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Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.4 from 76 reviews

Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast offers a flavorful and juicy alternative to cooking a whole turkey. Featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce infused with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish is perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Turkey

  • 1 turkey breast, about 4-5 lb

Rub Blend

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon dark molasses
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup lingonberry jam (can be replaced with cranberry jam or orange marmalade)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
  2. Prepare the Turkey Surface: Use a fork to pinch the turkey breast all over; this allows the rub and flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Make and Apply the Rub Blend: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, minced garlic, canola oil, dark molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Rub this mixture thoroughly all over the turkey breast to season it evenly. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, whole berry cranberry sauce, lingonberry jam, and orange zest; stir well to blend the flavors.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate cup, whisk the cornstarch into the orange juice until smooth. Add this cornstarch mixture into the cranberry sauce mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Prepare Roasting Pan: Lightly grease a roasting pan that fits the turkey breast snugly to ensure it roasts evenly without excess space.
  7. Assemble for Roasting: Place the seasoned turkey breast into the roasting pan. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture around the turkey, making sure not to pour much on top of the breast to avoid burning the rub during roasting.
  8. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  9. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist final product.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the turkey breast with fresh cranberries and extra orange zest before slicing and serving for an attractive presentation and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s doneness; 165°F is safe and ideal.
  • If lingonberry jam is unavailable, substitute with cranberry jam or orange marmalade for a similar flavor profile.
  • Ensure the roasting pan fits the turkey snugly for better roasting results.
  • Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing helps keep the meat juicy.
  • This recipe serves 5 people, ideal for small family gatherings.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American