Crockpot Turkey Cranberry is a dish that delivers warmth, simplicity, and a touch of festive charm—no matter the time of year. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the turkey to become wonderfully tender while the cranberries melt down into a sweet-tart glaze. I once tried preparing this using homemade cranberry sauce that I thinned with a splash of almond milk, and the result turned out surprisingly velvety and rich. This recipe is ideal for busy days, especially when you crave wholesome comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. It is also a perfect option for small holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but unfussy. The flavors balance beautifully: the tart cranberries lift the savory turkey, and the slow-cooked juices create a luxurious sauce that coats every bite. This dish pairs seamlessly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will appreciate this recipe for its simplicity and impressive flavor. It requires minimal preparation, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers perfectly tender turkey infused with sweet and tangy cranberry richness. Whether for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, it is versatile, reliable, and rewarding.
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Crockpot Turkey Cranberry: A Comforting Slow-Cooked Classic Perfect for Any Season
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A sweet and savory slow-cooked turkey dish made with cranberry sauce, perfect for an easy holiday-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs turkey breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place the turkey breast in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the turkey breast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until turkey is tender.
- Remove turkey and shred or slice as desired.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch with water, add to the crockpot juices, and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return turkey to the sauce or serve with sauce spooned on top.
Notes
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
- Add a splash of apple cider for extra fall flavor.
- Use leftover turkey breast instead of fresh; reduce cook time to 2 hours on LOW.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Turkey breast or turkey tenderloins
Turkey cooks beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and juicy while absorbing the cranberry flavors. It provides a lean, satisfying protein base for the dish.
Cranberry sauce
This ingredient melts into the turkey, creating a sweet-tart glaze. It adds depth and brightness, making every bite feel festive.
Chicken broth
Helps keep the turkey moist during cooking and forms the base of the sauce that develops over time.
Onion
Adds gentle sweetness and savory aroma, giving the overall dish greater complexity.
Garlic
Brings warmth and earthy flavor, ensuring the sauce is robust and balanced.
Soy sauce
Adds a subtle salty umami note that enhances the cranberry sweetness without overpowering it.
Brown sugar
Provides caramel richness and softens the tart edges of the cranberry.
Dijon mustard
Adds tangy sharpness that helps balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Salt and pepper
Essential to ensure the turkey and sauce are well-seasoned and full of flavor.
Directions
Begin by placing the turkey breast or tenderloins into the crockpot. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Add sliced onion and minced garlic directly over the turkey to infuse it during cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture over the turkey, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the turkey. The turkey should be tender but sliceable. Once cooked, remove the turkey and let it rest briefly before slicing. Stir the sauce in the crockpot to blend any remaining juices. Spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the turkey slices before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave on low power to preserve moisture. You may also freeze the turkey and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Orange-Infused
Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice for a citrus-forward cranberry glaze.
Herb-Rich Variation
Incorporate rosemary or thyme for an aromatic, earthy finish.
Spiced Holiday Twist
Add cinnamon or allspice for a warm, festive flavor profile.
Savory-Forward
Reduce the brown sugar and add extra soy sauce for a deeper, more savory glaze.
Creamy Cranberry
Stir in a small amount of cream or coconut milk after cooking for a velvety sauce.
Apple-Cranberry Blend
Add diced apples for sweetness and texture during the cooking process.
Spicy Version
Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
Low-Sodium
Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control overall salt content.
Turkey Thigh Swap
Use boneless turkey thighs for richer, more succulent results.
Vegetable Boost
Add carrots or butternut squash around the turkey for a complete one-pot meal.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, though you may need to add additional sweetener to balance their tartness.
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
Cooking on low and ensuring enough liquid in the crockpot helps maintain tenderness.
Can I cook this recipe with frozen turkey?
It’s best to thaw turkey first for safe and even cooking.
Does this recipe work with chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs are good substitutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen after resting and reheating.
Should I slice the turkey before or after cooking?
Slice after cooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or stuffing.
Can I omit the brown sugar?
Yes, though the sauce will be more tart; adjust to taste.
Is the dish sweet?
It is mildly sweet with balanced savory depth, but sweetness can be adjusted.
Conclusion
Crockpot Turkey Cranberry is a versatile, comforting, and delightfully flavorful dish that fits both everyday meals and holiday occasions. Its slow-cooked tenderness and beautifully balanced sauce make it a reliable favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a festive centerpiece or as a convenient weekday dinner, this recipe offers warmth and satisfaction in every serving.
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