Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is a hassle-free and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe delivers tender and moist turkey with a mouthwatering cranberry glaze. It’s easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want to impress their guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With only four main ingredients, this dish comes together in minutes.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of cranberry sauce and orange juice creates a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the turkey.
• Slow Cooking Convenience: Cooking in a crock pot allows for hands-off preparation, freeing up time for you to focus on other dishes.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This turkey breast is great for sandwiches or salads the next day, maximizing your meal prep efforts.
• Feeding a Crowd: One recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (crock pot)
• Mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (crock pot): Provides even cooking over several hours, ensuring your turkey stays moist and flavorful.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients efficiently before pouring them over the turkey.
• Whisk: Helps to blend the cornstarch with water smoothly, preventing lumps in your gravy.

Ingredients

To make this Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast, gather the following ingredients:

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

1. Unwrap the turkey breast while keeping the netting intact and place it in your slow cooker. A 6-quart crock pot works well for this recipe.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the turkey and rub it in gently.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, onion seasoning mix, and orange juice.
2. Pour this mixture evenly over the turkey breast.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

1. Set your crock pot to LOW heat and cook for 5-7 hours. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit; typically, about 6 hours is sufficient.

Step 4: Serve with Gravy

1. Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the crock pot and place it on a serving plate. Cover it with tin foil to keep warm.
2. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid in your crock pot.
3. Pour this liquid into a medium saucepan.

Step 5: Thicken Your Gravy

1. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water.
2. Bring the liquid from the slow cooker to a boil in your saucepan.
3. Once boiling, add the cornstarch mixture while whisking continuously until thickened—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Pour some of the prepared gravy over your sliced turkey breast before serving.
2. Store any extra gravy in a jar on the side for guests to help themselves as desired.

Enjoy this delightful Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast at your next gathering!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Classic Thanksgiving Plate

• A generous slice of turkey breast paired with traditional stuffing and gravy for a comforting feel.

Turkey Sliders

• Shred leftover turkey and serve on small buns with cranberry sauce and a dollop of mayo for a fun twist.

Turkey Salad

• Dice the turkey and mix with greens, nuts, and a light dressing for a refreshing salad option.

Open-Faced Sandwiches

• Layer slices of turkey on hearty bread topped with gravy for an easy, satisfying lunch.

Turkey Tacos

• Use shredded turkey as the filling for tacos, adding fresh salsa and avocado for extra flavor.

Thanksgiving Wraps

• Roll up turkey breast with lettuce and cranberry sauce in a tortilla for a quick on-the-go meal.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

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

• Choose the right size turkey: Select a boneless turkey breast weighing between 5-7 lbs to fit well in your slow cooker.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance the flavors of the dish significantly.
• Monitor cooking time: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
• Let it rest: Allow the turkey to rest covered in foil after cooking to retain its moisture before slicing.
• Make extra gravy: Save more liquid from the crock pot if you desire additional gravy for serving.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

Pair your Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast with delicious side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some perfect options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent base for soaking up gravy.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted until golden add a touch of bitterness that balances the sweetness of cranberry sauce.
3. Green Bean Almondine
   Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds provide crunch and color, enhancing your plate visually and texturally.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
   This dish combines sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan topping, offering both sweetness and depth alongside savory turkey.
5. Stuffing or Dressing
   A classic stuffing made with bread, herbs, and vegetables adds heartiness to your meal that pairs beautifully with turkey.
6. Cranberry Sauce
   Don’t forget an extra side of cranberry sauce! Its tartness complements the rich flavors of the turkey perfectly.
7. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins are great for soaking up juices while adding another layer of flavor to your meal.
8. Cauliflower Gratin
   Cheesy cauliflower gratin offers creaminess that pairs well without overpowering the main dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the turkey’s size: Selecting a turkey breast that is too large or too small for your slow cooker can affect cooking time and result in uneven cooking. Always check your slow cooker’s capacity.
• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the turkey breast properly will lead to bland flavors. Make sure to rub salt and pepper thoroughly into the meat before adding sauce.
• Not checking the temperature: Failing to check the internal temperature could result in undercooked turkey. Use a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches at least 165°F for safety.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the turkey breast longer than necessary can dry it out. Stick to the recommended 5-7 hours on low heat and monitor it closely.
• Neglecting the gravy: Forgetting to thicken the gravy can result in a watery sauce. Always mix cornstarch with water before adding it to avoid lumps and ensure a nice consistency.
• Using high heat setting: Cooking on high heat may cause the turkey to dry out quickly. It’s best to use low heat for tender, juicy meat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Store for up to 2-3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover turkey with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes) until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast:

Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

Yes, you can use a frozen turkey breast. However, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How do I know when my turkey breast is done?

Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry salad for a complete meal experience.

Can I customize the flavor of this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth of flavor.

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

The total time is about 6 hours and 5 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is an easy yet delicious main dish perfect for any occasion. Its tender texture and flavorful gravy make it an appealing addition to your meal rotation. Plus, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or accompaniments. Try it today!