Cider Brined Turkey Breast Cranberry (Printable Version)

Turkey breast brined in cider and finished with a tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect centerpiece for celebrations.

# 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 dissolve. Remove from heat, add 2 cups cold water, and cool to room temperature. Add ice as needed to speed cooling.
02 - Transfer the turkey breast into a large sealable container or zip-top bag. Pour cooled brine over turkey, ensuring 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, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub turkey breast with olive oil, black pepper, and thyme.
05 - Arrange turkey breast on a rack in the roasting pan. Roast for 45 minutes.
06 - Brush turkey breast with cranberry glaze. Continue roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
07 - Remove turkey from oven and let rest, loosely covered with foil, for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra cranberry glaze.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses easy to find ingredients like apple cider and cranberries
  • Comes together without special equipment
  • Brining keeps the turkey moist and flavorful
  • Impresses guests with gorgeous color and tangy sweet flavor
  • Ready for weeknight dinners or special occasions
02 -
  • High protein and gluten free so it suits many diets
  • Freezes well sliced and without glaze
03 -
  • Always cool the brine fully before adding the turkey for food safety
  • Letting the turkey rest after roasting is key for juicy slices
  • Do not skip rinsing off the brine or the finished bread will be too salty
  • For extra depth in the glaze stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger

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