Cider Brined Turkey Breast Cranberry (Printable)

Turkey breast marinated in apple cider brine, topped with cranberry glaze. Great for gatherings and special occasions.

# What You Need:

→ Turkey & Brine

01 - 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (4 lb)
02 - 4 cups apple cider
03 - 1/4 cup kosher salt
04 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
06 - 4 garlic cloves, smashed
07 - 2 bay leaves
08 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
09 - 2 cups cold water
10 - Ice, as needed

→ Cranberry Glaze

11 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
12 - 1/2 cup apple cider
13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
16 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ For Roasting

17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
18 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
19 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Heat over medium, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in cold water, and cool to room temperature. Add ice if needed to expedite chilling.
02 - Place turkey breast in a large sealable container or zip-top bag. Pour cooled brine over turkey, making sure it is fully submerged. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, apple cider, sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and glaze is thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Coat turkey breast evenly with olive oil, ground black pepper, and thyme.
05 - Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 45 minutes. Brush with cranberry glaze, then continue roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes, basting with glaze every 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
06 - Remove turkey from oven and let rest, loosely tented with foil, for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with additional cranberry glaze.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses accessible ingredients from the produce and pantry
  • No fussy techniques and easy prep ahead
  • A showstopper you can make gluten free and dairy free with zero fuss
  • Makes your kitchen smell cozy and inviting as it roasts
  • The brining step ensures every bite stays moist even if the dinner conversation runs long
02 -
  • High in lean protein for a satisfying main dish
  • Perfect for prepping ahead since brine works overnight
  • Pairs naturally with roasted veggies and wine for festive tables
  • Easy to adapt for folks with allergies or gluten sensitivities
03 -
  • Do not rush the brine time—overnight is ideal for deep flavor but even eight hours will boost juiciness
  • Invest in a meat thermometer for stress-free roasting
  • Give the glaze a minute after each brushing so it sets into a glossy layer
  • Making the glaze with fresh squeezed orange zest gives unbeatable aroma that lasts through leftovers

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