"I would suggest gently loosening the skin and rubbing the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat if you want some extra flavor. And if you specifically want some extra cranberry flavor, add a handful of whole cranberries to the roasting pan during the last 30 minutes of roasting."
Maple Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast
Holidays are right around the corner, and we've got the perfect main dish for you! This juicy turkey breast has the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of tartness from the cranberries in the maple glaze. It’s deliciously seasonal and simple to prepare for your upcoming family feasts!
INGREDIENTS
For the turkey:
- 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the maple cranberry glaze:
- ½ cup Sugar Bob’s Original Smoked Maple Syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Optional garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the turkey: Pat dry (do not rinse) the turkey and preheat the oven to 325°F. For a bone-in turkey breast, tuck the wing tips underneath if needed. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast.
- Make the maple cranberry glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine Sugar Bob’s Original Smoked Maple Syrup, cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for approximately 8-12 minutes or until the cranberries soften and the glaze thickens slightly. Stir in butter until melted. Depending on the desired texture for the glaze, mash the cranberries as needed before removing from heat. Split the glaze into two bowls: one for serving, one for basting.
- Roast the turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Roast uncovered at 325°F for the first 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, brush the turkey with the maple cranberry glaze and continue roasting, brushing with additional glaze every 30 minutes. Continue cooking until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F without the thermometer touching the bone. Cooking time can range from 1½-2½ hours depending on the size of the turkey breast.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the oven once it reaches 165°F. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Warm the maple cranberry glaze gently on the stovetop and spoon some glaze over the turkey while serving the remaining glaze on the side. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you’re preparing this for a holiday feast and are worried about preparation time, prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Heat up when ready to serve, and it will taste just as fresh!
Maple Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast
INGREDIENTS
For the turkey:
- 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the maple cranberry glaze:
- ½ cup Sugar Bob’s Original Smoked Maple Syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Optional garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the turkey: Pat dry (do not rinse) the turkey and preheat the oven to 325°F. For a bone-in turkey breast, tuck the wing tips underneath if needed. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast.
- Make the maple cranberry glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine Sugar Bob’s Original Smoked Maple Syrup, cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for approximately 8-12 minutes or until the cranberries soften and the glaze thickens slightly. Stir in butter until melted. Depending on the desired texture for the glaze, mash the cranberries as needed before removing from heat. Split the glaze into two bowls: one for serving, one for basting.
- Roast the turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Roast uncovered at 325°F for the first 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, brush the turkey with the maple cranberry glaze and continue roasting, brushing with additional glaze every 30 minutes. Continue cooking until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F without the thermometer touching the bone. Cooking time can range from 1½-2½ hours depending on the size of the turkey breast.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the oven once it reaches 165°F. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Warm the maple cranberry glaze gently on the stovetop and spoon some glaze over the turkey while serving the remaining glaze on the side. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you’re preparing this for a holiday feast and are worried about preparation time, prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Heat up when ready to serve, and it will taste just as fresh!
