Apricot Glazed Turkey Breast: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Apricot glazed turkey breast: just the name conjures images of a glistening, golden-brown centerpiece gracing your holiday table, doesn’t it? Forget dry, bland turkey – we’re talking about a succulent, flavorful experience that will have your guests raving! This isn’t your grandma’s plain roasted bird; it’s a modern twist on a classic, infused with the sweet and tangy goodness of apricots.

While turkey has been a staple of Thanksgiving feasts in North America for centuries, the addition of fruit glazes is a more recent innovation. Historically, cranberries were the go-to accompaniment, but adventurous cooks began experimenting with other fruits, discovering the delightful synergy between sweet and savory. Apricots, with their delicate sweetness and slightly tart edge, proved to be a particularly winning combination.

What makes an apricot glazed turkey breast so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors. The turkey itself, when cooked properly, is tender and juicy. The apricot glaze adds a layer of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful crust. The glaze also helps to keep the turkey moist, preventing it from drying out during cooking. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. The vibrant color also makes it a visually stunning dish, perfect for impressing your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your next holiday meal with this show-stopping recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Turkey Breast:
• 1 (6-8 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• For the Apricot Glaze:
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• For the Aromatics (optional, but recommended!):
• 1/2 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme

Preparing the Turkey Breast:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature helps the turkey breast cook evenly and stay moist.
2. Prepare the turkey breast. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a nice sear and allowing the glaze to adhere properly.
3. Season the turkey breast. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Don’t be shy – get in there and really massage the seasonings into the meat!
4. Prepare the roasting pan. If you’re using the aromatics, place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, smashed garlic, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprig in the bottom of a roasting pan. This will create a flavorful base for the turkey breast and add moisture to the oven. If you don’t have these on hand, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it!
5. Place the turkey breast in the roasting pan. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the aromatics (if using) in the roasting pan.

Making the Apricot Glaze:

1. Combine the glaze ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer the glaze. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a beautiful, glossy glaze.
3. Set aside the glaze. Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside until you’re ready to use it.

Cooking the Turkey Breast:

1. Roast the turkey breast. Place the roasting pan with the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check the temperature. It’s important to not overcook the turkey, as it will become dry.
2. Glaze the turkey breast. After the turkey breast has been roasting for about an hour, remove it from the oven. Brush about half of the apricot glaze evenly over the top and sides of the turkey breast.
3. Return to the oven. Return the turkey breast to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is nicely browned and caramelized.
4. Baste with remaining glaze (optional). If you want an even more intense glaze, you can remove the turkey breast from the oven again after 10 minutes and brush it with the remaining glaze. Then, return it to the oven for the final 5-10 minutes.
5. Check for doneness. The turkey breast is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.

Resting and Serving:

1. Rest the turkey breast. Once the turkey breast is cooked through, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey breast. Don’t skip this step!
2. Carve the turkey breast. After the turkey breast has rested, carve it against the grain into thin slices.
3. Serve and enjoy! Arrange the sliced turkey breast on a platter and serve immediately. You can drizzle any pan juices over the turkey for added flavor. This apricot glazed turkey breast is delicious served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or your favorite holiday side dishes.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the turkey! The most common mistake people make when cooking turkey breast is overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Let the turkey rest. Resting the turkey is crucial for a juicy and tender result.
• Adjust the glaze to your liking. Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the apricot glaze to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you like a little more tang, add more apple cider vinegar.
• Use fresh herbs if possible. Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor to the turkey breast.
• Make ahead. You can make the apricot glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Pan Sauce. For an extra flavorful pan sauce, after removing the turkey breast from the roasting pan, place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or white wine to the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. Strain the sauce and serve it alongside the turkey breast.

Variations:

• Spicy Apricot Glaze: Add more red pepper flakes to the apricot glaze for a spicier kick. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast: Before roasting, press chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage) onto the surface of the turkey breast.
• Citrus-Infused Turkey Breast: Add slices of orange or lemon to the roasting pan along with the aromatics. You can also rub the turkey breast with citrus zest before seasoning it.
• Maple-Glazed Turkey Breast: Substitute maple syrup for the honey in the apricot glaze for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Apricot Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to a truly memorable meal. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the apricot glaze itself is a symphony of sweet and savory, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s not your typical, run-of-the-mill turkey; it’s a dish that will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Second, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen; this recipe allows you to enjoy the process and still deliver a stunning centerpiece. Finally, the moistness! The apricot glaze acts as a natural sealant, locking in the turkey’s juices and preventing it from drying out. Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey forever!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. For serving suggestions, I highly recommend pairing it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Their earthy sweetness complements the apricot glaze beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes are also a classic choice, providing a comforting contrast to the tangy glaze. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Its tartness will cut through the richness of the turkey, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

Looking for variations? You’ve got options! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the apricot glaze for a subtle kick. Or, for a more herbaceous flavor, incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze. Another fantastic variation is to use different types of fruit preserves. Peach or orange marmalade would work wonderfully in place of apricot, offering their own unique flavor profiles. You could even experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or brandy to the glaze for a more sophisticated touch. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of butter used in the glaze, or substitute it with olive oil. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this Apricot Glazed Turkey Breast recipe. I poured my heart and soul into perfecting it, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or even a simple Sunday dinner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and impressed.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, please, please, try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Did you make any substitutions? Did you add any special touches? I’m eager to learn from your experiences and see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I am sure this will be your go-to recipe for years to come.