Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress at any dinner table. The rich apple cider glaze caramelizes beautifully, keeping the turkey moist and flavorful. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a cozy family meal or holiday celebration.

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

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a few whole cloves or a pinch of nutmeg to the glaze while simmering.
• Use fresh apple cider if possible for a more vibrant, fruity flavor.
• To keep the turkey moist, cover loosely with foil during the resting period.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complement the sweet glaze.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little apple cider or broth to keep it moist. The glaze can be reheated separately and brushed onto slices before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use turkey thighs or a whole turkey breast, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but apple cider vinegar adds a milder, fruitier tang that complements the glaze best.

Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 137 reviews

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent turkey breast bathed in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, and Dijon mustard. The turkey is first seared to a golden brown finish on the stovetop before being oven-roasted to juicy perfection while basted in the flavorful glaze. Perfectly balanced between savory and subtly sweet, this dish brings autumnal warmth and festive flavors to your dinner table.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• Turkey breast (3-4 lbs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tbsp butter, divided

Apple Cider Glaze

• Apple cider (2 cups, divided)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: whole cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Season Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and promote browning.
2. Sear the Turkey Breast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, sear the turkey breast on all sides until it develops a golden brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
3. Prepare for Roasting: Transfer the seared turkey breast to a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of apple cider around the turkey to keep it moist and infuse subtle sweetness during the roasting process.
4. Make the Apple Cider 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 this mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a glossy glaze, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Glaze and Roast the Turkey: Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the turkey breast. Roast in the preheated oven, basting with additional glaze every 15 minutes. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring the turkey is cooked through and infused with sweet, spicy flavors.
6. Rest Before Carving: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, moist slices when carved.

Notes

• Searing the turkey breast before roasting helps to lock in juices and adds a beautiful golden color to the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• You can add whole cloves to the glaze for a warmer, spiced flavor, but they are optional.
• Resting the turkey after roasting is essential to keep the meat moist and easy to carve.
• Leftover glaze can be served as a sauce on the side or drizzled over slices when serving.

Keywords: turkey breast, apple cider glaze, roasted turkey, autumn recipes, holiday turkey, sweet and savory turkey