Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is a delightful and effortless dish that brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. This recipe showcases tender, juicy turkey breast infused with the sweetness of cranberry sauce and citrus from orange juice. Perfect for Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, it requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Discover how easy it is to create a delicious centerpiece that will impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With just a few simple steps, you can set this dish in your crock pot and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of cranberry sauce and orange juice creates a sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the turkey’s natural flavors.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for holidays or gatherings, this dish serves up to 8 people, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
• Moist and Tender Turkey: Slow cooking guarantees moist meat that falls apart beautifully, making it easy to serve.
• Versatile Sauce: The gravy can be adjusted to your liking, making it perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or served as a dip.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (crock pot)
• Mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Serving plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors into the turkey over several hours.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the turkey, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing cornstarch with water smoothly to create a thick gravy without lumps.

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Ingredients

Crock Pot Turkey Breast only needs 4 ingredients and you won’t believe how easy it is to make! Tender flaky, moist, fool-proof boneless turkey breast recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

For the Turkey

• 1 (5-7 lbs) boneless turkey breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 packet onion soup seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup orange juice

For Thickening the Gravy

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Unwrap the turkey breast while leaving the netting on. Place it into your slow cooker. A 6-quart crock pot works well for this recipe.

Step 2: Season the Turkey

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the turkey breast. Rub these spices in gently to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Mix and Pour Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, onion seasoning mix, and orange juice. Once mixed well, pour this mixture over the seasoned turkey.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crock pot and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 5-7 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, about 6 hours will suffice.

Step 5: Prepare Gravy

After cooking, carefully remove the turkey breast from the crock pot onto a serving plate and cover with tin foil to keep warm. Skim off any fat from the remaining liquid in the crock pot. Pour this liquid into a medium saucepan.

Step 6: Thicken Gravy

In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Bring the liquid from the crock pot to a boil in your saucepan. Once boiling, add in your cornstarch mixture while whisking continuously until thickened—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Pour some gravy over your sliced turkey breast before serving. Keep additional sauce on hand in a jar for guests who want more!

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast at your next meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the turkey for a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme sprigs: Add thyme sprigs on top for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve over spinach: Place slices of turkey on a bed of fresh spinach for a light, nutritious option.
• Mixed greens salad: Pair with a mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Accompanied by Gravy

• Extra gravy: Keep additional cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for guests who prefer more flavor.
• Serve with mashed potatoes: Ladle gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience.

With Cranberry Relish

• Cranberry relish: Offer homemade or store-bought cranberry relish as a tangy complement to the savory turkey.
• Fruit chutney: A sweet fruit chutney can also add an interesting flavor profile.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

To ensure your Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Use a meat thermometer: Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Let it rest: Allow the turkey breast to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
• Avoid overcooking: Cooking on low heat is key; check at the 5-hour mark to prevent drying out.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or herbs like rosemary for additional flavor profiles.
• Keep it covered: Ensure the lid is tightly closed during cooking to maintain steam and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Pairing your Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect base for soaking up gravy.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings balance and color to your plate.
3. Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish adds sweetness and is often topped with crunchy pecans or marshmallows.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies and lemon dressing offers a healthy, gluten-free option.
6. Stuffing or Dressing: Traditional stuffing made with bread, herbs, and broth rounds out this festive meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to adequately season the turkey breast can lead to bland flavors. Always rub salt and pepper generously over the meat before cooking.
• Skipping the browning step: While this recipe doesn’t require browning, some cooks do this for added flavor. If you choose to brown your turkey breast first, make sure not to overcook it, as it will continue cooking in the crock pot.
• Using too much liquid: Adding excessive liquid can dilute the sauce’s flavor. Stick to the amounts specified in the recipe for the best results.
• Overcooking the turkey: Cooking beyond 7 hours on LOW can dry out your turkey breast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit without going over.
• Ignoring rest time: Cutting into your turkey immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape, leading to dryness. Let it rest covered with foil for at least 10 minutes before carving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

• Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place turkey in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Slice turkey and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add sliced turkey with some of the sauce. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast:

Can I use frozen turkey breast?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.

How do I know when my turkey is done?

The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is helpful here!

What sides pair well with Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast?

Consider serving with mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing for a complete meal.

Can I modify this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor or substitute different fruit juices if desired.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is not only easy to prepare but also delivers tender and flavorful results that are perfect for any gathering. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious main dish that impresses everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs or side dishes!