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Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

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A quick and easy cranberry orange glazed turkey breast for two, perfect for a small Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner. This recipe turns a simple turkey breast into a sticky, golden, and flavorful main dish with a sweet-tart glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey (or maple syrup)
  • ¼ cup (60g) whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh orange slices (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, including under the skin if possible.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, cranberry sauce, orange zest, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Place the turkey breast in your roasting pan or baking dish, skin side up. If using fresh cranberries, scatter a handful around the turkey.
  5. Brush about half the glaze over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the skin generously. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
  6. After 20 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven and brush on another layer of glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
  7. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during this time.
  8. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Drizzle with the remaining glaze (warm it up if it’s thickened) and garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs if desired.

Notes

Use a bone-in turkey breast for best flavor and moisture. If using boneless, reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes. Let the glaze simmer until syrupy so it clings to the turkey. Baste twice, not constantly, to avoid heat loss. If skin isn’t crispy, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning. The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, small Thanksgiving, turkey for two, easy turkey recipe, holiday dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/best-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-for-two/