If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s juicy, full of aromatic herbs, and sweetly irresistible, this Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect marriage of savory and sweet where fresh herbs meld beautifully with a luscious maple glaze that caramelizes just right, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply want to impress your loved ones, this recipe promises a tender, flavorful turkey breast that’s both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the garlic-studded herb rub to the sticky, sweet glaze, everything works together to create that perfectly balanced dish.
- 3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat without the fuss of bone-in cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps create a flavorful herb paste and keeps the turkey moist while roasting.
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent warmth and depth to the herb rub.
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried): Brings an earthy, slightly peppery aroma that pairs beautifully with poultry.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried): Offers subtle, woodsy notes that blend harmoniously with other herbs.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried): Delivers a fragrant, pine-like flavor that’s a natural complement to turkey.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors in the meat.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and complexity.
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup: The sweet star of the glaze to give the turkey that irresistible caramelized coating.
- 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon, yellow, or stone-ground): Adds a slight tang and depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami richness and complexity to the glaze.
- 2 tbsp light-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: Introduces a savory saltiness that deepens the glaze’s flavor.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary): Optional garnishes to brighten the finished dish with color and fragrance.
- Pomegranate seeds or orange slices for color: Adds a festive pop and fresh contrast when serving.
How to Make Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Turkey and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything is ready to cook evenly. Pat your boneless turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the herb rub adheres nicely and you get a beautiful crust later on.
Step 2: Create the Herb Rub and Coat the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper to make a fragrant paste. Smother this herbaceous mixture all over your turkey breast, coating every nook and cranny for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey to Juicy Perfection
Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a baking dish. Slow roast it for about 45 to 55 minutes depending on its thickness. The goal is a tender interior while the outside begins to brown beautifully, sealing in those juicy juices.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Maple Glaze
While your turkey roasts, combine pure maple syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This magical glaze will give your turkey that signature sweet-savory-glossy finish.
Step 5: Glaze the Turkey During the Final Roast
During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush your turkey every 5 minutes with the luscious maple glaze. This repeated glazing builds rich layers of flavor and a sticky, caramelized outer coating that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Check for Doneness and Rest
Your turkey is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and moist.
How to Serve Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and add subtle flavor with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and rosemary on top. For a festive touch and burst of color, scatter bright pomegranate seeds or lay a few thin orange slices alongside your turkey slices. This not only looks stunning but adds a fresh balance to the sweetness of the glaze.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs beautifully with classic roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, which complement the maple glaze perfectly. Creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf can round out the meal, soaking up every last bit of that flavorful turkey juice and glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices layered on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and citrus slices for a rustic, invitation-style centerpiece. For an elegant twist, carve the turkey breast into medallions and drizzle a little extra glaze over each, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a wow factor that will impress every guest at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover turkey completely before storing it in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it will stay juicy and tender for up to 3 days—perfect for delicious sandwiches or quick reheated meals.
Freezing
If you’ve made extra or want to prep in advance, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and maintain all that wonderful flavor and moisture.
Reheating
To keep the turkey moist when reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water and a cover to steam it tenderly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe is designed for boneless for ease and quick cooking, bone-in will add extra flavor though it may require longer roasting time to ensure even cooking.
Is it okay to substitute dried herbs for fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones at about one-third the quantity. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious, so don’t worry if fresh herbs aren’t available.
Can I prepare the herb rub and glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the herb rub a day in advance and refrigerate it so the flavors deepen. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently reheated before applying during roasting.
What if I don’t have maple syrup on hand?
While pure maple syrup adds a unique touch, you could substitute with honey or agave syrup. Each will bring a slightly different character but maintain the sweet element essential to this glaze’s charm.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked—juicy with no risk of underdone meat.
Final Thoughts
This Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe truly transforms a simple turkey breast into a succulent celebration of flavors that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its ease, elegance, and bold flavor layers make it a winner for any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every tender bite, just like I did!
Print
Maple-Glazed Boneless Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A juicy and flavorful maple-glazed boneless turkey breast recipe, perfectly herb-rubbed and roasted for a holiday-ready centerpiece. This dish combines fresh herbs with a sweet and tangy maple glaze for an irresistible, moist turkey.
Ingredients
Turkey and Herb Rub
- 3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Maple Glaze
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon, yellow, or stone-ground)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp light-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Pomegranate seeds or orange slices for color
Instructions
- Preheat and Dry Turkey: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crisp herb crust.
- Prepare Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper into a paste. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast evenly, coating every surface.
- Roast Turkey: Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack set inside a baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
- Make Maple Glaze: While the turkey roasts, whisk together pure maple syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and light-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens into a glaze.
- Glaze Turkey: During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the maple glaze every 5 minutes to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Check for Doneness: The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or orange slices for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked turkey without drying out.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, but fresh provides brighter flavor.
- Adjust the mustard type in the glaze to suit your taste preference.
- Resting the turkey after roasting helps retain the juices for moist slices.
- Garnishes like pomegranate seeds or orange slices add color and a burst of freshness.
