If you are craving a festive, flavorful, and juicy main dish that’s easier to handle than a whole bird but just as impressive, you have to try this Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe. It brings together the zingy brightness of fresh orange zest, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, and a blend of warming spices to create a stunning balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for holidays or any special occasion when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something cozy yet sophisticated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A raw piece of pale pink meat is centered on a dark wooden cutting board with a distressed texture, surrounded by red berries scattered around it. Above the meat, there are two small glass bowls, one filled with a dark brown liquid and the other with a reddish sauce with visible bits. To the left of the board is a halved bright orange fruit and a small glass bowl filled with golden brown sugar. Below the board, three more small glass bowls hold red sauce, a clear liquid, and orange zest. Around these, there are cinnamon sticks, a head of garlic, scattered red berries, a few whole spices, and a wooden spoon with black and white powder. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the aromatic spices in the rub to the vibrant cranberry and citrus sauce that beautifully complements the succulent turkey.

Turkey breast (4-5 lb): The star of the dish, providing lean, juicy meat that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized crust on the turkey.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses savory depth and aroma to the rub blend.
Canola oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the rub spread evenly and keeps the turkey moist during roasting.
Dark molasses (1 tablespoon): Delivers rich, complex sweetness and enhances the rub’s color.
Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Brings warm, cozy spice notes that pair perfectly with the fruit flavors.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty fragrance that elevates the overall spice blend.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the meat evenly.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mild heat and balances the sweetness with a peppery kick.
Fresh cranberries (2 cups): Provide tartness and a lovely burst of color in the sauce.
Whole berry cranberry sauce (14 ounces): Adds smooth texture and extra berry flavor, helping create the perfect sauce consistency.
Lingonberry jam (1/2 cup): Or substitute with cranberry jam or orange marmalade for a sweet-tart punch.
Orange juice (1 cup): Brings bright acidity and juicy sweetness that complements the turkey splendidly.
Orange zest (from 1 orange): Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a fresh, vibrant spark.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Turkey

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, use a fork to gently pinch the turkey breast all over its surface. This simple technique allows the rub and sauce to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Make and Apply the Rub Blend

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, canola oil, dark molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, fragrant rub. Massage this onto the turkey breast, covering every inch. This will create a spectacular caramelized crust as it roasts, locking in moisture and taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce

Next, in a medium bowl, mix fresh cranberries, whole berry cranberry sauce, and lingonberry jam together. Add the vibrant orange zest for that bright citrus kick. In a separate cup, whisk the orange juice with cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the cranberry blend. This step thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy texture that perfectly coats each slice of turkey.

Step 4: Arrange and Roast the Turkey

Lightly grease a roasting pan just big enough for the turkey breast to sit snugly—it’s important that the bird is supported to cook evenly. Place the seasoned turkey in the pan and pour the cranberry sauce around it, avoiding covering the top to let the turkey skin roast and crisp beautifully. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe, tender meat.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once fully cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to redistribute the juices, making each slice incredibly moist and flavorful when you carve.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe

A white bowl holds a juicy piece of cooked meat covered in a shiny, reddish-brown sauce. The sauce has visible whole red berries and small green herb leaves scattered on top and in the sauce. A silver spoon is lifting some of the sauce with berries above the meat, showing a glossy texture and bright orange zest bits. The white marbled surface around the bowl adds a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation that tastes as good as it looks, sprinkle fresh cranberries and extra orange zest right before serving. The fresh cranberries add a festive pop of color and texture, while the zest releases aromatic oils that heighten the citrus notes throughout the dish.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with traditional sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For something extra special, try wild rice pilaf studded with toasted almonds or a creamy sweet potato casserole for a blend of sweet and savory that harmonizes with the main course perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the turkey breast thickly and serve it on a large platter drizzled with the cranberry-orange sauce. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for an herbal aroma. For a fun twist, make sliders with the sliced turkey, a dollop of sauce, and a leafy bite of arugula on mini brioche buns—perfect for casual gatherings or holiday buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this delicious turkey, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delightful for the next day’s meal. Leftover turkey can last up to 3-4 days safely stored.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the turkey breast and freeze it separately from the sauce to maintain texture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen turkey breast can be stored for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent dryness. Reheat the cranberry orange sauce separately on the stove, stirring frequently until heated through and slightly thickened. Combine just before serving to keep each component fresh and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use turkey thighs instead of turkey breast?

Absolutely! Turkey thighs will offer a slightly richer, darker meat with more fat, which many find delicious. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is lingonberry jam necessary, or can I substitute it?

Lingonberry jam adds a unique tart sweetness, but cranberry jam or orange marmalade works wonderfully as substitutes. Each will bring its own distinctive twist, so feel free to experiment based on your palate.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; once it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Can I prepare the rub or sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The rub blend can be combined in advance and refrigerated. The sauce can also be mixed the day before to allow the flavors to meld, making the roasting day easier and even more flavorful.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones are a great substitute—just thaw them before use. Alternatively, increase the amount of whole berry cranberry sauce slightly for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that feels both special and welcoming, bringing together familiar flavors in a fresh and exciting way. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend dinner, it promises to become a fast favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every juicy, tangy, perfectly spiced bite with people you love.