The scent of slow-cooked turkey fills the kitchen while cranberry bubbles gently into a glossy glaze. This Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry is an easy slow cooker meal that brings comfort to every bite. It’s tender, bright, and sweet-tart in all the right ways. You’ll love how this Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast (thawed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (or pineapple or papaya juice)
- 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce (or tart cherry jam, applesauce, pineapple chutney)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp ground sage
- 1 tsp ground mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade version below)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Equipment
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry
Step 1: Prepare the turkey
Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray. Add the thawed turkey breast with the netting still on. Spread softened butter all over it. Sprinkle the sage, mustard, garlic, and onion soup mix evenly. This gives the meat a flavorful crust as it cooks.
Step 2: Add liquids and cranberry mixture
Next, pour in the orange juice. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey, then drizzle maple syrup on top. The combination creates a balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors that melt together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover the crockpot and let your Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3. The turkey stays juicy while the cranberry and juice simmer into a rich glaze. Keep the netting on for even cooking and easy slicing later.
Step 4: Make the cranberry gravy
When the turkey is done, remove it and discard the netting. Strain the cooking juices into a saucepan. Bring them to a light boil over medium-high heat. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the juices. Whisk until it thickens into a shiny cranberry gravy.
Step 5: Slice and serve
Slice the turkey and spoon the warm cranberry gravy over the top. The glossy sauce clings to the tender slices, giving every bite a sweet and savory burst of comfort.
Homemade Onion Soup Mix Substitute
If you prefer not to use a packet, make your own mix. Combine:
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 2 tsp low-sodium beef bouillon powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp celery seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Store leftovers in a sealed jar. It keeps well and works perfectly for soups, casseroles, and gravies too.
Tips & Notes
- Thaw your turkey in the fridge 1–2 days ahead.
- Always leave the netting on during cooking for even slices.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F.
- Bone-in turkey breasts may need 1–2 extra hours.
- You can easily swap the cranberry sauce for tart cherry jam, applesauce, or pineapple chutney.
If you enjoy cozy slow-cooker meals, you might also like my Easy Crockpot Steak Bites for Busy Weeknights or the creamy comfort of Mac and Cheese Without Milk (Ultra Creamy!). For your next family meal, serve this turkey alongside Southern-Style Potato Salad for Holiday Feasts for a full, balanced spread.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 631 kcal
- Carbs: 59g
- Protein: 75g
- Fat: 12g (Saturated: 5g, Polyunsaturated: 2g, Monounsaturated: 3g, Trans: 0.3g)
- Cholesterol: 199mg
- Sodium: 1278mg
- Potassium: 998mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 41g
- Vitamin A: 349 IU
- Vitamin C: 17mg
- Calcium: 78mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes. Just increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours and always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
You can use tart cherry jam, applesauce, or even pineapple chutney. Each gives a fun twist with a similar balance of sweetness and acidity.
How do I thicken the gravy more?
Stir in another teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water, then simmer briefly until it reaches your favorite consistency.
More Such Recipes
If you loved this cozy slow cooker meal, try:
- Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
- Delicious Sourdough Bread Sandwich Ideas
- What to Serve with Salmon Patties
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry recipe is perfect for small gatherings, Sunday dinners, or easy holiday meals. It combines the joy of homemade flavor with the simplicity of a reliable slow cooker dish. Try this Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry once, and it might just become your favorite way to cook turkey all year long.
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Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry | Simple & Delicious
Description
Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry cooks up tender, juicy turkey with a sweet tart cranberry gravy. It tastes like a cozy holiday dinner and fits smaller gatherings with simple prep.
Ingredients
3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, thawed
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup orange juice (or pineapple or papaya juice)
14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce (or tart cherry jam, applesauce, pineapple chutney)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp ground sage
1 tsp ground mustard powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade version below)
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
1. Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
2. Place the thawed turkey breast in the crockpot with the netting still on.
3. Spread softened butter over the turkey.
4. Sprinkle on sage, mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion soup mix.
5. Pour in orange juice. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey. Drizzle maple syrup on top.
6. Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
7. Remove the turkey. Discard the netting and slice the meat.
8. Strain the cooking juices into a saucepan. Bring to a light boil over medium high heat.
9. Stir cornstarch and cold water into a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the juices until thickened, then spoon gravy over sliced turkey.
Notes
Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days ahead.
Leave netting on during cooking for even shape and easier slicing.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
Bone in turkey breasts may need 1 to 2 extra hours.
For thicker gravy, add 1 extra tsp cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer briefly.
Substitute cranberry sauce with tart cherry jam, applesauce, or pineapple chutney.
Homemade onion soup mix substitute: 1/4 cup dried minced onions, 2 tsp low sodium beef bouillon powder, 1 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp celery seeds, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp paprika.
Cooking from frozen can take 6 to 8 hours on low. This timing is not confirmed. Always verify 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 631
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 1278 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 75 g
- Cholesterol: 199 mg