Do we have to wait until Thanksgiving to have turkey? Nope. This Cranberry Glazed Barbecued Turkey Breast is the answer to summer turkey. Last summer, we roasted a whole turkey on the barbecue and it worked out great, (that's another post). We should probably eat more turkey. Like a lot of people, we usually just eat turkey, in our house, as part of a holiday feast.
Why is that? Turkey is not as prevalent in the grocery store as chicken, but it's there. I think that I look at turkey as a special occasion thing, and don't want to ruin that by cooking with it outside of that box. But maybe we should rethink that. Turkey is a really good, versatile, and sustainable source of protein. It's also a good way to feed a lot of people when you have any kind of gathering, like a barbecue. And of course, it's delicious.
Of course, this recipe can still be a part of any holiday feast, too. It's ideal for a smaller group.
White meat vs dark?
While we like the dark meat, we love the white meat at my house. So buying just a turkey breast, rather than the whole bird, just made sense. This recipe is also all about the grill, but you can do this turkey breast recipe in the oven, too. Just heat the oven as per the grilling instructions.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
This BBQ Turkey Breast was cooked on the grill, and we were feeding four kids and four adults. I bought a 5 pound turkey breast. After roasting on the barbecue along with some veggies, it sliced up beautifully and fed everybody very well, with only enough leftovers for a lunchbox turkey sandwich the next day. So if you are feeding a bigger crowd, roast more than one turkey breast. If you're unsure, check out How many pounds of turkey per person.
The cranberry glaze of course is a perfect pairing, especially with Homemade Cranberry Sauce. But you can do it with raspberries, cherries, peaches or any other fruit, because turkey likes fruit.
What to do with leftovers? Try using it in a salad, like this delicious Turkey, Pomegranate, Bacon, & Walnut Salad
How To Make Cranberry Glazed Barbecued Turkey Breast
Recipe
Cranberry Glazed Barbecued Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Barbecue
Ingredients
- 5 pound turkey breast
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- 2 cups or 1 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup orange brandy liqueur or orange juice
Instructions
- Heat your barbecue on high with all burners going and lid down. (Should get to 450-500 degrees)
- Mist or rub olive oil all over the turkey breast, and season all over with salt and pepper
- Once grill is hot enough, put oiled & seasoned turkey breast on the middle or, if you have a two burner grill, on one side.
- Let turkey sear and turn, searing the other side so it's nice and brown all over.
- Now turn the heat right under your turkey breast off, and put the lid down. If you have more than two burners, your turkey breast will be right in the middle with no heat under, but heat coming from both sides.
- If you have two burners, you will need to rotate the turkey breast every 15 minutes or so to ensure even cooking. Do this quickly to keep the heat from escaping. Let the turkey breast roast on the BBQ for about 30 minutes and turn.
- Meanwhile put the cranberry sauce and orange brandy or juice in a bowl and with a stick blender or electric mixer, puree until you have a nice thick glaze.
- Brush turkey every 15 minutes or so with glaze, turning and brushing the other side. Turkey is finished roasting when an internal thermometer reads 170 degrees.
- Brush with more glaze and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Elise
Do you know if this works with a bone-in turkey breast?
Colleen
Hi Elise, yes you can absolutely use a bone-in turkey breast. It will require a longer cooking time though. You can probably plan for an extra 20-30 minutes. The important thing is to cook it to an internal temperature of 170°. Enjoy your turkey!
Terri
I'm the same, Colleen - I never think to have turkey outside Thanksgiving! But I love this idea and the cranberry glaze sounds spectacular! Like you, I think I'm going to venture outside the holiday box this year 🙂
Colleen
Hi Terri, traditions are wonderful, but it's always fun to change things up a little, too, right?
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
Colleen, this turkey looks so juicy and that cranberry glaze sounds amazing! What a great year round recipe!
Colleen
Thanks Leanne! It really is great for any time of the year.
Marisa
I’m a huge fan of turkey breast and as I’ve never actually cooked a whole turkey before this is right up my alley. It looks absolutely mouthwatering! Wonderful recipe Colleen!
Colleen
Thanks Marisa! This is perfect if you don't want to cook a whole turkey!
Denise from Urb'n'Spice
I buy turkey breasts quite often - they are so versatile. I am looking forward to trying your recipe for Cranberry Glazed Barbecued Turkey Breast, Colleen. It looks wonderful! I love cranberry sauce, too! It is an excellent glaze. Thanks so much for sharing another great recipe!
Colleen
Hi Denise, turkey breasts really are so versatile, I agree! I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious recipe as much as we do!
Jayashree
This looks so delicious and can be enjoyed over the weekend. Nice sharing.
Colleen
Hi Jayashree, yes this is a perfect weekend or any day, dish! Enjoy.
Elaine
Turkey on the barbecue is SO good! Love the cranberry glaze you've added in this recipe. Pinning!!
Colleen
Thanks Elaine! This is great on the barbecue, and can also be done in the oven.
Renu
This is very new to me, specially the glaze with cranberry and looks like a perfect dish for Thanksgiving
Colleen
Hi Renu, so happy to share something new with you! The cranberry glaze is perfect for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a happy and thankful one.
Krista Price
YES! I've been on the hunt for yummy turkey breast recipes. It's just me and my boyfriend at the Thanksgiving table this year, so this is PERFECT for the two of us! Thank you so much for sharing!
Colleen
Hi Krista. I'm so happy that you found this recipe. It's perfect for two, and with leftovers (my favourite part :-)). Happy Thanksgiving!
Ellen
This looks delicious! What a great way to add a new twist to Thanksgiving.
Colleen
It is delicious, Ellen. Sometimes it's fun to add a new twist on tradition, too!
Dannii
What a great alternative to a traditional roast. I think we might do something like this for Christmas.
Colleen
Hi Dannii, It's a delicious alternative. I hope it works well for you. Would love to hear how it turns out!
Emma
This looks divine. I'm always looking for ways to jazz up my Christmas Turkey and had never though about using cranberries!
Colleen
Hi Emma, Cranberries are a natural for turkey, so this glaze is delicious!
Jacqueline Debono
What a wonderful way to eat turkey. I've never thought of barbecuing just the breast! Def one to try. The glaze looks and sounds delish too!
Colleen
Thanks Jacqueline. Barbecuing, or roasting just the breast is perfect for a smaller crowd and there's less waste and mess. (Although a big, beautiful whole roasted bird is always wonderful, too.) And you will love the glaze!
Adrianne
Oh my god, this looks seriously delicious. that glaze is AMAZING and I cannot wait to try this recipe. It is perfect at this time of year and looks fabulous, yum and thanks!
Colleen
Adrianne, this really is amazing and the cranberry glaze makes it so good. I know you'll love it. Enjoy!