If you’re searching for a showstopping main course that’s both simple and packed with unforgettable flavor, look no further than Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. This recipe combines juicy, tender turkey with a sticky-sweet, tangy maple glaze, making it perfect for holiday feasts or any gathering where you want to impress. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, the spices sing, and your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas. Trust me, this is one dish that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring Maple Glazed Turkey Breast to life, but each one plays a crucial role. From the bold spices to the rich syrup, every ingredient brings its own magic to the table.
- Turkey Breast (4 to 5 lb, boneless, skin-on): The star of the show! Skin-on helps keep the meat moist and delivers a gorgeous golden finish.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the turkey brown beautifully in the oven.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and ensures every bite is seasoned just right.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle heat and rounds out the savory profile.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the turkey with a mellow, savory depth.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a hint of herbal freshness that pairs perfectly with maple.
- Pure Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): The heart of the glaze, providing natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the glaze and helps tenderize the turkey.
- Melted Butter (1 tablespoon): Lends richness and helps the glaze cling to the turkey.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): A surprising touch that makes the flavor pop without overwhelming.
- Cayenne Pepper (pinch, optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a gentle kick to the glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels—this step is key for that crispy, golden skin. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, making sure every nook and cranny is seasoned. Place it skin-side up on a rack in your roasting pan or baking dish, ready for its transformation.
Step 2: Mix Up the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. This magical mixture is what makes Maple Glazed Turkey Breast so irresistible, marrying sweet, tangy, spicy, and buttery notes in every spoonful.
Step 3: Roast and Glaze
Roast the turkey breast for 45 minutes before you even touch it. After that, start basting it generously with your maple glaze every 15 minutes. This repeated basting is where the magic happens: the glaze caramelizes with each layer, building a shiny, flavor-packed crust. Continue roasting and basting for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the turkey breast is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Letting it rest for at least 15 minutes ensures the juices redistribute, so every slice stays moist and succulent. Just before serving, spoon any remaining maple glaze over the slices for an extra touch of glossy flavor.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, thyme, or even a few sprigs of rosemary—adds vibrant color and a touch of freshness against the rich glaze. For a festive or holiday touch, scatter a few pomegranate seeds or thin slices of orange around the platter.
Side Dishes
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast shines alongside classic sides like roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or a hearty stuffing. Creamy mashed potatoes and tart cranberry sauce are always crowd-pleasers, balancing the sweet and savory flavors of the turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, slice the turkey breast and fan it out on a large serving platter, drizzling with extra glaze. If you’re hosting a buffet, try piling slices onto warm rolls for festive sliders, or lay them atop a bed of mixed greens with toasted pecans and dried cranberries for a stunning salad centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Maple Glazed Turkey Breast will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store slices in an airtight container, ideally with a spoonful or two of extra glaze to keep the meat moist and flavorful until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover turkey breast for up to three months. For best results, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the turkey slices in a baking dish, splash with a bit of chicken broth or reserved glaze (to prevent drying out), and cover with foil. Warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered, for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?
Absolutely! A bone-in turkey breast will work just as well, though you may need to add a bit of extra roasting time. Always use a thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
Can I make Maple Glazed Turkey Breast ahead of time?
You sure can. You can roast the turkey breast a day ahead and store it, sliced, in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of glaze to keep it juicy and flavorful. It’s a great way to reduce stress on the day of your gathering.
Is the glaze very sweet?
The glaze is sweet, but it’s beautifully balanced by the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne. If you prefer it less sweet, you can cut back on the maple syrup slightly or add a splash more vinegar.
Do I have to baste the turkey so often?
Frequent basting is what creates the signature glossy, caramelized finish on Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. If you’re short on time, you can baste every 20 minutes instead, but the more you baste, the more flavor you build.
What’s the best way to use leftovers?
Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile! Try tucking slices into sandwiches, tossing them with greens for a hearty salad, or using them in grain bowls with roasted veggies and a drizzle of extra glaze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a main course that’s both comforting and a little bit special, give Maple Glazed Turkey Breast a try. It’s a recipe that brings everyone to the table, and I promise, it will quickly become a new favorite in your home!
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Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Glazed Turkey Breast recipe offers a succulent and flavorful main course perfect for holidays or special occasions. The turkey breast is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted to juicy perfection. A sweet and tangy maple glaze, infused with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and warming cinnamon, is brushed over the turkey during roasting to create a beautiful caramelized finish. Simple yet elegant, this dish pairs wonderfully with vegetables or classic holiday sides.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (4 to 5 lb) boneless skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Maple Glaze
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and turkey: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Rub the entire turkey breast with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a rack set inside a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Set the glaze aside for basting.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 45 minutes. After this initial roasting time, begin basting the turkey with the maple glaze. Continue roasting for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the turkey is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil to rest for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender. Slice the turkey and optionally spoon more maple glaze over the slices before serving for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- This turkey breast pairs excellently with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or your favorite stuffing for a complete holiday meal.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the turkey in the maple glaze for 2 hours or overnight before roasting.
- If you prefer spicier notes, increase or omit the cayenne pepper based on your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked turkey without drying out the meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of turkey breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
