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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 features a sticky, sweet, and slightly smoky glaze that locks in moisture, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. It’s a quick and easy holiday-worthy centerpiece that converts even turkey skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut into the meat.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, including the underside.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne (if using). Whisk constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let bubble for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast uncovered for 45 minutes.
  5. After 45 minutes, remove turkey from oven. Brush a generous layer of the brown sugar bourbon glaze all over the skin. Return to oven and roast for another 20 minutes.
  6. Repeat glazing every 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) at the thickest part of the breast. Total roasting time is usually about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  7. When turkey reaches 155°F, remove from oven. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise to 160-165°F during resting.
  8. Carve against the grain into thick slices. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip scoring the skin; it helps the fat render and allows the glaze to caramelize. Use a probe thermometer to avoid overcooking. Apply glaze in thin layers for best results. Keep extra glaze warm and set aside a small bowl for basting to avoid cross-contamination. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider vinegar and a splash of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

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

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