Save A festive, all-in-one meal featuring juicy turkey breast, colorful winter vegetables, and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze—perfect for a cozy family dinner or small holiday gathering.
I first made this cozy turkey dinner for my family on a snowy December weekend. The scent of roasting herbs and the vibrant vegetables brought everyone to the kitchen, and the cranberry glaze added the ideal touch of holiday cheer.
Ingredients
- Turkey: 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 lbs / 900 g), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Winter Vegetables: 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and cubed, about 1/2-inch pieces), 2 cups Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds), 1 red onion (peeled and cut into wedges), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cranberry Glaze: 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought), 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Season Turkey:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
- Prepare Veggies:
- In a large bowl, toss butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan, leaving space in the center for the turkey.
- Add Turkey:
- Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin-side up, in the center of the sheet pan.
- Roast:
- Roast for 30 minutes.
- Make Cranberry Glaze:
- While roasting, make the cranberry glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and orange zest. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Glaze Turkey:
- After 30 minutes of roasting, brush half of the cranberry glaze over the turkey breast.
- Finish Roasting:
- Continue roasting for another 20 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove from oven, tent the turkey with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice the turkey and serve with roasted vegetables, drizzling with the remaining cranberry glaze.
Save The whole family loved how everyone could grab their favorite veggie and the turkey stayed juicy. This meal has become a tradition we look forward to every winter holiday.
Required Tools
Large sheet pan, small saucepan, mixing bowls, sharp knife, cutting board, silicone brush (for glazing)
Allergen Information
Contains mustard (in the glaze), naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check labels on cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 37 g (per serving)
Save This sheet-pan turkey dinner is sure to bring everyone to the table. Enjoy each delicious bite and let the cranberry glaze shine.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to prevent the turkey from drying out?
Rubbing the turkey breast with olive oil and herbs seals in moisture. Resting the meat after roasting also helps juices redistribute for a tender texture.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables for the winter veggies?
Yes, sweet potatoes or parsnips can replace butternut squash, and you can adjust with other seasonal vegetables to suit your preference.
- → How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe and juicy results.
- → What flavors are in the cranberry glaze?
The glaze balances tart cranberry sauce with the sweetness of maple syrup, sharpness of Dijon mustard, acidity from apple cider vinegar, and a hint of orange zest for brightness.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry Riesling or a Pinot Noir complements the savory turkey and sweet-tart glaze beautifully, enhancing the festive flavors.