Slow Cooker Cranberry Hot Honey Turkey Breast Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the turkey breast in a hot skillet with a little oil before placing it in the slow cooker, though this step is optional.

If you choose to sear, keep the heat high and brown all sides quickly to lock in moisture. This adds a nice caramelized layer that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, remove the turkey and turn the slow cooker to high. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for about 10 to 15 minutes while the turkey rests. This will concentrate the flavors and create a thicker, more intense glaze that coats the back of a spoon perfectly before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Turkey: Replace the cranberry sauce with orange marmalade and increase the hot sauce by one tablespoon for a citrusy, spicy variation that works beautifully with the turkey.
• Savory Herb Turkey: Add two tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a classic, savory herbal profile to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag with excess air removed for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce until warmed through.

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to keep the turkey slices submerged in some of the extra glaze to help them retain moisture.

Consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and safety. Always ensure the food cools down to room temperature within two hours before placing it in the fridge.

You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

The turkey itself is best cooked fresh, but you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the fridge overnight, provided you take it out 30 minutes before turning the slow cooker on the next day.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey slices alongside a simple side dish that complements the sweet and spicy flavors, such as roasted root vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad.

The bright, tangy notes of the cranberry glaze pair exceptionally well with earthy vegetables. You can also serve the turkey over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce.

For a more casual presentation, arrange the turkey slices on a large platter and drizzle the remaining warm sauce over the top. Garnish with a few fresh herbs if desired, though the dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own. Ensure each serving gets a generous portion of the glaze, as it is the highlight of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cranberry Hot Honey Turkey Breast

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless turkey breast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions

1. Combine the cranberry sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a medium mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency ready for the turkey.
2. Place the turkey breast roast into the insert of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared cranberry hot honey sauce evenly over the top of the turkey until it is completely coated. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey is cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the remaining sauce from the slow cooker drizzled over each slice.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

450 mg

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