You'll love this holiday-perfect maple-glazed turkey breast that combines sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard for an unforgettable flavor profile. Start by patting your turkey breast dry, then brush it generously with the maple-Dijon glaze. Scatter fresh cranberries around the bird and roast at 375°F for 75-90 minutes, basting every 20 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The combination of tender meat, sticky glaze, and tart cranberries creates a show-stopping centerpiece that'll have your guests asking for your secret recipe.
Key Takeaways
- Combine pure maple syrup with Dijon mustard to create a rich glaze, brushing it over turkey breast every 20 minutes while roasting.
- Cook turkey breast at 375°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically 75-90 minutes for optimal doneness.
- Scatter fresh cranberries around the turkey breast during roasting for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Let turkey rest 10-15 minutes after cooking before slicing to ensure juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve with homemade cranberry sauce for a perfect sweet-tart balance that complements the maple glaze.
History
While maple-glazed turkey recipes emerged in North American cookbooks during the 1930s, they gained widespread popularity in the 1950s when maple syrup production became more commercialized.
You'll find that the combination of maple syrup and turkey has deep roots in both Native American and colonial cooking traditions, where locally sourced ingredients were often paired together in creative ways.
In the decades that followed, you've probably noticed how this delightful pairing has become a beloved holiday favorite, especially in regions where maple syrup production thrives.
It's fascinating to see how home cooks have adapted the recipe over time – what started as a simple basting technique has evolved into complex glazes that often include complementary ingredients like Dijon mustard and herbs.
During the 1970s, you'd commonly find maple-glazed turkey featured in women's magazines and family cookbooks, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Today's versions often incorporate innovative twists, but they all share that wonderful balance of sweet and savory that first made the dish so popular.
The addition of cranberry sauce as an accompaniment became standard during the 1960s, creating the perfect partnership that's recognized today.
Recipe
This maple-glazed turkey breast recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or holiday meals. The combination of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates a glossy, flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
The addition of fresh cranberries not only provides a striking visual presentation but also adds a welcome tartness that complements the sweetness of the maple glaze. This recipe is designed to produce a moist, tender turkey breast with a perfectly golden-brown exterior.
- 3-4 pound turkey breast, bone-in
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
Place turkey in a roasting pan and brush with olive oil, then coat with half of the maple mixture. Scatter cranberries around the turkey. Roast for 75-90 minutes, basting with remaining maple mixture every 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
For best results, bring the turkey breast to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking. If using frozen cranberries, don't thaw them first as they'll maintain their shape better during roasting.
The maple glaze can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the roasting pan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Preparation Steps
You'll want to start by patting your turkey breast completely dry with paper towels, which helps create that beautiful golden-brown skin you're looking for.
Next, you'll mix your maple syrup and Dijon mustard together until smooth, then generously brush this glossy mixture all over your turkey breast.
Once your turkey's been glazed, you'll place it in your preheated oven and begin the basting process, making sure to brush the meat with those flavorful pan juices every 20 minutes until it's perfectly cooked.
Step 1. Pat Turkey Breast Dry
Before applying any seasonings or glaze, thoroughly pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to guarantee proper browning and ideal flavor absorption. You'll want to be methodical about this step – it's one of those little details that makes a huge difference in your final result.
Make sure you're getting into all the nooks and crannies, as excess moisture can prevent that beautiful golden-brown exterior you're aiming for.
Don't rush this process; you'll likely need several paper towels to get the job done right. Start at the top of the breast and work your way down, paying special attention to any areas where moisture tends to collect.
If you've just removed your turkey from its packaging, you'll notice there's quite a bit of natural moisture that needs to be removed. Once you think you've gotten it dry, give it one final pat – you can't be too thorough here!
Step 2. Mix Glaze Ingredients Together
Combining the maple glaze ingredients marks an essential turning point in your preparation. In a small bowl, you'll want to whisk together the pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard until they're perfectly blended.
You'll notice how the mustard's tangy notes complement the syrup's sweetness, creating that irresistible balance that'll make your turkey breast absolutely memorable.
As you're mixing, you might see the glaze transform into a beautiful amber color – that's exactly what you're looking for! Don't worry if it seems a bit thin at first; the consistency will be perfect for basting your turkey.
If you're feeling creative, here's a little trick: add a pinch of black pepper or a tiny splash of bourbon to give your glaze an extra dimension of flavor. Just remember, you'll be using this mixture throughout the cooking process, so make sure you've got enough to last through multiple basting sessions.
Store any leftover glaze in a separate bowl to avoid cross-contamination when you're basting. Trust me, this maple-mustard combination will create a gorgeous, golden-brown finish that'll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Step 3. Brush Glaze on Turkey
Now that your glaze is ready, reach for a basting brush to apply the maple-mustard mixture evenly onto your turkey breast.
You'll want to make sure every inch of the surface gets coated, as this glaze will create that gorgeous golden-brown finish you're dreaming of.
Start at the top of the breast and work your way down, using gentle, even strokes. Don't worry if some of the glaze pools at the bottom of the pan – you'll be using this for basting later.
Pay special attention to any areas that might look a bit dry, and don't forget to get into those little nooks and crannies where the wing meets the breast.
If you're finding that the glaze is a bit too thick to spread easily, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Remember, you don't need to use all the glaze right now – you'll want to save some for basting during the cooking process.
When you're done brushing, your turkey should have a lovely, glossy sheen that promises the delicious meal to come.
Step 4. Place Turkey in Oven
With your turkey breast beautifully glazed, it's time to position it in your preheated 375°F oven.
You'll want to place the roasting pan on the middle rack, ensuring there's enough clearance above for the heat to circulate properly. Don't forget to scatter those vibrant cranberries around the turkey – they'll create a stunning presentation while adding incredible flavor to your dish.
Now comes the part that'll fill your kitchen with that irresistible holiday aroma!
You'll need to roast your turkey for about 75-90 minutes, but here's the essential part: set your timer for 20-minute intervals. Each time it rings, you'll want to carefully baste the turkey with those delicious pan juices, helping to build layers of that maple-mustard flavor you've worked so hard to create.
Keep your meat thermometer handy – you're aiming for that magic number of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. As you baste, you'll notice the skin developing a gorgeous golden-brown color, and those cranberries will slowly transform into jewel-toned gems surrounding your masterpiece.
Step 5. Baste Turkey While Roasting
Basting your maple-glazed turkey is an essential step that keeps the meat moist while building layers of rich flavor. Every 20 minutes, you'll want to open the oven door and carefully spoon the pan juices over the entire surface of the turkey breast, paying special attention to any areas that look like they're beginning to dry out.
As you baste, you'll notice how the maple-Dijon glaze begins to caramelize, creating a beautiful golden-brown color that'll make your mouth water.
Don't forget to drizzle some of those delicious juices over the cranberries too – they'll absorb the flavors and become even more succulent. If you see the pan getting dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain enough liquid for basting.
Remember to work quickly when you're basting to prevent too much heat from escaping the oven. You'll want to continue this process throughout the entire cooking time, which means you'll be basting about 4-5 times total.
Trust me, your dedication to basting will be rewarded with incredibly tender, flavorful turkey that your guests won't soon forget.
Final Thoughts
Mastering this maple-glazed turkey breast recipe will give you a reliable showstopper for holiday meals and special occasions. The juicy turkey, infused with the sweet and savory flavors of maple, will leave your guests raving long after the meal is over. For those looking to expand their culinary repertoire, consider pairing it with a delightful maplehoney roasted duck recipe for an unforgettable feast. This combination not only offers a stunning presentation but also showcases a variety of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
You'll find that the combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon creates a perfectly balanced glaze that'll have your guests asking for seconds. Plus, the fresh cranberries add both visual appeal and a delightful tartness that cuts through the richness of the turkey.
Don't be intimidated by the thought of roasting a turkey breast – it's actually quite forgiving. The key is paying attention to your meat thermometer and maintaining a consistent basting schedule.
If you're cooking for a smaller group, this recipe's perfect since you won't be dealing with an entire bird. You'll love how the maple glaze creates a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the meat underneath moist and tender.
