Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

The aroma of citrus and cranberries mingling with roasted turkey instantly brings warmth to any holiday table. This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast delivers incredibly juicy meat wrapped in a sweet-tart glaze that turns deep amber as it roasts. After years of experimenting with different holiday recipes, this combination of bright citrus and tart cranberries has become my family's most requested main dish, transforming an ordinary turkey breast into something truly memorable.

Last Christmas, I served this to my mother-in-law, a notoriously picky eater, and even she asked for seconds. The secret lies in giving the brine enough time to work its magic - I've found that starting it the night before delivers the best results.

Essential Ingredients

• Turkey Breast (4-6 pounds): Choose one with skin on for the best results. Look for even coloring and no dark spots
• Kosher Salt: The larger crystals dissolve better in the brine and create perfect seasoning
• Fresh Oranges: Select heavy, firm fruits with bright-colored skin for the most juice and best zest
• Fresh Cranberries: Avoid packages with soft or wrinkled berries. Fresh ones should bounce when dropped
• Orange Marmalade: The bitter notes balance the sweet glaze perfectly. I prefer brands with visible orange peel pieces
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth without overwhelming. Choose smooth, not grainy, for the best glaze texture

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Create Your Brine (12-24 hours ahead):

Combine 1 cup kosher salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar in 2 quarts of water. Heat while stirring until completely dissolved. Add zest from 2 oranges and 4 sprigs fresh rosemary. Cool completely before adding 2 cups orange juice. Submerge turkey breast fully, weighing down with a plate if needed.

Prepare for Roasting (Day of cooking):

Remove turkey from brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat completely dry with paper towels, paying special attention to skin. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while preparing glaze.

Make the Signature Glaze:

Combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup marmalade, 1/2 cup orange juice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch for cranberries to burst and mixture to thicken, about 15 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons each honey and Dijon mustard at the end.

Roasting Process:

Position rack in lower third of oven preheated to 350°F. Place turkey on roasting rack, brush with melted butter. Apply first layer of glaze after 30 minutes. Continue glazing every 20 minutes until done. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.

Perfect the Finish:

Test temperature in thickest part away from bone. Remove at 165°F and let rest 15-20 minutes. Brush with remaining warm glaze before serving.

The Science of Brining

Creating the perfect turkey starts well before it enters the oven. The brining process transforms ordinary poultry into something extraordinary through a simple but powerful process. I discovered that an overnight soak allows the salt and citrus to penetrate deeply into the meat fibers, resulting in a turkey that stays juicy even if you accidentally leave it in the oven a few minutes too long. After trying various brining times, I've found that 12 hours hits the sweet spot for optimal flavor and texture.

Temperature Management

Mastering the art of temperature control makes all the difference between good and exceptional results. Starting with a room-temperature turkey breast ensures even cooking from surface to center. During my years of preparing this dish, I've learned that maintaining a consistent 350°F provides the perfect balance between browning the skin and keeping the meat moist. A sudden temperature spike can cause the glaze to burn, so I always keep an oven thermometer handy.

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Glazing Technique

The magic of this recipe lies in the layering of the glaze. Each application builds another level of flavor and creates that coveted sticky-sweet exterior. Through trial and error, I've discovered that allowing each layer to set for about 15 minutes before adding the next produces the best results. The final glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy to brush onto the turkey.

Resting Period Importance

Perhaps the most crucial step comes after cooking. Letting the turkey rest isn't just a suggestion - it's essential for maintaining juiciness. During this time, the internal temperature continues to rise slightly while the meat fibers relax and reabsorb their juices. I've learned to resist the urge to cut into it too soon, no matter how tempting the aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This glazed turkey breast pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern side dishes. The sweet-tart flavor profile complements everything from classic mashed potatoes to roasted root vegetables. In my experience, serving it with a light arugula salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette creates a lovely balance of flavors and textures.

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Growing up, my grandmother always insisted on using fresh oranges for any citrus-based recipe. After years of cooking, I've come to appreciate her wisdom - the difference in flavor between fresh-squeezed juice and bottled is remarkable in this glaze.

After preparing this recipe countless times, I'm still amazed by how such simple ingredients can create such an impressive dish. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a perfect balance that elevates this turkey breast from a basic main course to a memorable holiday centerpiece. Whether you're cooking for a small gathering or just want something special for Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this turkey breast without brining?

While you can skip brining, it's highly recommended as it ensures a juicier, more flavorful turkey. The brine helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.

→ How long does it take to cook the turkey breast?

The turkey breast takes 75-90 minutes to cook at 350°F, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cranberry-orange glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftover turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ What side dishes go well with this turkey?

This turkey pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or fresh salads.