Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the thought of a perfectly roasted turkey might seem daunting, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. This Martha Stewart-inspired Thanksgiving turkey breast recipe is a delicious and manageable alternative to a whole turkey, perfect for smaller gatherings or those wanting a less time-consuming approach to a classic Thanksgiving centerpiece. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering juicy, flavorful turkey breast complemented by a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce that's both sweet and tart. Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner with this easy and healthy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Breast:
- 4-5 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
For the Cranberry-Orange Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Preparing the Turkey Breast:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfectly juicy turkey breast.
- Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Season generously: Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and garlic powder. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
- Create a bed of vegetables: Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan. This adds flavor and moisture to the turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Roast for 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). For a crispier skin, broil for the last 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Making the Cranberry-Orange Sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and water.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey is dry turkey! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Let the turkey rest: Allow the turkey breast to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
- Make the sauce ahead: The cranberry-orange sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your turkey breast. Rosemary, marjoram, or a blend of poultry seasoning would all be delicious additions.
- Stuffing: For a heartier meal, you can add stuffing to the roasting pan alongside the turkey breast.
- Citrus variations: Try substituting grapefruit juice or pomegranate juice for some of the orange juice in the cranberry sauce for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy and delicious Thanksgiving turkey breast recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade Thanksgiving feast! Happy cooking!