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Easy Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast for Two: Perfect Cozy Dinner

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A cozy cranberry orange glazed turkey breast for two, inspired by a beloved bistro. This recipe features a reduced cranberry orange glaze that caramelizes on the turkey, creating a sweet-tart, savory dish perfect for a quiet night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2–3 lbs / 900g-1.4kg)
  • 4 cups (960ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60g) kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or turkey broth
  • Optional: 1 small onion, quartered, and 2 cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl or container, combine 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and rosemary sprigs. Stir until salt and sugar are mostly dissolved. Submerge turkey breast in brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours.
  2. While turkey is brining, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have burst and mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove turkey from brine and pat completely dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Place turkey breast on a wire rack in a roasting pan or directly in the pan. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then season all over with kosher salt and black pepper. If using, scatter onion and garlic around turkey. Pour broth into the bottom of the pan.
  4. Roast turkey for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and brush generously with about half of the cranberry orange glaze. Return to oven and continue roasting, brushing with remaining glaze every 15 minutes for the next 30-45 minutes. Total roasting time: 60-75 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  5. Remove turkey from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise to 160°F (71°C).
  6. Slice turkey breast against the grain into thick slices. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the brine; it ensures juicy meat. Pat the skin completely dry for crispy skin. Use a thermometer for accurate doneness. Let the turkey rest before slicing. If glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water to thin it out.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange turkey breast, turkey for two, cozy dinner, cranberry glaze, easy turkey recipe

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