There’s something absolutely magical about the sweet-tart pop of cranberries glazed over juicy, tender turkey. This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe brings that perfect balance to your table, transforming an everyday turkey into a show-stopping centerpiece with a glaze that sings holiday cheer—or really any cozy dinner vibe you want to create.

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

From the first time I made this cranberry glazed turkey breast, it became an instant favorite in our household. The way the brine locks in moisture before roasting, and then that luscious cranberry glaze finishes it off, is pure magic. You’ll find this recipe both dependable and a delightful upgrade to your meal rotation.

Perfectly Moist Turkey: The overnight brine ensures the turkey breast stays juicy, never dry or tough.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The spice rub and cranberry glaze layer sweet, savory, and warm spices for a nuanced taste.
Simple Yet Stunning Presentation: That glossy cranberry glaze makes dinner look like a special occasion without extra fuss.
Great for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and pairs beautifully with classic sides, making holiday or Sunday dinners stress-free.

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 recipe combines a thoughtful brine, a flavorful spice rub, and a vibrant cranberry glaze. Each element plays a role in tenderizing the meat, infusing complex flavor, and adding that irresistible glossy finish. When shopping, fresh ginger and whole cranberries will make a big difference in flavor, so don’t skip those fresh 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

Kosher Salt: Essential in the brine for seasoning the turkey deeply and improving moisture retention.
Brown Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness in both brine and glaze to balance tartness.
Boneless Turkey Breast: A lean yet tender cut that benefits from brining and roasting—easy to slice and serve.
Fresh Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that wakes up the cranberries and brightens the overall dish.
Bay Leaves & Thyme: Herbal notes that subtly enhance the savory profile during brining and roasting.
White Wine & Orange Juice: Liquids in the brine introduce acidity and fruitiness, helping tenderize and flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps the spice rub adhere and promotes browning during roasting.
Spice Rub (Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Cayenne, Cloves, Oregano, Thyme): Layers of aromatics and gentle heat that complement the sweet glaze.
Fresh Cranberries: The star of the glaze, their natural tartness turns wonderfully sweet when cooked down.
Honey & Orange Liqueur: Honey adds smooth sweetness while the liqueur brings a boozy depth to the glaze.
Orange Zest & Cinnamon: Bright citrus and warm spice add dimension to the glaze, making it irresistibly festive.

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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 love most about this Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes and schedule. You can play with the spice levels, swap out a few ingredients for seasonal flavors, and even adjust cooking times depending on your bird.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of maple syrup in the cranberry glaze for an extra layer of warmth during winter months—it's a game-changer!
Skinless Option: You can remove the skin before brining if you prefer, but I usually keep it on for the beautiful crispy texture after roasting.
Bone-in Turkey Breast: Using a bone-in turkey breast adds a bit more flavor but plan on adding 10–15 minutes longer roasting time.
Dietary Tweaks: To make it gluten-free, just double-check your spice rub ingredients and omit any liqueur if needed.

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

Step 1: Brine for Juicy Turkey

Start by boiling half the water, then whisking in kosher salt and brown sugar until fully dissolved. Add cold water and chill the brine thoroughly—this step is key for tender meat. Pop your turkey breast into a brining bag in a large bowl, add the ginger, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, wine, and orange juice, then pour the cooled brine over. Seal it up and refrigerate overnight or up to 12 hours. Trust me, the waiting pays off.

Step 2: Rub, Tie, and Roast

Once brined, rinse and pat the turkey dry. I always make sure to rub olive oil all over before sprinkling the spice rub evenly. If the breast naturally separates into pieces, just tie them back with kitchen twine. Roast at 375°F for about an hour, checking the thickest part hits 165°F internally. The smell of those spices roasting is seriously mouthwatering.

Step 3: Glaze With Love

While the turkey roasts, simmer fresh cranberries, grated ginger, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, water, and that splash of orange liqueur. Stir until cranberries pop and the mixture thickens—then strain to separate solids from the luscious glaze. Once your turkey comes out, brush it generously with this glossy, fragrant glaze and let it rest before slicing.

Top Tip

Every time I make this recipe, I’ve learned that patience is your best friend. Both the brining and the resting stages transform the turkey from good to great. Here's what I keep in mind:

Brine Timing: Don’t rush the brine stage—it really locks in moisture and flavor that roasting alone can’t achieve.
Even Spice Rub Coverage: Take your time massaging the rub into every nook and cranny for a deep flavor boost.
Using a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, rely on an instant-read thermometer to hit a perfect 165°F internal temperature.
Glaze Application: Brush the glaze on after roasting—not before—to keep that shiny, sticky perfection and avoid burning the sugars.

How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

cranberry glazed turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the glazed turkey for a fresh herbal touch and a pop of green. A few whole cranberries around the platter add festive charm—and if you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of extra cranberry glaze right on the slices looks gorgeous and adds more zing.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes or creamy roasted garlic cauliflower mash are my go-to sides. Something green, like honey-glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic drizzle, rounds out the plate with color and crunch. Don’t forget a simple butternut squash soup for starters—cranberry and autumnal flavors just play so nicely together.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve layered sliced turkey breast over crisp mixed greens with pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans, then drizzled extra cranberry glaze as a “salad.” It looks beautiful and lets guests enjoy the turkey in a fresh, unexpected way. Another fun idea is serving the glaze on the side in a small bowl for dipping—everyone loves a little extra sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I slice the leftover turkey and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 7 days, which means you get several post-meal options that still taste great. I always label my container with the date to keep track.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy the cranberry glazed turkey breast for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I cover slices with foil and warm them gently in a low oven (around 275°F) to maintain juiciness. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just be sure to cover to retain moisture, and maybe add a splash of broth if you’re worried about dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe with bone-in turkey breast?

Yes! You can use a bone-in turkey breast, but keep in mind it will need about 10-15 minutes longer in the oven to reach 165°F internally. The bone adds flavor but affects cooking time.

How long should I brine the turkey breast?

Ideally, the turkey should brine overnight or up to 12 hours to fully absorb the flavors and moisture. If you’re short on time, at least 8 hours works to keep the meat juicy.

Can I prepare the cranberry glaze in advance?

Absolutely! The cranberry glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before brushing onto the turkey to keep the texture smooth.

What if I don’t have orange liqueur for the glaze?

No worries! Simply substitute with extra orange juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little acidity. The glaze will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe has become my go-to for when I want to impress family or friends without stress. It feels special but comes together in achievable steps that won't overwhelm your kitchen time. I hope you try it and love the way those bright cranberries and warming spices make every bite sing. Honestly, it’s such a rewarding dish to share—you’ll get all the compliments, and you’ll love making memories around it.