Juicy Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast (Print Version)

Juicy Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast, a simple, flavorful main. Tender turkey with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for any gathering. Easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 75 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American (Contemporary)
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Attraction

01 - 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless turkey breast
02 - 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered, not apple juice)
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 - 3 tbsp maple syrup (dark, robust preferred)
06 - 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings & Spices

08 - 1 tsp onion powder
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Optional Finishing Touches

13 - Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
14 - Thinly sliced apple, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that turkey breast ready! Pat your boneless turkey breast *super* dry with paper towels. Honestly, this step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown exterior. I always forget this and end up with a slightly steamed surface, which is just not the vibe we're going for. Place it in a shallow roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Now, give it a good rub-down with a tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Don't be shy here; this is where the flavor party starts!
02 - Time for the star of the show: the Apple Cider Glaze! In a small saucepan, combine your apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, and chopped fresh sage. Give it a good whisk until everything is happy and combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then let it cook down for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s reduced by about half and looks slightly thickened, almost syrupy. This is where those incredible aromas start filling your kitchen – honestly, it's intoxicating! Keep an eye on it; you don't want it to reduce *too* much and become a sticky candy.
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your glaze is ready and the turkey breast is seasoned, it's time to get roasting! Pour about half of your glorious Apple Cider Glaze over the turkey breast, making sure it gets coated nicely. Pop it into the preheated oven. I usually set a timer for 20 minutes before I even think about basting. This initial roast helps set the seasoning and start that lovely browning process. Don't peek too much; let the oven do its thing for a bit. You'll start to smell the sage and cider mingling – pure heaven!
04 - After that first 20 minutes, pull the turkey out and baste it with more of that luscious Apple Cider Glaze. This is where we build those layers of flavor and get that gorgeous caramelized crust. Repeat this basting process every 15-20 minutes, using up the rest of your glaze. I've definitely forgotten a basting session or two, and the turkey was still good, but that extra glaze layer? Game changer! Keep roasting until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 60-90 minutes total, depending on your turkey's size and oven's mood.
05 - Once your turkey breast hits 165°F, pull it out of the oven. This part is crucial, hon! Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Honestly, I used to skip this step, thinking 'I'm hungry, let's cut!', and my turkey was always a little drier. Resting allows those juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving you an unbelievably juicy result. Don't worry, it'll stay warm! While it rests, you can collect any pan drippings for a little extra sauce if you like.
06 - Finally, the moment we've been waiting for! Slice your rested Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast against the grain. You'll see how tender and moist it is inside, with that beautiful, glistening glaze on the outside. Arrange the slices on a platter, maybe drizzle with any remaining pan juices or a little extra warmed glaze if you have some. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or those thinly sliced apples for a pop of color and freshness. It looks so festive and smells absolutely divine. Serve it up and watch those happy faces!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat the turkey breast dry for best browning, a lesson I learned the hard way!
02 - Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth or cider to keep them moist – microwaving dry is a no-go.
03 - If you don't have fresh sage, dried works in a pinch (use 1/3 the amount); I've done it many times.
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible apple cider glaze!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Roasting pan
02 - small saucepan
03 - whisk
04 - instant-read meat thermometer
05 - cutting board
06 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 400
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 45g

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