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Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

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This perfectly portioned turkey breast for two features a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a simple, intimate meal that makes any Tuesday feel like a celebration without the fuss of a full Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-2.5 lb / 900g-1.1kg) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 4 cups (960ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60g) kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest (from 1 orange)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup (120g) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground cloves
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh orange slices, for garnish
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brine the Turkey (1-2 hours before cooking): In a large bowl, whisk together the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, orange zest, rosemary, and smashed garlic until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Don’t go over 4 hours.
  2. Preheat & Prepare: About 30 minutes before roasting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside about 1/4 cup for serving.
  4. Season & Sear (Optional but Recommended): Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan. Brush the skin with the melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, sear the breast in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side before roasting.
  5. Roast the Turkey: Scatter the quartered onion and celery pieces around the turkey in the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan (not over the turkey). Roast for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.
  6. Apply the Glaze: After 45 minutes, brush a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze all over the turkey breast. Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, glazing once more halfway through.
  7. Check for Doneness: The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F (71°C). The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) as it rests. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Rest & Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Tent loosely with foil to keep it warm. Carve against the grain into thick slices.
  9. Finish the Pan Sauce: While the turkey rests, pour the pan drippings through a fine-mesh strainer into a small saucepan. Discard the solids. Bring to a simmer and whisk in the reserved glaze. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the turkey.

Notes

Don’t skip the brine—it ensures moist meat. Pat the turkey completely dry for crispy skin. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast for two, cranberry orange glaze, small turkey, romantic dinner, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving for two

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