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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 delivers a stunning, glossy lacquer that cracks when sliced, with juicy, tender meat underneath. It’s a foolproof, stress-free holiday recipe perfect for smaller gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 yellow onion, quartered (optional)
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the turkey (day before or 2 hours before): Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible. Leave the turkey, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  2. Make the glaze: About 30 minutes before roasting, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat and set up: Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the quartered onion and fresh herb sprigs in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place a wire rack on top. Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Initial roast: Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin-side up, on the wire rack. Roast, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
  5. First glaze application: After 45 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Using a basting brush, apply a thin, even layer of the bourbon glaze to the entire surface of the turkey breast. Return to the oven.
  6. Continue roasting and glazing: Roast for another 30 minutes, then apply a second coat of glaze. Roast for another 20 minutes, then apply a third and final coat.
  7. Check for doneness: About 10 minutes after the final glaze application, start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Target 155°F (68°C). The turkey will continue to cook as it rests, reaching 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest the turkey: Once the turkey hits 155°F, remove it from the oven and transfer to a clean cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for at least 20 minutes, up to 30 minutes.
  9. Carve and serve: After resting, remove the foil. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter and spoon any accumulated juices over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, dry brine the turkey overnight. If the glaze gets too dark before the turkey is done, tent loosely with foil. Use the pan juices to make a simple jus. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, easy turkey breast, glazed turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, bourbon turkey

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