Introduction

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast is a delightful twist on a classic roast, combining sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy meat. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, the apple cider glaze adds a rich, comforting warmth that everyone will love.

A close-up view of a large piece of roasted turkey breast with a shiny, golden-brown glaze covering the top, speckled with small dark crispy bits. The turkey is sliced to reveal tender, juicy white meat inside. The turkey sits on a white plate, surrounded by thin slices of red apple with pale yellow flesh and sprigs of fresh green rosemary. The plate is set against a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 lbs turkey breast
2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: cloves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sear the turkey breast until golden brown on all sides.
Step 3: Transfer the turkey to a roasting pan and pour 1 cup of apple cider around it.
Step 4: In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup apple cider with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, cinnamon, and optional cloves. Simmer until the mixture thickens into a glaze.
Step 5: Brush the glaze over the turkey and roast it, basting every 15 minutes with the glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly pressed apple cider for a more vibrant flavor, or substitute with unsweetened apple juice if cider is unavailable.
Add a few whole cloves to the glaze for extra warmth and aroma.
To keep the turkey extra moist, tent it loosely with foil during the resting period.
Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the roasting pan for an herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature or in a covered skillet with a splash of apple cider to keep it moist. The glaze can also be reheated separately and drizzled over warmed slices.

How to Serve

The image shows a large piece of cooked chicken breast with a golden-brown glaze and bits of dark caramelized topping on it. The chicken is sliced partially on top, revealing its juicy white inside. Surrounding the chicken on a white plate are thin slices of red apple, arranged in two rows on one side and two slices lying flat on the other side. Bright green sprigs of rosemary are placed around the chicken and apples, adding contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey thighs instead of breast?

Yes, turkey thighs can be used and will remain juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice in a smaller amount to maintain the tanginess of the glaze.

Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful, juicy roast with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines aromatic spices and a rich glaze that enhances the natural taste of the turkey breast, resulting in a beautifully browned and tender main dish.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

3 to 4 lbs turkey breast
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 tbsp butter, divided

Glaze

2 cups apple cider, divided
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Optional: cloves for additional spice

Instructions

Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness and season generously with salt and pepper all over.
Sear the Turkey: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sear the turkey breast on all sides until it develops a golden brown crust, which locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Prepare Roasting Pan: Transfer the seared turkey breast to a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of apple cider around (not over) the turkey to keep it moist and infuse flavor during roasting.
Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of apple cider with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, cinnamon, and optional cloves. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a syrupy glaze, which will add a glossy, flavorful coating.
Roast and Glaze: Brush the prepared glaze evenly over the turkey breast. Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the turkey, basting it with the glaze every 15 minutes. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender turkey breast.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and food safety.
Resting the turkey is essential for juicy meat.
You can customize the glaze by adding cloves or adjusting cinnamon for more spice.
If turkey breast size varies, adjust roasting time accordingly.
Leftover glaze can be served as a sauce with the turkey slices.

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