If you’re searching for a celebration-worthy dish that brings warmth, flavor, and that special touch of comfort, look no further than this Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe. Imagine a golden, herb-infused turkey breast roasted to juicy perfection, paired with a luxuriously tangy cranberry sauce that dances on your palate. This dish balances savory herbs and buttery indulgence with the vibrant sweetness of cranberries, creating a centerpiece that’s as impressive as it is inviting. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe promises to deliver both satisfaction and delight with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients together is a breeze, and every single one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From fragrant herbs to fresh citrus, each element contributes to that mouthwatering balance that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star fruit bringing tartness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed): Adds citrusy brightness that lifts the cranberry sauce.
- 1 cup apple jelly: Sweetens the sauce naturally while giving it a smooth gloss.
- 0.5 teaspoon five spice: A warm, aromatic blend that introduces an exciting depth to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to thicken the cranberry sauce for the perfect cling to the turkey.
- 4 pounds turkey breast (with skin): Provides juicy white meat with a crispy, golden skin.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Infuses the turkey with piney, fragrant notes.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds mild earthiness and herbaceous undertones to the roast.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Brings gentle heat and sharpness to the seasoning.
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted): Renders richness and helps the skin crisp beautifully.
- 2 medium onions (chopped): Create a fragrant base and add subtle sweetness while roasting.
How to Make Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
Begin by combining cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, apple jelly, and five spice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and let the berries burst as the mixture comes to a simmer. Whisk cornstarch with a splash of water until smooth, then slowly add it to the sauce. This will thicken your cranberry bliss perfectly. Once thick and glossy, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly; this is your dazzling sauce base for when the turkey comes out of the oven.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry to ensure a crispy skin. Rub the skin and meat all over with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and freshly chopped rosemary. Don’t rush this step — the herbs are essential to building that savory flavor everyone loves. Melt the butter and brush it generously over the skin; this not only adds richness but helps the herbs stick and the skin crisp to a golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Roasting Pan
Scatter the chopped onions in the bottom of a roasting pan to create a fragrant bed for the turkey. These onions will slowly caramelize, releasing sweet aromas and flavors that subtly infuse the bird from the bottom up.
Step 4: Roast the Turkey
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the onions in the roasting pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, baste the turkey with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. When the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown and the juices run clear, your turkey breast is perfect and ready for the next step.
Step 5: Rest the Turkey and Finish
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender when sliced. While resting, gently warm your saucy cranberry bliss on the stove or microwave, ensuring it’s ready to pour generously over each slice of turkey breast when serving.
How to Serve Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries around the serving platter. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on the turkey slices adds visual appeal and a subtle kick that complements the cranberry bliss sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and green bean almondine. The creamy, buttery potatoes balance the tangy cranberries, while the vibrant veggies add color and crunch, rounding out your meal with wholesome goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual turkey breast slices topped with a spoonful of the saucy cranberry bliss on mini toasted baguette rounds as elegant appetizers. Alternatively, create a festive turkey sandwich with thick slices, cranberry sauce, and crisp greens on crusty bread for a mouthwatering next-day treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover turkey breast and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers. Proper refrigeration keeps the flavors fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this deliciousness again without losing that roasted charm.
Freezing
If you want to save your Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe for much later, freeze the turkey and sauce individually. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Cranberry sauce freezes beautifully in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen turkey overnight in the fridge. Warm slices gently in the oven at low heat, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat cranberry sauce on the stovetop or microwave until just warm, taking care not to boil it again, which can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! A boneless turkey breast works wonderfully and often cooks a little faster. Just adjust the roasting time and always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked at 165°F.
What if I don’t have five spice powder?
No worries! You can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves to mimic that warm, sweet-spicy flavor. It won’t be exact but will still add a lovely depth to the cranberry sauce.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely. When doubling, make sure your roasting pan is large enough and allow some extra cooking time for the turkey breast. Similarly, prepare the cranberry sauce in a larger pot, keeping an eye on thickness as it cooks.
Is fresh orange juice necessary for the cranberry sauce?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for its vibrant citrus brightness, but bottled juice will work if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid concentrated or sweetened juices that can overpower the sauce’s natural flavors.
How do I know when the turkey breast is done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is best, you can check by cutting into the thickest part; the meat should be white with clear juices running out. If there’s any pink or red, it needs more time roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Its rich blend of herbs and buttery skin combined with the fresh, zingy cranberry sauce makes it an instant favorite for gatherings big and small. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own signature dish—it’s perfect for creating memories and savoring every delicious bite.
Print
Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 slices each)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Bliss is a perfect holiday centerpiece combining succulent roasted turkey breast infused with aromatic herbs and a vibrant, tangy cranberry sauce enriched with orange juice, apple jelly, and warm five-spice. Ideal for festive dinners, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful turkey complemented by a luscious, slightly sweet cranberry sauce with a hearty onion base.
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
- 3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup apple jelly
- 0.5 teaspoon five spice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Turkey
- 4 pounds turkey breast (with skin)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 medium onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, apple jelly, and five spice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the jelly. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering cranberry mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and cranberries burst, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and fresh chopped rosemary, making sure to get underneath the skin where possible to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Turkey and Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Push onions to the side, then add turkey breast skin side down to sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Roast the Turkey: Flip the turkey breast skin side up, arrange the onions around it, then transfer the skillet or roasting pan to the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Baste the turkey occasionally with pan juices for added moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into approximately 6 to 6 thick slices. Serve slices with a generous spoonful of the warm cranberry bliss sauce on top or on the side.
Notes
- Allow the turkey to rest properly to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the apple jelly slightly.
- Ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Use a roasting pan with a rack if you want to keep the turkey elevated from the onions and butter.
