Cider Brined Turkey Breast Cranberry

This cider brined turkey breast transforms any dinner into a celebration with its juicy meat and bright cranberry glaze. After years of experimenting with holiday roasts, this recipe always wins rave reviews for its tender result and festive color. It is my go-to whenever I want a showstopping centerpiece without roasting a whole bird.

I remember testing this the first time for Thanksgiving and having everyone go back for seconds. The kids asked for leftovers before the meal was over.

Ingredients

• Boneless skin-on turkey breast: Look for one around four pounds without added solutions for best brining results
• Apple cider: Brings sweetness and depth to both the brine and glaze. Use fresh pressed if possible
• Kosher salt: Essential for the brine. Choose flakes or crystals for easy dissolving
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes and helps the bird brown
• Black peppercorns: Give gentle aromatic heat. Use whole for slow flavor release
• Garlic: Fresh smashed cloves infuse layers of flavor into the brine
• Bay leaves: Classic for brining. Choose whole dried leaves with no cracks
• Fresh thyme: Lends earthiness. Both brine and glaze benefit from this herb
• Cold water: Brings down the temperature of your brine so you can chill safely
• Ice: Ensures turkey cools quickly in the brine to prevent bacteria
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Bring tartness and color to the glaze. Look for bright red berries or use frozen straight from the bag
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the glaze. Use white sugar for a clean finish
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds rich acidity. Look for aged, syrupy balsamic if available
• Orange zest: Pulls out citrus notes and lifts the sauce. Choose organic oranges for best zest
• Salt: Just a hint in the glaze to pull flavors together
• Olive oil: Gives a golden crust to the roasted turkey. Use good extra virgin variety for best flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper: Brightens the turkey during roasting. Grind it fresh for a peppery finish
• Dried thyme or fresh sprigs: Offers an extra layer of flavor either way. Pat the fresh herb dry to avoid steaming

Instructions

Brine the Turkey:

Combine apple cider kosher salt brown sugar peppercorns garlic bay leaves and thyme in a large saucepan. Heat over medium and stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and add two cups cold water. Let cool completely to room temperature using ice to chill faster if needed

Submerge and Chill:

Place the turkey breast into a large sealable container or a sturdy ziptop bag. Pour the brine over ensuring the meat is completely submerged. Add ice if needed. Cover tightly and refrigerate for eight to twelve hours for maximum flavor and juiciness

Prepare Cranberry Glaze:

In a small saucepan add cranberries apple cider sugar balsamic vinegar orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about ten to twelve minutes until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens. Pull off the heat to cool and set aside

Roast the Turkey:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Gently rub the skin all over with olive oil then sprinkle with pepper and thyme for plenty of flavor

Roast with Glaze:

Set the turkey breast on a rack inside your roasting pan. Roast for forty five minutes uncovered. Carefully brush on some cranberry glaze and return to the oven. Roast for another twenty five to thirty five minutes brushing with more glaze every ten minutes until the internal temperature reads one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit

Rest and Serve:

Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest under a loose foil tent for fifteen minutes before slicing. Spoon over extra cranberry glaze for a stunning finish

Pin Recipe

Leftover turkey stars in amazing salads and sandwiches. Fresh pressed apple cider truly makes a difference in the flavor. It reminds me of childhood orchard trips where the sweet scent of apples hung in the air. We first made this for a small family Thanksgiving and it has become a much anticipated annual tradition ever since

Storage Tips

Refrigerate any leftover turkey wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage slice the cooled turkey and freeze it in single layers between sheets of parchment then seal in freezer bags. Freeze extra cranberry glaze separately to pour over when reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh thyme Use rosemary or even fresh sage for a woodsy note. If you use frozen cranberries add an extra half a tablespoon of sugar to brighten the glaze. If apple cider is unavailable apple juice will work in a pinch though the result will be a bit sweeter

Serving Suggestions

Thinly slice and fan the turkey on a platter with extra glaze on the side. Pair with roasted root vegetables wild rice stuffing or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal add a crisp green salad or serve cold in lunch sandwiches

Cultural and Historical Context

Brining turkey has deep American roots reaching back to early settlers who learned preservation techniques from Indigenous communities. Combining tart cranberries and apples nods to traditional fall harvest flavors that anchor New England holiday tables

Seasonal Adaptations

Brine with a cinnamon stick star anise or allspice berries for extra autumn warmth. Switch the glaze to cherry or blueberry for a summery spin. Replace turkey with chicken breast for a smaller gathering

Success Stories

A friend tried this for a Friendsgiving and said it was the first turkey she ever served that was actually gone by the end of dinner. I love hearing that the cranberry glaze has become a famous secret weapon in several friends' family recipe boxes

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the turkey fully but stop before glazing and slicing. Once cooled slice roast and wrap tightly to freeze. Reheat in a covered casserole dish with a sprinkle of cider until hot then glaze just before serving

Pin Recipe

This dish will brighten any table and is sure to spark requests for seconds. If you try it once it may just become a new tradition.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the turkey breast brine?

For best flavor and moisture, brine the turkey breast for 8–12 hours in the apple cider mixture before roasting.

→ Can I use dried cranberries for the glaze?

Fresh or frozen cranberries yield the best texture, but dried cranberries can be rehydrated in cider if needed. Expect a thicker glaze.

→ What temperature is ideal for roasting turkey breast?

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for juicy results.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all listed ingredients are gluten-free. Always check packaged items to confirm allergen information.

→ What sides pair well?

Roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a crisp Chardonnay complement the savory and sweet flavors beautifully.

→ Can leftovers be used for other meals?

Leftover turkey is delicious in sandwiches and salads, offering a flavorful protein option for quick lunches.