Introduction
Take your holiday grilling to the next level with this New Hampshire-inspired Cranberry Glazed Grilled Turkey Breast. The sweetness of cranberry glaze meets the juicy, flavor-packed turkey breast, perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill at over 1,000°F for a crust that locks in all the juices. No oven, no pans—just bold holiday flavors kissed by open fire and smoke for an unforgettably festive feast.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skin-on turkey breast (2.5 to 3 pounds)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for basting)
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill
- Drizzle vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place napkins inside the center bowl of the Arteflame grill.
- Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
- Light the napkins with a match or lighter.
- Allow the fire to burn for 20 minutes until the center grate exceeds 1,000°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
- In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, allspice, and smoked paprika.
- Mix thoroughly and set aside near the grill to warm gently on the outer edge of the flat top griddle.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Turkey
- Pat turkey breast dry and brush with melted butter.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the turkey on the center Arteflame grill grate for 2–3 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Finish on the Flat Top Using Reverse Sear
- Move the seared turkey to the cooler zone of the flat top griddle.
- Baste the turkey breast with the cranberry glaze every few minutes.
- Cook slowly while rotating occasionally until internal temperature reaches 150°F.
- Remove from grill, loosely tent with foil, and let it rest. The final temperature will climb to a perfect 165°F.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain.
- Drizzle lightly with remaining glaze and serve immediately.
Tips
- Always rest the meat for at least 10 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
- Use high-quality firewood like oak or hickory for a smoky, aromatic finish.
- The inner edge of the Arteflame flat top is hotter than the outside—use it wisely to control cook speed.
- Use a quick-read thermometer to nail the perfect doneness.
- Brush butter on the turkey frequently for added richness and crisp skin.
Variations
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Spicy Orange Glaze: Swap cranberry sauce for orange marmalade and add a pinch of red chili flakes for a citrusy, spicy kick.
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Bourbon-Maple Glaze: Add a splash of bourbon and double down on the maple syrup for bold smoky sweetness.
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Pomegranate Molasses Glaze: Replace cranberry sauce with pomegranate molasses and a touch of honey for tart complexity.
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Herbed Mustard Glaze: Use stone-ground mustard, rosemary, thyme, and sage for a deeply herbal take.
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Tamarind-Cranberry Fusion: Mix tamarind paste with cranberry sauce and brown sugar for a tangy East-meets-West version.
Best Pairings
- Grilled brussels sprouts with pancetta on the flat top
- Cast iron cranberry cornbread (optional plate use)
- Smoky mashed sweet potatoes grilled in foil packs
- A robust New Hampshire-made hard cider or a pinot noir
- Charred acorn squash slices with butter and brown sugar
Conclusion
This Cranberry Glazed Grilled Turkey Breast packs everything you love about the holidays with the flavor of fire-grilled cooking. With the Arteflame grill, you get restaurant-quality results and an impressive presentation—without ever turning on your oven. Grilling in New Hampshire just got a lot more festive.