This Maple Glazed Turkey Breast is a showstopper that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. The tender, juicy turkey is coated in a glossy maple glaze, creating a caramelized crust that’s irresistible. With just 10 minutes of prep and a little over an hour in the oven, this dish is surprisingly simple yet feels gourmet. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a holiday feast, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
The rich aroma of maple and herbs fills your kitchen as the turkey roasts to golden perfection. Each slice is moist and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness balanced by a touch of savory spice. Packed with 37g of protein and only 228 calories per serving, it’s a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on taste. Serve it with your favorite sides, and prepare for compliments—this recipe is a guaranteed winner!
Ingredients for Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
- 3 lb turkey breast (remove plastic netting and wrap, but leave string netting)
- ½ cup maple syrup (use pure maple syrup for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked paprika works too)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme can be substituted, use 1 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the turkey: Remove any plastic netting and wrap from the turkey breast, but leave the string netting intact. Discard any gravy packet if included. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, liquid smoke, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Glaze the turkey: Brush the syrup mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a baking rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the turkey is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 170°F (77°C).
- Rest the turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and wrap it loosely in foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the string netting and slicing.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This maple-glazed turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a cranberry sauce for a festive touch. For a lighter option, try a fresh arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the glaze. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up any extra glaze!
Leftovers Made Easy: Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. For a quick lunch, use leftovers in sandwiches or salads—just drizzle a little extra maple syrup for a flavor boost!
Spice It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze for a tangy twist, or swap the cayenne pepper for smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor. For a sweeter glaze, mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with the maple syrup. You can also use this glaze on chicken breasts or pork tenderloin for a delicious alternative.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prepare the glaze mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply brush it onto the turkey and pop it in the oven. If you’re short on oven space, consider using a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours—just baste occasionally and finish under the broiler for a crispy skin.
Essential Equipment for Success
Make sure you have a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it’s key to achieving perfectly cooked turkey. A basting brush will help evenly coat the turkey with the glaze, and a roasting rack ensures even cooking and crispy skin. If you don’t have a rack, crumpled foil balls under the turkey work in a pinch!
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lb turkey breast
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F.
- Remove the plastic netting and wrap from the turkey roast, if any, but leave on string netting. (Remove and discard gravy packet, if any).
- Rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix together the maple syrup, smoke flavoring, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a bowl, stirring to combine well.
- Brush the syrup mixture all over the turkey roast.
- Place the roast, skin side up, on a baking rack set in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven, basting occasionally, until the roast is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the roast reads 170 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Wrap the roast in foil, and let stand 10 minutes before removing the string netting for slicing.