Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Turkey Breast for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sear the turkey breast in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This adds a layer of browning that enhances the final taste, although it is optional.

If you choose to sear, ensure the skillet is very hot to get a quick color without cooking the meat through, then transfer it immediately to the slow cooker to continue with the recipe steps.

If you find the sauce is too thin after the turkey is cooked, you can carefully remove the turkey and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Let it bubble for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. This simple step can add a professional finish to the dish and ensures that the glaze clings perfectly to every slice of turkey when served.

Variations

• Spiced Cranberry Turkey: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves to the cranberry sauce before pouring it over the turkey for a warmer, more festive flavor profile.
• Savory Herb Turkey: Incorporate two sprigs of fresh rosemary and one sprig of fresh thyme into the slow cooker along with the onions for a more aromatic and earthy final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing them in an airtight container and moving them to the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked turkey in a freezer-safe container with some of the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, try to include some of the sauce with the meat to prevent it from drying out during storage. If you have extra sauce, it can be kept separately in a small container and used as a topping for sandwiches or reheated to serve alongside the turkey for added flavor at your next meal.

You can prepare the ingredients in advance by chopping the apples and keeping them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The onion soup mix and cranberry sauce can be kept in the pantry until you are ready to cook.

Avoid putting the turkey in the slow cooker with the other ingredients too far in advance, as the salt in the onion mix can begin to draw moisture out of the meat if left for too long.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced turkey breast on a warmed platter, drizzled generously with the thickened cranberry apple sauce from the slow cooker. This dish pairs beautifully with sides such as roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

The contrast between the savory turkey and the sweet, tangy glaze makes it a versatile main course that complements a variety of side dishes, whether you are hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering.

For a complete meal, consider serving the turkey alongside a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add a vibrant color and fresh texture to the plate. The sauce also works well when spooned over grains like quinoa or rice, which can help soak up the flavorful juices.

Arrange the slices neatly, slightly overlapping, and garnish with a few fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired to brighten the presentation before serving to your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Turkey Breast for Easy Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless turkey breast
• 2 medium apples, chopped
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped apples evenly over the meat, then sprinkle the onion soup mix on top to season the turkey and fruit components thoroughly.
2. Pour the cup of whole berry cranberry sauce over the seasoned turkey and apples. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours, ensuring the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a clean carving board. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute properly throughout the breast.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.