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