Fresh from the Kitchen: Recipes & Food Inspiration

Key takeaways

Use a thawed 3-pound boneless turkey breast; plan about 4–6 servings.
Check with a food thermometer; remove when it reaches 165°F, then rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Choose cooking method: slow cooker (HIGH 2 to 3 hours or LOW 4 to 6 hours) or Instant Pot (25 minutes, 10-minute natural release).

Slow cooker cranberry turkey breast is an easy, festive main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner. It’s a good option when you want turkey without roasting a whole bird. Whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a homemade dry onion soup mix make a sweet and savory sauce that cooks with the turkey directly in the crockpot. Instructions to make Instant cranberry turkey breast are also included.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Breast

Boneless turkey breast: Use a thawed, approximately 3-pound breast. If it comes wrapped in netting, check the package instructions about whether to leave it on during cooking.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: One 14-ounce can gives the sauce its cranberry flavor and texture.
Orange juice: Adds citrus flavor and balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Homemade dry onion mix: A savory blend of dried onion, onion powder, parsley, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can substitute a store-bought packet if you want.
Water: Add 1 cup for the Instant Pot only. The slow cooker version does not need it.

collage of ingredients for Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Breast

How To Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker

In a small bowl, mix together the dry onion soup seasoning ingredients.
In a bowl, add the the cranberry sauce, orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Mix until well blended.
Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Pour the cranberry mixture on top.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
Rest and serve. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Stir the sauce in the slow cooker, then spoon it over the slices

Instant Pot

In a small bowl, mix together the dry onion soup seasoning ingredients.
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and set the turkey breast on top. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the turkey; keep the broth at the bottom of the pot.
Lock the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
Check the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F. If needed, return the turkey to the pot and pressure cook for a few more minutes, then check again.

overhead shot of uncooked Cranberry Turkey Breast in a black slow cooker — before

overhead shot of cooked Cranberry Turkey Breast in a black slow cooker — after

Other Turkey Recipes

overhead shot of cooked Cranberry Turkey Breast on a white plate served over mashed potatoes with a side of stuffing and green beans

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple holiday main dish: Serve it for a smaller gathering or alongside your favorite holiday sides.
Easy to prepare: Stir together the sauce, pour it over the turkey, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Homemade seasoning mix: The onion blend adds savory flavor with pantry spices.
Two cooking methods: Make it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Makes flavorful sauce: Spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the sliced turkey when serving.

close up shot of cooked Cranberry Turkey Breast on a white plate served over mashed potatoes with a side of stuffing and green beans

FAQs & Tips

Can I use a frozen turkey breast?

No. Thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?

Whole berry cranberry sauce gives the finished sauce small pieces of cranberry. Jellied cranberry sauce can work, though the sauce will be smoother. You can also use homemade cranberry sauce.

How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

Use a food thermometer and check the thickest part of the breast. Remove it from the cooker once it reaches 165°F, then let it rest before slicing.

What should I serve with cranberry turkey breast?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, green beans, or dinner rolls. Spoon some of the cranberry sauce over the turkey and serve the rest on the side.

How much does this recipe serve?

A 3-pound boneless turkey breast makes about 6 servings. Plan on approximately 5 to 6 ounces of cooked turkey per person.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate leftover turkey and sauce in a covered container within 2 hours. Use within 3 to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat sliced turkey with some sauce, covered, in the microwave or in a covered pan until hot throughout.

Can I make the onion mix ahead?

Yes. Mix the seasonings ahead and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

What size slow cooker should you use?

I used a small, 3.5-quart slow cooker. Feeding a larger crowd? Double the recipe and use a 6-quart slow cooker.

close up shot of cooked Cranberry Turkey Breast on a white plate served over mashed potatoes with a side of stuffing and green beans

Side Dishes To Serve This With