Cranberry Sauce Recipe: As the holidays approach, take the hassle out of your festive meal preparation with this delightful Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Sauce. A perfect alternative to cooking a whole turkey, this recipe offers simplicity, ease, and comfort on your holiday table.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
For those seeking a stress-free cooking experience, this turkey breast recipe is a game-changer. Whether you’re catering to a smaller crowd, aiming to avoid excessive leftovers, or simply craving a hassle-free cooking process, this dish has you covered.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent turkey breast, cooked to perfection and paired exquisitely with a delectable cranberry sauce. The sauce strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and tanginess, making it the ideal companion to the tender turkey.
When selecting your turkey breast, consider opting for skin-on for an extra layer of flavor. However, skinless turkey breast works just as well, offering a healthier twist. You’ll need around 4 pounds of turkey breast, which can be found in either whole pieces or smaller portions, with or without bones.
Ingredients:
- Turkey breast (skin-on for added flavor)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Apple jelly for a touch of sweetness and texture
- Orange juice for acidity and brightness
- All spice for depth and complexity
- Cornstarch to thicken the sauce
- Chopped fresh rosemary and dried thyme for herbal infusion
- Unsalted butter for browning the turkey
- Onions for savory depth
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the sauce by blending 2 cups of cranberries, orange juice, apple jelly, all spice, and cornstarch in a food processor until smooth.
- Season the turkey breast generously with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the turkey in a skillet with melted butter until golden, then transfer to a roasting pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until browned and translucent, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cranberry mixture to the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of cranberries.
- Pour the cranberry sauce around the turkey breast and bake for about 1 1/2 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- After baking, let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this exquisite turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as potato wedges, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes.
- To elevate your turkey experience, consider brining the turkey breast for added juiciness and flavor penetration.
No Food Processor? No Problem:
If you lack a food processor, you can still create this splendid cranberry sauce by simply combining the ingredients in a saucepan and cooking for about 5 minutes, until the cranberries soften.
Leftovers:
- Refrigerate your turkey in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- To freeze, slice the turkey and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw slices in the microwave or at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
This cranberry sauce is a gem on its own, lasting up to 2 weeks in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead option.
As you embark on your stress-free holiday cooking journey, remember that this Roast Turkey Breast with Saucy Cranberry Sauce is here to make your celebrations deliciously memorable. Don’t forget to leave a review and rating if you try this recipe – your feedback fuels our commitment to providing exceptional and free culinary inspiration.”