There’s something truly special about that perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors that dance on your tongue — and that’s exactly why my Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe is such a keeper. It’s juicy, tender, and wrapped in this irresistibly luscious glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The image shows two thick slices of light beige cooked turkey with a slightly browned edge, stacked closely on a white plate. A smooth, glossy light brown gravy is draped over the top slice, spreading down toward the plate. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the gravy and turkey slices. In the background, there is a blurred scoop of mashed potatoes with gravy on it. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this bourbon maple glazed turkey for the first time during a chilly autumn weekend, and it instantly became a new tradition. The flavors are comforting but special enough to impress without tons of fuss.

Perfect balance of sweet and smoky: The bourbon and maple syrup combo creates a glaze that’s rich but never overpowering.
Juicy, tender turkey breast: Unlike dry turkey, this roast stays moist thanks to the gentle roasting and glaze basting.
Simple glaze ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this turkey breast shines.

A large piece of cooked meat with a shiny, brown, and slightly charred outer layer sits at the center of a white plate with intricate patterns. It is being sliced with a hammered metal knife held by a woman's hand, while a gold fork pierces the meat from above. The meat is thickly sliced into three pieces showing a light beige interior. Around the meat, fresh green herbs and bright red cranberries add color and texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface; a baked side dish with an orange topping and a wooden pattern is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about layering flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in giving the turkey that irresistible glaze and juicy texture. Plus, shopping is easy when you know what to look for!

Flat lay of a whole boneless turkey breast roast, a small white bowl of glossy light brown sugar, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of dark reduced sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of grainy whole grain mustard, a small white bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of dried thyme, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of amber apple cider, a small white bowl of Dijon mustard placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bourbon: Adds that warm, slightly smoky depth you don’t get anywhere else.
Light brown sugar: Brings sweetness and moisture, perfect for caramelizing the glaze.
Maple syrup: Gives a rich, earthy sweetness that feels luxurious.
Honey: Helps balance acidity and keeps the glaze sticky and glossy.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and a touch of salt without overwhelming.
Whole grain mustard: Adds tang and texture; I love the little mustard seeds popping up here and there.
Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme: These spices build complexity, avoiding one-note sweetness.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out.
Boneless turkey breast roast: I prefer Butterball for consistent quality and tenderness.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist during roasting and forms the base of the gravy.
Unsalted butter & flour: For making a luscious gravy from the pan drippings.
Apple cider: Brightens the gravy with a subtle fruitiness.
Dijon mustard: Adds a nice little kick and smooth texture to the gravy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this recipe depending on the season or the occasion. Feel free to play around to suit your taste—it’s a forgiving recipe that loves personalization!

Variation: One time, I swapped the bourbon for a smoky mezcal. The glaze took on a completely new vibe—spicy and smoky with a twist. Totally worth trying if you want a change!
Dietary: If you want to keep it lighter, try using less sugar or swapping honey for agave syrup. The glaze will still shine.
Seasonal: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves in fall gives it a warm holiday note.
Difficulty: Perfect for beginners, since the glaze does most of the flavor work. Just watch the roast closely while glazing!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the glaze

Start by mixing bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, soy sauce, whole grain mustard, and spices in a bowl. This combo creates the magic. Whisk until smooth and sticky—this glaze will coat your turkey beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare and season the turkey breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels so the glaze sticks well. Lightly salt and pepper the meat on all sides. I always make small shallow cuts in the thick parts so the glaze seeps in deeper.

Step 3: Glaze and roast

Place the turkey in a roasting pan, then slather it with half of the prepared glaze. Roast at 325°F (160°C), basting every 20-30 minutes with more glaze and chicken broth to keep it moist. This slow roast with frequent glazing is what locks in the tenderness and flavor for me.

Step 4: Make the gravy

Once the turkey reaches an internal temp of around 165°F (74°C), remove it to rest. Meanwhile, whisk butter and flour in a pan over medium heat to form a roux. Add pan drippings, chicken broth, bourbon, apple cider, and Dijon mustard, then simmer until thickened. That sauce is exactly why you want to save those drippings!

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Slice the turkey breast and pour the bourbon maple gravy over the top. Dig in while it’s warm and that glaze is still shiny and sticky—it’s pure comfort.

Top Tip

I’ve made this turkey breast countless times, and a few little tricks make all the difference between good and truly memorable. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Consistent Basting: I never skip basting every 20-30 minutes; it keeps the glaze from drying out and helps build that gorgeous sticky crust.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes after roasting. It helps the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This saves you from guessing doneness. Turkey breast can get dry fast if overcooked, so pull it at 165°F.
Save Those Drippings: They’re liquid gold for the gravy! Don’t pour out the pan juices until after you’ve made the sauce.

How to Serve Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh thyme sprigs and a few chopped pecans over the sliced turkey. The herbs add vibrant color and aroma, while pecans provide a wonderful crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

This turkey shines with classic mashed potatoes (of course!), roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, and a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Sometimes I add a warm cranberry relish for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the turkey breast sliced on a wooden board surrounded by roasted root vegetables and garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. It makes for a stunning centerpiece that's as festive as tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I tightly wrap any leftover turkey in foil and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps beautifully for 3-4 days if you eat it within that time frame.

Freezing

If I need to freeze leftovers, I slice the meat first and pack it in freezer-safe bags with a bit of gravy to preserve moisture. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or gravy to keep it moist. Microwaving works too, but just be sure to heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The turkey breast can also be roasted a few hours before serving and reheated gently before plating.

What if I don’t have bourbon on hand?

If bourbon isn’t available, you can substitute with a good quality whiskey or even apple cider for a milder flavor. The glaze will still be tasty but slightly different in character.

Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in turkey breast, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature carefully, and you might want to increase basting intervals to keep things moist.

How do I know when the turkey breast is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This ensures it’s cooked through but still juicy and tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a simple turkey roast into a dish full of warmth and celebration. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—I can guarantee it’ll bring big smiles to the table!