This apple cider glazed turkey breast recipe is perfect for a festive holiday dinner, offering a delicious and juicy main course that’s simpler than a whole turkey.

Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast: Easy Thanksgiving & Christmas Dinner Recipe 16

It’s designed for those who want all the flavor of a holiday meal without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. Whether you’re hosting a smaller gathering or just prefer the ease of a turkey breast, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

With its sweet and savory glaze, this turkey breast is sure to become a new favorite for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It’s an approachable recipe that even beginner cooks can master, ensuring a tender and flavorful result every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional holiday meal without the overwhelming commitment of a whole turkey. It’s perfect for smaller families, couples, or when you want to save oven space for other dishes. The apple cider glaze infuses the turkey breast with a wonderful autumnal flavor that’s both sweet and tangy, making it incredibly appealing to most palates, including picky eaters. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together compared to a full turkey, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities. It’s an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a special Sunday dinner when you crave something comforting and festive.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this apple cider glazed turkey breast is straightforward, focusing on common pantry staples and fresh turkey. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few key components to create a rich and flavorful dish.

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon cold water (if using cornstarch)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less tart. Brown sugar can be replaced with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, but a stone-ground mustard could work in a pinch if you prefer a spicier kick. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can simmer the glaze a bit longer to reduce it naturally, though it might not be as thick.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 55-70 minutes

The cook time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your turkey breast and your oven’s calibration, so always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious apple cider glazed turkey breast is a simple process. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal.

Prepare the Turkey Breast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear and crispier exterior. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear for Color: Heat an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned turkey breast in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Whisk the Glaze Ingredients: While the turkey is searing, in a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
Glaze and Roast: Pour the apple cider glaze over the seared turkey breast in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with the glaze every 15-20 minutes to build layers of flavor and keep it moist.
Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey reaches 165°F, remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist turkey.
Thicken the Glaze (Optional): While the turkey rests, if you desire a thicker glaze, place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. In a small cup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering glaze in the skillet, whisking constantly until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
Slice and Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange on a serving platter and spoon the warm apple cider glaze generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, for a pop of color.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This apple cider glazed turkey breast is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze mixture. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper can provide a subtle kick. You could also toss in some thinly sliced apples or cranberries into the skillet during the last 20 minutes of roasting for extra flavor and visual appeal.

When it comes to serving, this turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, or a simple side salad. For a kid-friendly twist, serve it with a side of mac and cheese or some fluffy dinner rolls for dipping into the extra glaze. Leftover turkey can be sliced thin for sandwiches the next day, or diced and added to salads, wraps, or even a quick turkey pot pie. It’s also fantastic served cold with a dollop of cranberry sauce.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them for a perfect apple cider glazed turkey breast every time.

Not Patting the Turkey Dry: If the turkey breast isn’t thoroughly patted dry before searing, it will steam instead of sear, preventing that beautiful golden-brown crust and locking in flavor. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Overcooking the Turkey: This is the most common mistake with any poultry. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer and remove the turkey from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
Not Resting the Turkey: Skipping the resting step means all those delicious juices will run out when you slice the turkey, leaving you with dry meat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the breast, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Burning the Glaze: The sugar in the glaze can burn if the heat is too high or if it’s not basted regularly. Keep an eye on it and baste every 15-20 minutes to prevent scorching and build up layers of flavor.
Under-Seasoning: Turkey breast can be bland if not seasoned properly. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper before searing. These initial seasonings form the base of the flavor profile.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage ensures your delicious turkey breast remains fresh and flavorful. Once cooled, transfer any leftover turkey breast and glaze to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked turkey breast (sliced or whole) and glaze separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, slice the turkey if it isn’t already, and place it in an oven-safe dish with a little extra apple cider or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also gently reheat individual slices in the microwave with a splash of liquid, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the turkey. The glaze can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your success with this apple cider glazed turkey breast.

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast? Yes, you can. A bone-in turkey breast will take a bit longer to cook (add about 15-2

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.