Helps the glaze stick better and ensures crisp, golden skin.
- Don’t skip resting: Keeps juices inside for tender slices.
- Use fresh orange juice: Adds a bright, natural flavor.
- Baste often: Layers the glaze for a rich, glossy finish.
The same little tricks that make this turkey shine are what make my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole so irresistible.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Freezing: Slice and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Like my Cabbage Detox Soup, this dish keeps beautifully for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Cranberry Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper.
- Maple Orange Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Herb Butter Glaze: Stir in 1 tablespoon butter for richness.
- Garlic Citrus Glaze: Add minced garlic to the glaze for extra depth.
If you love giving classic recipes a personal twist, you’ll also enjoy my French Onion Ground Beef — a cozy dinner with a gourmet feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use bone-in turkey breast?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by about 15–20 minutes.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely — make it up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Warm before using.
3. Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up holiday leftovers.
4. Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes — cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, then broil to caramelize the glaze.
The Final Bite
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is tender, tangy, and full of cozy holiday flavor. It’s the perfect main dish when you want all the joy of a festive meal without the stress of cooking a whole turkey. The glaze gives every bite a balance of sweetness and brightness that feels just right for any season.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or my Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup for a dinner that’s guaranteed to make everyone happy.