If you’re searching for a dish that combines cozy comfort with a delightful touch of sweetness, this Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The perfect balance of rich, savory turkey enhanced by the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes to golden perfection. This recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but also elegant enough for holiday tables or special occasions. Juicy, tender, and bursting with warm flavors, this dish invites you to share a memorable meal with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, yet essential ingredients come together to create a stunning combination of flavors. Each plays its part in building that perfect glaze and tender turkey breast you’ll be proud to serve.
- 3 to 4-pound boneless turkey breast (skin-on): Fresh skin-on breast ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and that signature maple glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps blend flavors and keeps turkey moist.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brightens the glaze with a hint of acidity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds depth and savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Infuses the turkey with herby notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and warmth.
How to Make Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by combining the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until you get a smooth, glossy glaze. This mixture is the heart of your Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe, bringing sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors all in one delicious coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, onto a rack set inside a roasting pan. Pat the skin dry with paper towels — this step is key to helping the skin crisp up during roasting. Then, generously brush half of the maple glaze all over the turkey, making sure every inch is coated. This first layer will start building a rich, caramelized crust as it bakes.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and roast the turkey uncovered. During the roasting, baste the turkey with the remaining glaze every 20 to 30 minutes. This keeps the glaze sticky and flavorful. Roast for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, simply cover it loosely with foil for the last 20 minutes.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
Once your turkey breast is perfectly roasted and the glaze is caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Now your Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh rosemary sprigs or a few whole garlic cloves make a beautiful presentation while reinforcing the flavors in the dish. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can add a subtle crunch that elevates the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes complement the maple glaze beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes also pair wonderfully, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a fresher balance, consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the turkey breast thin and layer it on a rustic wooden board paired with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples. Drizzle extra glaze around the platter for an inviting, glossy finish. This playful presentation not only looks impressive but invites family and friends to share the joy of the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover turkey breast slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and are perfect for quick sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freezing preserves the turkey for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven covered with foil at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of broth or water can help maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Absolutely! This Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe works great with bone-in turkey breast and can add extra depth of flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces may take slightly longer to reach the safe temperature.
Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?
Fresh rosemary is recommended because it imparts a bright, piney flavor that complements the maple glaze beautifully. However, if fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary can be used—just reduce the amount by half as it is more concentrated.
How early can I prepare the glaze?
You can mix the maple glaze ingredients a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but lets the flavors meld even better. Just bring it back to room temperature before using.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses all gluten-free ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities looking for a flavorful roast turkey option.
Can I marinate the turkey overnight in the glaze?
Definitely! Marinating the turkey breast in the maple glaze overnight intensifies the flavors and helps tenderize the meat. Just be sure to reserve some glaze for basting during roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is a brilliant way to bring warmth and sweetness to your table with minimal fuss. Its balanced flavors and juicy texture make it a standout dish for any meal, special or casual. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how the comforting maple glaze transforms a simple turkey breast into pure magic.
Print
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Maple Glazed Turkey Breast recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory twist on classic roasted turkey. The turkey breast is coated with a flavorful glaze made from pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh rosemary, then roasted to juicy perfection with a crisp, golden skin. Ideal for holiday meals or special dinners, it’s a simple yet elegant main course that pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) boneless turkey breast (skin-on)
Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting your turkey breast evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Turkey: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pat the skin dry thoroughly with paper towels to help it crisp during roasting.
- Apply Glaze: Brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the turkey breast, coating the skin and some of the meat beneath.
- Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Every 20 to 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the remaining glaze to build up a sticky, flavorful coating. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve warm, ideally alongside roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe works well with both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts.
- For added flavor, marinate the turkey breast in the maple glaze for several hours or overnight before roasting.
- If the skin browns too fast during roasting, cover with foil to prevent burning while cooking through.
- Pair this turkey with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a classic holiday or dinner side dish.
