Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine tender turkey bathed in a glossy, sweet-tart cranberry glaze with a zesty zing of orange. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “When’s dinner?” This glorious turkey isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy family gatherings or festive holiday feasts that will leave your guests drooling.

Every time I make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where Mom would whip up magical meals that made us feel loved and full—mostly full! I remember sneaking spoonfuls of the glaze when she wasn’t looking, convinced it was some sort of culinary treasure. Now, as an adult (who occasionally still sneaks a taste), I find joy in sharing this recipe with friends and family during special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you dreaming about leftovers!

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

This incredible Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey:

Turkey Breast: Choose a boneless turkey breast weighing about 3-5 pounds for easy cooking and slicing.
Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen works too but may alter the texture slightly.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness; bottled juice can work in a pinch but lacks the zing.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the tartness of cranberries; dark brown sugar will give it a deeper flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory notes of the turkey and pairs perfectly with the glaze.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful without being overly salty; homemade is always a win!
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an earthy aroma; dried thyme works too but adjust the quantity since it’s more potent.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your trusty baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Season your turkey breast generously with salt and pepper. Place it in the prepared baking dish while you whip up that tantalizing glaze.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, chicken broth, and thyme. Cook until the cranberries burst open and everything melds into a luscious sauce—about 10 minutes should do!

Step 4: Coat Your Turkey

Pour half of this beautiful glaze over your turkey breast before sliding it into the oven. Reserve the other half for glazing again later because we all know double glazing is better!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours or until its internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). Baste it with pan juices every half hour for added moisture.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once out of the oven, let your turkey rest for about ten minutes before slicing to keep those juices intact. Drizzle with remaining glaze before serving—trust me; you don’t want to skip this step!

Now you’re armed with everything you need to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself in deliciousness! Enjoy every bite of this delightful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey—you’ve earned it!

You Must Know About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

This showstopping Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results with your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey, start by prepping the turkey. Sear it first in a hot pan for that golden crust, then roast while preparing your delicious cranberry orange glaze. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey! Swap in different citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a zesty twist. You can also add spices like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic finish, making this dish uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it retains its juicy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

This professional-quality Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I still remember the first time I served this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey at Thanksgiving; my relatives were so impressed they actually tried to bribe me with dessert to share my recipe!

FAQs

What is Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is a delicious and flavorful dish that features turkey coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange juice. This dish combines the savory taste of roasted turkey with the bright flavors of citrus and berries, creating a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings or family dinners. The glaze not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful glossy finish to the turkey, making it visually appealing as well.

How do I make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?

To make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey, start by preparing your turkey with salt and pepper. Next, create the glaze by simmering fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and spices until thickened. Brush this mixture over the turkey during roasting to achieve that perfect caramelized coating. Ensure you follow proper roasting times based on the weight of your turkey for optimal results. This method will yield a moist turkey infused with delightful flavors.

Can I use frozen cranberries for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries when making Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. Just rinse them under warm water before using to help them thaw quickly. Frozen cranberries work well in sauces and glazes as they still provide that vibrant tartness needed to balance the sweetness in your dish. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly since frozen fruit may release more liquid when cooked.

What sides pair well with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey?

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside traditional options like mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing for a classic meal. Additionally, roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can enhance the flavors of the turkey while adding nutrition to your plate. The key is to choose sides that complement the sweet and tart notes of the cranberry-orange glaze.

Conclusion

In summary, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is a standout dish that brings together savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from cranberries and oranges. By following simple steps to prepare your turkey and glaze, you can create an impressive centerpiece for any occasion. Don’t forget to pair it with complementary side dishes for a complete meal experience. This delicious recipe will surely leave your guests impressed and wanting more!