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Easy Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

maple bourbon glazed turkey breast for two - featured image

A perfectly portioned, juicy turkey breast with a sweet and savory maple bourbon glaze, ideal for a cozy dinner for two or a small holiday gathering. This easy recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with a beautiful caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Place the turkey in your roasting pan or skillet, skin side up. Pour about half of the glaze over the top, using a brush or spoon to coat the skin evenly. Reserve the rest for basting.
  6. Roast the turkey for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, brush another layer of glaze over the turkey. Return to the oven.
  7. Continue roasting, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining glaze. Total cooking time will be about 50 to 65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during this time.
  9. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick pieces. Drizzle any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time; it keeps the meat juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If the glaze starts to darken too much, tent the turkey with foil for the last 10 minutes. Make extra glaze if you love sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, maple bourbon glaze, small Thanksgiving, dinner for two, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey