Name: Glazed Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (7 lb.) whole turkey breast (fresh or frozen and thawed); ½ of an apple, chopped into two pieces; ½ of a lemon; ½ of an onion; 1 stalk celery, halved; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 sprig fresh thyme; Kosher salt, to taste; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter; ½ cup maple syrup; 1 cup water

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet wonderfully simple main dish, I can’t recommend this Glazed Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Recipe enough. I absolutely love how the glaze caramelizes beautifully on the outside while keeping the meat inside juicy and tender—it’s a game changer for holiday dinners or anytime you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once I discovered this method, it quickly became my go-to for special occasions and cozy Sunday meals alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Tender Results: Unlike some dry turkey breast dishes, this glaze locks in moisture perfectly.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most things in your pantry already, making it super accessible.
Time-Saving: Prepping and roasting the turkey breast is straightforward and less time-consuming than a whole bird.
Flavor-Packed: The combo of maple syrup and herbs brings a balanced, rich flavor that everyone raves about.

A shiny roasted chicken sliced into four large pieces is placed on a dark round metal tray. The chicken skin is golden brown with a few dark grill marks, showing its crispy texture. Around the chicken, there are green sprigs of rosemary and thyme, mixed with small bright yellow flowers and orange flowers with round petals, adding color and freshness to the presentation. The tray is on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partly underneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This glazed roasted whole turkey breast recipe blends fresh herbs, a touch of sweetness, and aromatics to keep things bright and flavorful. Each ingredient plays its part, so grabbing fresh rosemary and thyme will really elevate your dish.

Whole turkey breast: Fresh is great, but if you buy frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed to cook evenly.
Apple: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture during roasting; no need to peel—just chop.
Lemon: The acidity helps balance the sweetness of the glaze—use fresh for best zing.
Onion: Adds savory depth to the roasting pan juice, boosting flavor.
Celery stalk: Gives subtle aromatic notes that blend nicely with the herbs.
Fresh rosemary: One sprig goes a long way—don’t substitute with dried if you can help it.
Fresh thyme: Complements rosemary and adds earthiness, perfect with turkey.
Kosher salt: Key for seasoning—helps extract moisture and enhances all flavors.
Salted butter: Brings richness to the glaze—makes the crust beautifully golden and flavorful.
Maple syrup: The star of our glaze—it caramelizes deliciously while providing natural sweetness.
Water: Keeps the roasting pan juices from burning and helps create a flavorful base.

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.

Variations

I always encourage playing with flavors to make this glazed roasted whole turkey breast recipe your own. Whether it’s adapting spice levels or swapping out herbs, personal touches can make it feel truly special.

Herb Swap: I once used sage instead of rosemary and thyme, which gave it a cozy, autumnal twist that my family adored.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze gave it a subtle heat that paired beautifully with maple’s sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use pure maple syrup without additives if you’re strict about it.
Smoked Version: If you have a smoker, try roasting the breast low and slow with this glaze—it adds amazing smoky depth.

How to Make Glazed Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While it warms, grab your turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels—that helps the glaze stick better. Then, stuff the cavity or arrange inside the roasting pan the chopped apple, lemon halves, onion halves, celery stalk, and your fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. These aromatics infuse the turkey with subtle layers of flavor as it roasts.

Step 2: Season and Glaze

Generously season the outside of the turkey breast with kosher salt. Melt the butter and stir in the maple syrup until smooth—this will be your glaze. Brush half of it all over the surface of the turkey right before putting it into the oven. The first coating seals in moisture so your turkey won’t dry out.

Step 3: Roast and Glaze Periodically

Place your turkey breast in a roasting pan with 1 cup of water added to the bottom to prevent drippings from burning. Roast for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Every 30-40 minutes, brush more of the maple butter glaze on to build that gorgeous shiny crust. Be sure to spoon some of the pan juices over the turkey too—it keeps things moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once your turkey breast hits the target temp, take it out and tent loosely with foil. Rest it for at least 20 minutes. I learned the hard way that rushing this step makes the juices run out when you carve, leaving the meat dry. Resting lets the juices redistribute, giving you moist, juicy slices every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Glazed Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Recipe

Dry Surface for Crisp Glaze: Pat your turkey completely dry to help the butter-maple glaze stick and caramelize.
Thermometer is a Must: I always use an instant-read thermometer to prevent over- or undercooking—it’s the key to juicy turkey.
Baste Consistently: More frequent glazing means richer color and fantastic flavor development.
Don’t Skip Resting: Trust me, resting your turkey before carving keeps it tender and juicy every time.

How to Serve Glazed Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Recipe

A white plate holds a sliced piece of roasted meat with a shiny, reddish-brown glazed skin. The meat is cut into several thick slices arranged neatly on the plate. Around the meat, there are green herb sprigs and leaves, along with clusters of bright orange flowers placed on the right side. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped blue and white cloth partially visible underneath. In the background, blurred orange flowers add a soft touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish this turkey with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and some thin lemon zest ribbons on top. It brightens up the plate visually and adds a nice fresh aroma when sliced.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of balsamic glaze. A simple cranberry sauce or chutney adds a perfect sweet-tart contrast that complements the maple glaze beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange slices of the turkey breast on a large platter lined with fresh herb sprigs and thin apple slices. Drizzling some pan juices over the top right before serving makes it look restaurant-worthy and keeps everything moist at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, I like to cool leftovers completely and transfer them to an airtight container, storing in the fridge. The turkey breast keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days, making tasty sandwiches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This glazed roasted whole turkey breast freezes well if you slice it first and wrap portions tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, it reheats beautifully without drying out if handled gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover slices in foil and warm them gently in a 300°F oven until heated through, basting lightly with leftover pan juices if available. This keeps the meat moist and maintains that lovely glaze shine.

FAQs

Can I use this glazed roasted whole turkey breast recipe with a frozen turkey breast?

Absolutely, but make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even roasting and safe internal temperatures. Thaw it in the fridge for 2-3 days depending on size.
What is the best way to tell when the turkey breast is done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast—the safe internal temp is 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, fully cooked meat.
Can I prepare the maple glaze ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, preparing your maple butter glaze a few hours or even the day before can help flavors meld nicely. Just give it a quick stir before brushing onto your turkey.
How do I keep the turkey breast moist during roasting?

Besides basting often, adding water to the roasting pan and not overcooking are key. Resting the turkey after cooking also allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t get enough of this glazed roasted whole turkey breast recipe—it’s the perfect blend of flavor, simplicity, and presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an elevated weeknight meal, it’s dependable and truly delicious. I’m confident you’ll find it becomes a firm favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine. Give it a try and see how easy it is to wow everyone with moist, juicy turkey and that irresistible maple glaze!