Follow these steps to prepare your Midwest Country Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
- Preheat and Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin when roasting. Rub the turkey with olive oil, making sure to coat it evenly. Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh rosemary (or dried rosemary). These simple seasonings will complement the cranberry-orange glaze beautifully.
- Roast the Turkey Breast: Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan, skin-side up. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices that accumulate in the pan for added moisture and flavor. While the turkey is roasting, you can start preparing the cranberry-orange glaze.
- Prepare the Cranberry Orange Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), water, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir to combine, and cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure that the mixture doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. You should end up with a rich, glossy glaze.
- Glaze the Turkey: Once the turkey breast has reached the desired internal temperature (165°F), remove it from the oven. Brush the turkey with the cranberry-orange glaze, making sure to coat it generously. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting once or twice more with the glaze to allow the flavors to deepen and the skin to caramelize.
- Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is golden brown and glazed, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the turkey stays moist and flavorful.
- Carve and Serve: After resting, carve the turkey breast into slices and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle some extra cranberry-orange glaze over the slices and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a festive touch. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
Serving and Storage:
This cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is perfect for any holiday gathering or a cozy Sunday dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the turkey breast with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. The glaze pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of these vegetables.
- For a lighter option, pair the turkey with a fresh green salad, dressed with a citrus vinaigrette that complements the orange glaze.
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve with stuffing or cornbread to round out the meal.
As for leftovers, store any remaining turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra cranberry-orange glaze to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Cranberries: While frozen cranberries work in a pinch, fresh cranberries will give your glaze a brighter, fresher flavor. They also burst more easily, giving the glaze a beautiful texture.
- Make the Glaze Ahead of Time: You can prepare the cranberry-orange glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the glaze before brushing it onto the turkey.
- Brining the Turkey: If you have extra time, consider brining the turkey breast before roasting. Brining helps the meat retain moisture and enhances the overall flavor. Use a simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and herbs, and let the turkey sit in the brine for several hours or overnight.
- Try Other Sweeteners: While honey and maple syrup are the primary sweeteners in this recipe, you can experiment with other options, such as agave nectar or brown sugar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will give you the best results and avoid overcooking the turkey.
Conclusion:
The Midwest Country Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, offering a refreshing twist on a holiday classic. The combination of tender turkey, aromatic herbs, and a zesty cranberry-orange glaze makes it an ideal choice for any festive meal. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this turkey will be the star of your dinner table.
By following the simple steps outlined above, you’ll create a beautifully roasted turkey with a delightful glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
FAQ:
1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes! A boneless turkey breast will work just as well in this recipe. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless turkey breasts tend to cook faster than bone-in breasts. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Can I make the cranberry-orange glaze without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar if you prefer. Each sweetener will bring a unique flavor, but all will pair nicely with the turkey.
3. Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?
You can roast the turkey breast a day ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, to preserve moisture. Add the glaze during the final reheating stage for a fresh