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Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

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A perfectly sized holiday turkey breast for two, glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce. This easy recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with a glossy, caramelized finish in under 90 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 100 grams)
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or a pinch of ground cinnamon)
  • Fresh orange slices, fresh cranberries, and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, and set aside about ¼ cup of glaze for serving.
  3. Prep the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, getting under the skin if possible.
  4. Sear the turkey (optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place turkey skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Roast the turkey: Place turkey skin-side up in a baking dish or skillet. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the top and sides. Roast for 45-55 minutes, basting with glaze every 15 minutes. If skin gets too dark, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Check for doneness: Turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Start checking at 45 minutes.
  7. Rest the turkey: Remove from oven and let rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes, tented loosely with foil.
  8. Carve and serve: Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with reserved glaze, and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and thyme if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear for best skin texture. Baste every 15 minutes to build a sticky glaze. If skin darkens too quickly, tent with foil. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to keep it juicy. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

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

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