Print

Lighter Maple Roasted Turkey Breast for Small Gatherings

maple roasted turkey breast - featured image
Print Recipe

A juicy, tender turkey breast glazed with maple syrup and Dijon mustard, perfect for small gatherings or a cozy dinner. This recipe delivers crispy skin and rich flavor without the fuss of a whole bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus 1 teaspoon chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus ½ teaspoon leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in center. Let turkey breast sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Pat turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Optional: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves. Gently loosen turkey skin and spread herb butter under the skin.
  4. Season turkey all over with salt and pepper, including under skin if not using herb butter.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Set aside 2 tablespoons for basting.
  6. Place turkey in a roasting pan on a wire rack (if using). Arrange rosemary and thyme sprigs around turkey. Pour chicken broth into bottom of pan.
  7. Brush entire turkey breast with the maple glaze.
  8. Roast for 45 minutes. Remove pan, brush with reserved glaze.
  9. Continue roasting for 20-30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in thickest part of breast.
  10. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 15-20 minutes. Temperature will rise to 160°F (71°C).
  11. Carve against the grain and drizzle with pan juices before serving.

Notes

For crispier skin, pat turkey dry thoroughly and let air-dry in fridge for an hour if time allows. If skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. Save pan drippings for quick gravy: strain, whisk with 1 tablespoon flour, and simmer until thickened.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted turkey breast, small gathering turkey, lighter turkey recipe, maple glaze turkey, easy turkey breast

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/lighter-maple-roasted-turkey-breast-for-small-gatherings/