I absolutely adore the ease and flavor of this Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress family or friends without a lot of fuss. The turkey comes out tender and juicy, soaking up the tart and sweet cranberry sauce, enriched with comforting herbs and a touch of brown sugar. Every time I make this dish, the cozy aroma fills the house, and it instantly feels like celebration time. I love how simple the ingredients are, yet the flavors blend into something truly memorable.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe
What really gets me excited about this Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe is the flavor balance. The tangy cranberries pair beautifully with the savory notes from the onion soup mix and dried thyme, while the brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a little like having all the best parts of a holiday meal in one dish. Plus, the turkey itself stays incredibly moist because it cooks low and slow, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
I also love how straightforward this recipe is. There’s no need for fancy cooking techniques or last-minute preparations. Once you toss everything in the crockpot, you can walk away for hours, which makes this a dream for busy weekdays or stress-free holiday dinners. It’s genuinely a hands-off recipe that still delivers on wow-factor.
Whether it’s a relaxed family dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck, this dish stands out. The cranberry sauce creates that festive touch that feels right at home during the cooler months, but honestly, it’s so good anytime. I’m always recommending this to friends who want something impressive but easy, because I know it will never let them down.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the meaty turkey breast to the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, and the savory depth of onion soup mix and thyme, every element combines to make this dish sing.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Boneless turkey breast (3–4 lbs): A tender, lean cut perfect for slow cooking and soaking up flavors.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz can): Adds sweetness, tang, and a beautiful ruby color that makes the dish festive.
- Onion soup mix: Brings savory depth and a hint of herbal warmth that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the turkey moist as it simmers and enhances the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the tartness of cranberries with gentle sweetness.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Adds a subtle earthiness that ties the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.
Directions
Step 1: Place the boneless turkey breast directly into your crockpot, making sure it lays flat so it cooks evenly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the whole berry cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, chicken broth, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture is where your flavor magic happens.
Step 3: Pour the cranberry and seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast, ensuring it is well coated on all sides to infuse flavor during cooking.
Step 4: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking allows the turkey to become incredibly tender and juicy while absorbing the cranberry sauce’s sweet and tangy essence.
Step 5: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast carefully from the crockpot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then slice it against the grain to retain tenderness.
Step 6: Serve the turkey slices with the cranberry sauce spooned generously over the top for that beautiful glossy finish and burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes and accompanying dishes. The prep time is incredibly short—only about 10 minutes to gather and mix your ingredients. Cooking time is 6 to 7 hours on LOW in the crockpot, making it perfect for a day when you’re busy but still want a home-cooked meal. Allow for about 10 minutes of resting time after cooking before slicing and serving. Overall, plan on just under 7 and a half hours from start to table, mostly hands-off.
How to Serve This Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe
When I serve this Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe, I love pairing it with classic sides that complement the sweet and savory sauce. Mashed potatoes or creamy sweet potatoes are my go-tos—they soak up the sauce beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add a nice crunch and freshness that balance the richness of the turkey.
For a festive touch, I often garnish the plate with fresh thyme sprigs or a scattering of chopped parsley for color. Presentation-wise, slicing the turkey thick and spooning the sauce over keeps things looking inviting and mouthwatering. I also enjoy serving it with a warm whole-grain roll or cranberry-orange relish on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir if you prefer reds. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling cranberry spritzer or a warm apple cider works beautifully and keeps the flavors bright. I’ve found it shines during holiday dinners and Sunday family meals alike, always earning compliments for its comfort and easy elegance. I recommend serving it warm to enjoy the full depth of flavors and juicy texture.
Variations
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to mix things up, swapping the boneless turkey breast with bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks can add extra flavor and create a rustic feel. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough doneness.
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure your onion soup mix is gluten-free or make your own seasoning blend with dried onion, garlic powder, and herbs. For a vegetarian twist, you could experiment by substituting turkey with a hearty seitan roast or large portobello mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a splash of orange juice to the cranberry sauce mixture for an additional citrus zing or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. For a different cooking method, I’ve tried baking the turkey breast covered at 325°F for about two hours, basting periodically with the cranberry sauce mix—delicious but the crockpot version always wins for tenderness and convenience in my book.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the meal, I like to store leftover turkey and sauce together in an airtight container to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight lids works great to avoid spills and maintain freshness.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. I portion out the sliced turkey with some sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen leftovers remain best if used within 2 to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming sliced turkey gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of sauce or broth to keep it from drying out. Low and slow reheating helps maintain tenderness and flavor. Avoid overheating as turkey can quickly become tough. You can also reheat in a covered dish at 300°F until warmed through, which helps preserve moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey breast but I highly recommend thawing it fully in the refrigerator first to ensure even cooking. Cooking a frozen bird in the crockpot may increase cooking time and could affect how the sauce penetrates the meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe by using the sauté function first to brown the turkey breast if desired, then pressure cook on high for about 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural release. The flavors will be just as wonderful, and cooking time is quicker.
What sides pair best with the cranberry sauce?
I love classic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the cranberry sauce’s sweetness. Rice pilaf or wild rice can also be lovely choices that soak up the sauce nicely.
How can I tell when the turkey is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F for safe consumption. The meat should feel tender and juices clear when sliced.
Can I make the cranberry sauce from scratch instead of using canned?
Definitely! Homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar can add a fresh, vibrant flavor. Just substitute an equal amount for the canned sauce and mix with the other ingredients as directed.
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe a try because it has become such a favorite in my home for good reason. It’s effortless, full of comforting holiday flavors, and turns any meal into something special without the stress. Warm, juicy turkey with that perfect sweet-tart sauce always brings smiles around the table, and I know you’ll love the way it makes your gatherings a little brighter and tastier.
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Cranberry Turkey Breast in the Crockpot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy-to-make Cranberry Turkey Breast recipe combines tender, juicy turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Prepared in a crockpot, it’s perfect for a hassle-free holiday meal or family dinner, delivering comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs)
Sauce Mixture
- 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Place the boneless turkey breast into your crockpot, making sure it's centered and laying flat.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, chicken broth, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the turkey breast in the crockpot. Cover with the lid securely.
- Slow Cook: Cook the turkey on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until the turkey is tender, fully cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), and juicy.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey breast and slice it. Spoon the luscious cranberry sauce over the slices and serve immediately, enjoying the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor, using about 1 tablespoon fresh.
- If using a larger turkey breast, increase cooking time slightly and check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be saved and used as a spread or dip.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead; refrigerate cooked turkey and sauce separately and rewarm before serving.
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