Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and a little unexpected, this Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is absolutely the one to try. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes on the golden turkey, creating an irresistible balance that makes the whole family go crazy every time I make it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be itching to serve it again and again, especially during the holidays or weekend dinners.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe plays a crucial role — the apple cider provides sweet moisture, the butter sears a flavorful crust, and the blend of spices and vinegar in the glaze adds depth and complexity. Grab fresh and quality ingredients to get the best results!

• Turkey breast: Choose bone-in for extra flavor, or boneless for easier carving—both work wonderfully here.
• Apple cider: Use fresh, unsweetened cider for the best natural sweetness and tanginess.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to brown the turkey nicely during searing.
• Brown sugar: Key for caramelizing the glaze and balancing the cider’s tang.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: A little punchy sharpness that brings the glaze layers together.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds savory warmth.
• Cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth and enhances the apple flavors.
• Cloves (optional): Adds a subtle hint of spice; use just a pinch for complexity.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish): Aromatic and adds a fresh herbal note, perfect for presentation.
• Sliced apples (for garnish): Echo the apple flavors visually and add a crisp texture contrast.

Variations

I love how versatile this Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is. You can easily tweak the glaze or swap out herbs based on what you have or prefer. It’s your kitchen — make it yours!

• Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick, which really wakes up the flavors without overpowering the turkey.
• Herb Swap: Try sage or marjoram instead of rosemary or thyme for a different classic holiday vibe — I’ve done this when I’m out of fresh herbs, and it’s just as delicious.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re catering to dietary restrictions without extra fuss.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey if you want an earthier sweetness; I discovered this trick last autumn and loved the cozy depth it added.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey Breast

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this step is super important because it helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice crust during searing. Season it generously with salt and pepper all over; don’t be shy, seasoning is key in bringing out great flavor.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, sear the turkey breast on each side until richly golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step not only locks in juices but adds that glorious caramelized flavor that makes the glaze stand out even more. I used to skip this step, but now I swear by it for that perfect crust.

Step 3: Begin Roasting with Apple Cider

Transfer the seared turkey breast to a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into the bottom of the pan—this keeps the turkey moist as it cooks and adds subtle, infused flavor. Pop it into the oven to start roasting while you move on to the glaze.

Step 4: Whip Up the Apple Cider Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of apple cider, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally. You’re looking for the mixture to reduce and thicken into a syrupy glaze—it usually takes about 10-15 minutes. I keep testing it with a spoon until it coats nicely, which means it’s perfect for glazing.

Step 5: Glaze and Continue Roasting

Brush your turkey breast generously with the glaze. Then, every 15 minutes while roasting, baste with more glaze to build a rich, sticky coating. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) — this generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your oven and turkey size. Using a meat thermometer is a game-changer here—it ensures juicy, perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing—this helps the juices redistribute so each slice stays moist. Garnish beautifully with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs and some sliced apples to echo the glaze flavors and impress your guests. I like this step because it makes everything look and taste just that much better!

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme because they add a gorgeous pop of green and a fresh aroma that complements the glaze. Sliced crisp apples around the platter add a lovely, festive touch and echo the cider flavor beautifully — it’s a simple detail that makes all the difference.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The creaminess of the potatoes and the earthiness of roasted veggies balance the sweet and tangy turkey perfectly every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the turkey breast sliced and fanned out on a large white platter dotted with rosemary sprigs, apple slices, and a drizzle of the warm glaze. Setting little ramekins of leftover glaze on the side lets everyone add extra flavor if they want — it turns a simple meal into a memorable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays perfectly moist for 3-4 days, which makes for fantastic sandwiches, salads, or quick dinners later on.

Freezing

Freezing cooked turkey breast from this recipe works well if you portion it before freezing. I slice it, lay the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze briefly, and then transfer them to freezer bags. This way, you avoid clumping and can thaw exactly what you need for later meals.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover turkey is gently in the oven at 300°F, wrapped in foil with a splash of apple cider or broth to keep it moist. This method keeps the meat tender and the glaze sticky without drying it out, which can happen quickly if reheated too aggressively.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites — it brings together the coziness of fall flavors with a juicy, tender turkey that’s anything but boring. I love sharing it with friends who say it’s the best turkey they’ve ever had, which makes all the effort totally worth it. So, if you want to impress your guests (or just treat yourself) with an easy yet elegant dish, give this recipe a go. I promise you’ll fall in love with it, just like I did!

Print