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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast: Easy Holiday Recipe

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A juicy, golden-brown turkey breast with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar bourbon glaze that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. This easy recipe delivers impressive results with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 5–6 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (e.g., Grey Poupon)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, getting under the skin if possible.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne (if using). Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the skin. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting.
  5. Roast the turkey breast for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, baste it with more glaze. Continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
  6. About 1 hour 15 minutes in, start checking the internal temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Cook until it reaches 155°F (68°C). If the skin is getting too dark, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Once the turkey hits 155°F, remove it from the oven. Brush one final layer of the remaining glaze over the top. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  8. To carve, place the turkey breast on a cutting board. Run your knife along the bone to remove the breast in one piece, then slice against the grain into even pieces.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or chicken broth and add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. Let the glaze cool slightly before applying to help it stick. Baste with a light hand to avoid soggy skin. If the glaze starts burning on the pan bottom, add a splash of water or chicken broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, easy turkey breast, bourbon turkey glaze, weeknight turkey dinner

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