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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast – Easy Holiday Recipe

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This brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast is perfect for smaller gatherings, delivering juicy, tender meat with a gorgeous sticky-sweet crust. Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking make it an impressive yet easy holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional, for pan)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage, optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Gently loosen the skin from the meat with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Slide the 2 tablespoons of softened butter under the skin, spreading it evenly over the meat.
  3. Season the outside of the turkey all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, 3 tablespoons butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan (or directly in the pan). Pour broth into the bottom of the pan.
  6. Roast the turkey for 45 minutes without glaze.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove turkey from oven and brush a generous layer of glaze all over the skin. Return to oven.
  8. Continue roasting, brushing with more glaze every 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part of the breast (about 30-45 more minutes).
  9. Remove turkey from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
  10. Carve against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Notes

Pat the turkey completely dry for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer and pull at 155°F; temperature will rise to 165°F while resting. If glaze gets too thick, add a splash of bourbon or water. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, easy turkey breast, small gathering turkey, bourbon glaze

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-holiday-recipe/