Cranberry Apple Cider Turkey Breast

Name: Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider Turkey Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb boneless turkey breast roast; 1 packet onion soup mix; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce; 1 orange, juiced; 2 cups apple cider; 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

This slow cooker cranberry apple cider turkey breast combines tender, juicy meat with a sweet-tart glaze of cranberry sauce, apple cider, and warm cinnamon spices. It's an effortless holiday or weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Slow cooker turkey 🏷️Turkey breast 🏷️Cranberry Apple cider

🏷️

🏷️Thanksgiving

🏷️Holiday recipe

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TikTok

Total

6h 5m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

3 lb boneless turkey breast roast
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 orange, juiced
2 cups apple cider
3 sprigs fresh rosemaryoptional

7 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Unpackage the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
2
Place the dried turkey breast into the slow cooker.
3
Sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix directly over the turkey.
4
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the top.
5
Add the entire can of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the turkey.
6
Juice one orange and pour the fresh juice into the slow cooker.
7
Pour in enough apple cider to come about halfway up the sides of the turkey breast.
8
Optional: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for extra flavor.
9
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
10
Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
11
Carefully remove the netting from the turkey breast.
12
Slice the turkey breast and serve with the sauce from the slow cooker drizzled over the top.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the turkey breast dry before adding to the slow cooker to improve browning and texture.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F; do not rely on cooking time alone, as slow cookers vary.
Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs directly under and around the turkey for maximum flavor infusion.
Skim excess fat from the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or chill leftovers overnight and lift solidified fat from the top.

Substitutions

whole berry cranberry sauce → fresh cranberries (¾ cup) plus ¼ cup honey (adjust texture and sweetness to taste)
apple cider → apple juice or unsweetened apple juice blend (flavor will be slightly milder)
fresh rosemary → 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (reduce amount as dried is more concentrated)

Storage & make-ahead

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on low heat in the slow cooker or microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying.

Equipment

slow cooker (4–6 quart) · meat thermometer

Common Questions

How long does it take to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker?

A 3 lb boneless turkey breast typically cooks on low for 5–7 hours until tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Can I use frozen turkey breast?

Thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking for even, safe cooking. Do not cook from frozen in a slow cooker.

What can I substitute for onion soup mix?

Use 2 tablespoons powdered onion, 1 tablespoon beef bouillon, and ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme mixed together.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Can this recipe be scaled up or down?

Yes. For a smaller batch, use a 2 lb breast and reduce liquids proportionally; cooking time stays similar. For larger gatherings, add a second breast to the slow cooker if space allows and increase sauce ingredients by 50%.