There's something irresistibly festive and cozy about this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze paired with tender, juicy turkey makes every bite feel like a celebration, perfect for any special meal or holiday feast.

A white plate holds several layers of sliced cooked meat with a browned, slightly charred crust, arranged neatly in the middle. On top and between the meat layers is a thick, chunky dark red sauce made from cooked cranberries. Around the meat on the plate are whole fresh cranberries and sprigs of green herbs, adding bright pops of red and green. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of the red cranberry sauce, all set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has red stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m a huge fan of turkey breast because it’s lean, tender, and so adaptable. This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe elevates it to a whole new level with that irresistible glaze that’s both sweet and zesty. You’re not just roasting meat—you’re creating a centerpiece that everyone will ask about.

Balanced Flavors: The cranberry glaze is perfectly tart with hints of orange and cinnamon that complement the savory turkey without overpowering it.
Juicy & Tender: Brining the turkey overnight locks in moisture, ensuring every slice is juicy and never dry.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s more approachable than you’d think for a special meal.
Versatile Serving: Whether for a holiday dinner or a cozy weekend, this recipe works beautifully hot or even as delicious leftovers.

A white plate holds a row of thick, sliced cooked turkey with a light brown outer crust and white inside. On top of the turkey is a bright red cranberry sauce with chunks and a shiny, slightly wet texture. Fresh, whole cranberries are piled on one side of the plate, showing their smooth and round surface. A few small green thyme sprigs lie over the cranberry sauce and turkey, adding a touch of color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together some classic flavors that enhance each other beautifully. From the brine that tenderizes and flavors your turkey to the spice rub and the vibrant cranberry glaze, each ingredient plays a critical role in the symphony of taste you’ll enjoy.

Flat lay of a fresh boneless turkey breast with smooth pale pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown packed brown sugar, a few thin slices of fresh ginger root with light yellow interior, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, four fresh green bay leaves, four sprigs of vibrant green thyme, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear white wine, a small white ceramic bowl with bright orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of dark ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown ground cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of green dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl piled with glossy fresh red cranberries, a few thin strips of fresh ginger root, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl of amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl of fine brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with pale orange liqueur, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Kosher salt: Essential for the brine, it helps the turkey soak up moisture and remain juicy during roasting.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the brine and glaze, balancing the tartness of cranberries.
Fresh ginger: Brings a warm, slightly spicy freshness that pairs beautifully with cranberries and poultry.
Peppercorns & bay leaves: Adds depth and subtle herbaceous notes in the brine.
White wine & orange juice: Makes the brine more complex and tenderizes the turkey while adding citrus brightness.
Olive oil: Creates a base for the spice rub and helps it adhere to the turkey.
Paprika, cayenne, cloves, and other spices: Form a warm, aromatic rub that gives the turkey an inviting crust and flavor punch.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer that signature tartness and transform into a luscious glaze when cooked down.
Orange liqueur: Takes the glaze up a notch with a subtle boozy sweetness—totally optional but highly recommended.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe just a little depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to get creative with the glaze or spice rub so it fits your tastes perfectly.

Variation: I once swapped out the orange juice in the glaze for a splash of pomegranate juice, which gave it an even richer color and a slightly different tang that my family adored.
Dietary tweak: To keep it sugar-free, substitute honey and brown sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. It still works wonders!
Spice level: If you like a bit more kick, add an extra pinch of cayenne or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for that subtle heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Brining for Juicy Goodness

Start by making the brine. Bring half of your water to a boil and dissolve the kosher salt and brown sugar, then cool it with the remaining cold water. Pour this over your turkey breast along with fresh herbs, spices, wine, and orange juice. I recommend brining overnight — this hands-off step pumps the meat full of flavor and moisture. Don't rush it! A well-brined turkey breast is the secret to juiciness that’ll impress every guest at the table.

Step 2: Dry & Rub the Turkey

Once your turkey is brined, rinse and dry it thoroughly—that’s key to getting a nice crust. Coat it with olive oil, then massage the spice rub all over. If your breast comes in two pieces, tie them together tightly with kitchen twine so they roast evenly. I always double-check that every surface has enough rub to get that flavorful crust we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Pop your turkey into a 375°F oven and roast until the thickest part reaches 165°F on your instant-read thermometer. This usually takes about an hour for a 4-pound boneless breast, but checking temperature is the real magic number here. Removing guesswork means your turkey stays juicy, never dry.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cranberry Glaze

While your turkey roasts, simmer cranberries, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, orange juice, water, and orange liqueur in a saucepan. When the cranberries burst and soften, strain to extract a silky smooth glaze. This glaze is where all the tangy-sweet magic happens—trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Glaze & Rest

Brush the cranberry glaze generously over the hot turkey right after it comes out of the oven, then let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, plus the glaze sets up with a beautiful sheen that looks as good as it tastes.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that patience is key for this recipe. The brining and resting stages make a massive difference, and the glaze is a showstopper when it’s fresh and warm. Here are a few tips that will make your cranberry glazed turkey breast come out perfect every time.

Consistent Brine Temperature: Make sure your brine has cooled completely before adding the turkey—warm brine can partially cook the meat and ruin the texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is your best friend to avoid dry turkey. Remove it right at 165°F for juicy perfection.
Even Spice Coverage: Don’t rush the rub—take your time and press it in well for maximum flavor and a beautiful crust.
Glaze Freshness: Make the glaze while the turkey roasts and brush it on hot for that gorgeous sticky finish.

How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

cranberry glazed turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and some whole cranberries around the platter when I serve this turkey. It’s a simple, elegant touch that adds color and aroma, making your table feel festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This cranberry glaze pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a wild rice pilaf. For lighter fare, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve slices of this turkey breast on individual plates drizzled with extra glaze and a dollop of the reserved cranberry solids. Adding an edible flower or two (like pansies) on top can elevate it to restaurant-level presentation and really impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey breast keeps best in an airtight container in the fridge and stays juicy for up to 7 days. I like slicing mine before storing so it's easy to grab for sandwiches or salads during the week without drying out.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze any leftover turkey slices. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and use within 3 months for best flavor. I usually thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the turkey moist when reheating, cover it with foil and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F. Adding a splash of stock or water helps keep the meat tender. I avoid microwaving because it tends to dry out the meat and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but make sure it’s fully thawed before brining to ensure even flavor absorption and cooking. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator for 1-2 days prior to starting.

What if I don’t have orange liqueur for the glaze?

No worries if you don’t have orange liqueur—just omit it or replace it with an additional ¼ cup of orange juice. The glaze will still be flavorful and delicious without the liqueur.

How long can I brine the turkey breast?

The turkey breast should be brined for at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours. Any longer than that might cause the meat to become too salty or overly tender.

Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead?

Absolutely! You can make the cranberry glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before brushing onto the turkey for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it transforms the humble turkey breast into something dazzling and deeply comforting. It’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want to impress without stressing and always end up with compliments. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it—give it a try and savor those juicy bites with that gorgeous glaze shining bright!