There’s something comforting and festive about a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with a touch of cranberry sweetness—that’s exactly why the Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is a standout in my kitchen. The tart glaze perfectly balances the savory spices, making it a delightful centerpiece for any special meal.

A white plate holds a sliced roast with a golden-brown, slightly charred crust and tender white inside, layered thickly. The top layer is covered with a chunky, bright red cranberry sauce that spreads unevenly over the meat. Around the roast are whole fresh cranberries with a shiny red skin, and sprigs of fresh green thyme placed on the left and right edges of the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and a bowl of extra cranberry sauce is visible in the top right corner. 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

This recipe hits all the right notes—deeply flavorful, not too complicated, and versatile enough to make year-round. Whenever I make this cranberry glazed turkey breast, it fills my kitchen with the kind of cozy smells that invite everyone to gather around the table.

Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberry glaze complements the savory spice rub beautifully.
Juicy and tender turkey: Brining locks in moisture, so your turkey breast never dries out.
Simple yet impressive: You'll wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flexible and customizable: Easy tweaks let you adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to fit your taste.

The image shows a white plate with several slices of cooked meat, arranged in a row with the slices leaning against each other. The top of the meat is covered with a thick layer of bright red, chunky cranberry sauce, which has a glossy texture. On the left side of the plate, there is a small pile of whole fresh cranberries, shiny and round. Two sprigs of fresh green herbs lie across the meat slices, adding a touch of color and freshness. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this cranberry glazed turkey breast recipe plays a crucial role. The brine keeps the meat juicy, the spice rub adds depth, and the glaze brings brightness and a touch of sweetness. Here’s a quick peek at why I love each component.

Flat lay of a whole raw boneless turkey breast with natural pale pink skin and smooth texture, a few fresh green thyme sprigs, four fresh bay leaves, whole black peppercorns scattered, fresh whole ginger root with a knobby tan surface, two brown whole uncracked eggs, small white ceramic bowls containing golden olive oil, bright red fresh cranberries, light brown coarse kosher salt crystals, dark brown packed brown sugar, vibrant fresh orange zest peels, a small mound of ground paprika powder, a small mound of ground black pepper, a small mound of garlic powder, a small mound of onion powder, a small mound of cayenne pepper, a small mound of ground cloves, a small mound of dried oregano leaves, a small mound of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl filled with clear white wine, a small white bowl with pale orange fresh orange juice, a small white bowl of honey with a rich amber color, and a small white bowl with clear water—all arranged symmetrically 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 brining process; it helps the turkey retain moisture and flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the brine and glaze, balancing savory notes.
Boneless turkey breast: Cooks evenly and slices beautifully for presentation; boneless is my go-to for ease.
Ginger and peppercorns: Give fragrant warmth and subtle spice to the brine.
Bay leaves and thyme: Infuse aromatic herbal notes into the turkey during brining.
White wine and orange juice: Adds layers of flavor and acidity that tenderize the meat.
Olive oil and spice rub: Olive oil helps the spices stick while creating a crisp crust; the spice blend balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Cranberries: The star of the glaze, providing that perfect tangy, fruity punch.
Fresh ginger and orange zest: Add brightness and warmth to the glaze.
Honey and cinnamon: Enhance sweetness and add rich spiced notes to the cranberry glaze.
Orange liqueur: Optional but lovely for a boozy, complex finish.

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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

One of the things I adore about this cranberry glazed turkey breast recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you prefer a spicier rub or want to pump up the glaze with extra zesty orange, feel free to play around with the recipe.

Variation: I sometimes swap out cayenne for smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor that my kids love.
Dietary preference: For a lower-sugar glaze, reduce the brown sugar or swap honey with maple syrup—they both work magic.
Seasonal tweaks: In winter, adding a splash of brandy instead of orange liqueur brings extra warmth and depth.

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

Step 1: Brining for Juicy, Tender Meat

I can’t stress enough the difference a good brine makes here. Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil, then whisk in the kosher salt and brown sugar until dissolved. Once that cools down with an equal part of cold water, pour it over your turkey breast along with ginger, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, white wine, and orange juice. I like to brine mine overnight or at least 8 hours in the fridge. This step locks in so much moisture—trust me, the meat stays perfectly juicy while roasting.

Step 2: Rubbing the Turkey with Spices

Once your turkey is brined and patted dry, rub it thoroughly with olive oil to help the spices stick. Then mix your paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne, ground cloves, oregano, thyme, salt, and rub it all over the turkey breast. If the breast comes apart into two pieces, I usually tie it back with kitchen twine so it cooks evenly and looks great once sliced.

Step 3: Roasting to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and roast the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet skin side up. I check with an instant-read thermometer after about an hour — you want that internal temp to hit 165°F. Don’t skip this; it guarantees your turkey is cooked safely but still juicy. Once it’s done, cut off the twine and brush the luscious cranberry glaze all over the bird.

Step 4: Making the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey roasts, the cranberry glaze comes together easily. Toss cranberries, fresh ginger, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, water, and optional orange liqueur into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens—usually about 15-20 minutes total. Then strain out the solids to get a silky glaze, but I save the strained cranberry bits to serve alongside the turkey because that texture adds a nice contrast.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

After glazing, I let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step lets the juices redistribute so every bite is succulent. Then just slice and plate up with your favorite sides!

Top Tip

Over years of making this cranberry glazed turkey breast recipe, I’ve picked up some handy tips to make sure it’s always spot on.

Don’t skip the brine: It’s the secret to juicy, flavorful turkey every time.
Use a digital thermometer: Avoid guessing by checking for 165°F internal temperature. It takes the stress out of roasting.
Brush glaze at the end: Waiting until after roasting keeps the glaze vibrant and prevents it from burning.
Save the cranberry solids: Serve them alongside the turkey for a nice texture contrast instead of tossing them out.

How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

cranberry glazed turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this turkey with a few fresh thyme sprigs or some additional orange zest right before serving. It makes everything feel vibrant and festive. Sometimes a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch too.

Side Dishes

For sides, roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple wild rice pilaf are my go-tos. The glaze pairs beautifully with earthy vegetables and buttery starches.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a holiday dinner, I sliced the turkey breast and arranged it fanned out on a large platter with the cranberry glaze drizzled over. Then I scattered fresh cranberries and orange slices around for a beautiful, colorful presentation. It was a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey breast in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 7 days. The cranberry glaze stores separately in a jar—just reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe too. Slice the turkey first and freeze in portioned airtight bags. The glaze can be frozen in a small container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Warm them gently in the oven or microwave, then brush with the cranberry glaze right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes! Bone-in turkey breast will add extra flavor but may require 10–15 minutes longer cooking time. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to reach 165°F.

How long should I brine the turkey breast?

I recommend brining the turkey breast overnight or for at least 8 hours to lock in moisture and enhance flavor. Brining for too short might not give the desired juiciness.

Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before brushing on the turkey for best results.

What’s the best way to serve leftover turkey breast?

Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, salads, or simply reheated with more cranberry glaze. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to a week for great flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry glazed turkey breast recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always brings people together around the table with big smiles and full bellies. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a new favorite for your family’s celebrations or cozy dinners. Give it a try—you’ll love the juicy turkey and that gorgeous cranberry glaze shining on top!