There’s just something magical about the sweet-tart pop of cranberry paired with tender, juicy turkey. This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe brings that perfect balance right to your dinner table and is always a crowd pleaser during the holidays or any special meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.

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

I remember the first time I made this cranberry glazed turkey breast — the aroma filled my kitchen and instantly felt like a warm hug. It’s the kind of recipe that’s not just delicious but also brings a touch of elegance and comfort that your guests will adore.

Flavor Harmony: The glaze perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and warm spices for an unforgettable taste.
Simple Yet Impressive: With minimal fuss, you get a beautiful centerpiece that looks and tastes gourmet.
Juicy & Tender✨: Brining the turkey breast keeps it moist and full of flavor every time.
Versatile & Customizable: You can tailor the glaze and rub for your own twist or dietary needs.

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 dish is a beautiful marriage of fresh, vibrant flavors and tried-and-true techniques. Each ingredient plays a role — the brine ensures juicy turkey, the spice rub layers in warmth, and the cranberry glaze wraps it all in rich, tangy sweetness. Here’s why I love these ingredients:

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

Boneless Turkey Breast: Easy to carve and cooks evenly; you can also opt for bone-in if you prefer extra flavor despite the longer cook time.
Kosher Salt & Brown Sugar (for Brining): Essential for seasoning deeply and retaining moisture, resulting in succulent meat.
Fresh Ginger & Peppercorns: Add a subtle warm bite and aromatic complexity to the brine and glaze.
Bay Leaves & Fresh Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse earthy, fresh flavors throughout the turkey.
White Wine & Orange Juice (Brine & Glaze): The acidity helps tenderize the meat, plus they give the glaze a lovely citrus brightness.
Spice Rub Mix: Paprika, garlic, cayenne, cloves, and more bring layers of warmth and depth that complement the glaze beautifully.
Cranberries: Naturally tart and bright, they form the star of the glaze alongside cinnamon and honey, providing that signature festive flair.
Orange Liqueur: A splash in the glaze elevates the flavor – but if you prefer to skip alcohol, extra orange juice works just fine.

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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

I love how flexible this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe can be! Sometimes, I play around with the glaze by adding a splash of bourbon or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your taste buds—you’ll find your perfect balance over time.

Variation: Once, I swapped the fresh ginger in the glaze with a teaspoon of ground ginger when I was short on fresh—it worked surprisingly well and still added that nice warmth.
Skinless Option: If you prefer to keep things lighter, removing the skin before cooking is totally fine, though I recommend keeping it on for that extra crisp texture.
Spice Play: Adding smoked paprika instead of regular paprika gives a delightful smoky undertone—perfect for fall or winter meals.
Alcohol-Free: Leave out the orange liqueur and just increase orange juice slightly for a family-friendly version.

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

Step 1: Brine Like a Pro for Ultimate Juiciness

Start by bringing half the water to a boil with kosher salt and brown sugar until fully dissolved—that’s your brine base. Add the remaining cold water to cool it down, so you don’t accidentally start cooking the turkey when you submerge it. Place your cleaned turkey breast in a large brining bag or bowl, then add ginger, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, white wine, and orange juice. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, seal it up, and refrigerate overnight or up to 12 hours. This step is a game-changer for juicy, flavorful meat.

Step 2: Apply the Spice Rub and Roast

Once brined, rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it thoroughly dry. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rub olive oil all over the turkey, then massage the spice blend onto every surface. If your turkey breast split during brining, just tie it back together with kitchen twine—I've done this plenty of times, and it works like a charm. Roast it on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan for about one hour, or until it hits 165°F internally. This ensures moistness without drying out.

Step 3: Whip Up That Glorious Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey roasts, toss cranberries, grated fresh ginger, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, water, and orange liqueur into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries pop, about 10-15 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. Then strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, pressing out the liquid for that shiny glaze. Set aside the leftover solids—you can serve them on the side for extra texture and punch.

Step 4: Glaze and Rest

Brush the warm cranberry glaze onto the roasted turkey right after you take it out of the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing—that rest time is the secret to juicy turkey and glaze that sticks beautifully. I always look forward to that moment when the glaze glistens and tastes like fall on a plate.

Top Tip

From my years making this recipe, a few little tricks elevate it from good to unforgettable. Keep these in mind as you go:

Brine Timing: Don’t rush this! Overnight brining makes a noticeable difference in moisture and seasoning.
Dry Turkey: Always pat dry thoroughly before rubbing in spices to ensure the rub sticks and you get a nice crust.
Thermometer Use: Invest in a good instant-read thermometer to avoid over or under cooking—it’s the easiest way to nail juicy turkey every time.
Glaze Application: Apply the glaze immediately after roasting while the turkey’s still hot to help it absorb flavors.

How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

cranberry glazed turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a few whole fresh cranberries around the plated turkey slices. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herb aroma that complements the glaze. A little orange zest grated on top right before serving adds a zesty brightness that's irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this cranberry glazed turkey with classic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a hint of garlic butter green beans. For a heartier option, wild rice pilaf with toasted pecans or a simple creamy risotto works beautifully. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices and glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I like serving the turkey breast whole on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits like sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, and sprigs of rosemary. It’s visually stunning and invites guests to carve and serve themselves, making for a fun, communal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey slices in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to seven days. I like to save the glaze separately to freshen up reheated meat, so it tastes just as vibrant as the first day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked turkey breast in a tightly sealed bag or vacuum-sealed container. Just portion it first so you can thaw only what you need. The cranberry glaze freezes well too, but I recommend freezing it separately for best texture.

Reheating

To keep turkey juicy, I reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil, adding a splash of water or broth. Then, I brush on some leftover glaze before serving. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method definitely preserves texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this cranberry glazed recipe?

Absolutely! If you choose frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before brining. This may take a day or two in the fridge depending on size. Fully thawing is key for even brining and cooking.

How long should the turkey rest after roasting?

I recommend letting your turkey breast rest for at least 10-15 minutes, tented loosely with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute making each slice moist and flavorful.

Can I prepare the cranberry glaze in advance?

Yes! You can make the glaze a day or two ahead, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently warm it on the stove and brush onto the turkey just before serving.

What if I don't have kitchen twine to tie the turkey breast?

No worries! If your turkey breast splits and you don’t have twine, you can secure it gently with toothpicks or just roast the pieces separately. The spice rub and glaze will still work wonders.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe has become a happy tradition for me — it’s a recipe that invites warmth, togetherness, and celebration around the table. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this recipe delivers juicy turkey and that perfect balance of sweet and savory every time. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!