Step 1: Oven and Pan Preparation Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or a large baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the turkey and cranberries from sticking.
Step 2: Create the Citrus Glaze In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a basting liquid to keep the turkey succulent during the roasting process.
Step 3: Season the Turkey Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the skin (if using) gets crisp. Rub the salt and black pepper evenly over all sides of the turkey breast before placing it in the center of your prepared roasting pan.
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Glaze Scatter the fresh cranberries around the turkey breast in the pan. Pour the orange juice glaze slowly over the top of the turkey, ensuring the meat is well-coated and some of the liquid pools around the cranberries at the bottom.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection Place the pan in the oven and roast for 60 to 75 minutes. Every 20 minutes, use a spoon to baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy when you slice it.