There’s something truly irresistible about the marriage of sweet and smoky flavors in a roast. That’s exactly why my Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe stands out—each bite bursts with a rich bourbon glaze kissed by maple syrup that caramelizes beautifully on the turkey, creating juicy, flavorful perfection.

This image shows two thick slices of cooked white meat turkey with a light brown edge, placed on a white speckled plate. The turkey slices are topped with smooth, golden brown gravy softly flowing over the meat and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green parsley. In the blurred background, a scoop of mashed potatoes covered in the same gravy is visible on the right side, all set 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

This recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it strikes that perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory. It’s like having your favorite whiskey cocktail meet Sunday dinner—and everyone always asks for seconds!

Flavor-packed glaze: The bourbon and maple syrup combo caramelizes into a sticky, mouthwatering coating.
Easy but impressive: Simple ingredients come together for a roast that looks and tastes like you spent hours.
Moist and tender: Roasting the boneless turkey breast just right ensures juicy meat inside a crisp crust.
Versatile for any occasion: It’s perfect for holidays or a special weekend family dinner alike.

A white plate with a cooked chicken piece in the center, golden brown with a shiny, slightly crispy skin and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The chicken is being sliced by a hammered steel knife and held with a gold fork. Around the chicken are fresh dark green herbs and bright red cherries adding color contrast. The background shows a blurred orange dish, and the surface under the plate is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe create a harmony of flavors and textures. The bourbon adds that gentle warmth and depth while maple syrup and brown sugar bring sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Mustard and soy sauce add tang and umami to round it all out. I like to pick high-quality turkey breast, and if you can find a trusty brand like Butterball, even better.

Flat lay of a fresh whole boneless turkey breast roast, a small mound of packed light brown sugar, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of whole grain mustard with visible mustard seeds, a small heap of reddish smoked paprika powder, small piles of onion powder and garlic powder on the side, a small pile of dried thyme leaves, small piles of kosher salt and black peppercorns, a chunk of pale unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl holding amber bourbon whiskey, a small white bowl of golden apple cider, a small white bowl containing Dijon mustard, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally 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 warm, rich flavor—a little boozy aroma in the glaze transforms the turkey completely.
Light brown sugar: Gives sweetness and moisture, helping with that beautiful caramelization.
Maple syrup: For that authentic maple sweetness with a smooth finish.
Honey: Enhances the glaze's stickiness and depth of flavor.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Balances sweetness with a salty, umami kick.
Whole grain mustard: Adds tang and texture, making the glaze more complex.
Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper: Blend of spices that boost flavor without overpowering.
Boneless turkey breast roast: The star of the show—boneless for ease of slicing and roasting evenly.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Used to keep the meat moist during roasting and make the luscious gravy.
Unsalted butter & all purpose flour: To create a rich, smooth gravy from the pan drippings.
Apple cider & Dijon mustard: Adds slight fruitiness and tang to the gravy that pairs wonderfully with the turkey.

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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 love experimenting with the glaze by swapping out maple syrup for a bit of molasses during the fall, or adding fresh rosemary for a herbal twist. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or smokiness to match what you and your guests prefer—this recipe plays well with personal touches!

Variation: One time, I added a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for a subtle kick, and it was a surprisingly delicious surprise.
Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to keep saltiness in check without losing flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Swap flour with cornstarch for the gravy and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

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

Step 1: Whip up the irresistible glaze

Start by mixing bourbon, light brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, soy sauce, whole grain mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it all together to a smooth glaze. This mixture will infuse the turkey with that signature sweet and smoky flavor you’re chasing.

Step 2: Slather and marinate the turkey breast

Generously coat your 3-pound boneless turkey breast with the glaze, making sure every nook is covered. If you have time, pop it into the fridge for a couple of hours or even overnight—that’s when the flavors sink in beautifully. If you’re short on time, don’t skip the glaze; it still tastes fantastic.

Step 3: Roast to juicy perfection

Place the glazed turkey breast in a roasting pan and pour 2 to 4 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth around it. Roast at 350°F (175°C) for roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and enhance that caramelized crust. The internal temperature should hit 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked.

Step 4: Make the luscious gravy

Remove the turkey and let it rest. In the meantime, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add pan drippings (or broth), bourbon, apple cider, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until the gravy thickens, then finish with a tablespoon of cold butter for that silky smooth texture.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few key tricks make all the difference between a good roast and a showstopper with this Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe.

Patience with basting: Basting the turkey every 20 minutes seals in moisture and keeps the glaze beautifully glossy.
Room temp turkey: Let the turkey sit out for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
Rest before slicing: Give the meat at least 15 minutes to rest so juices redistribute—this is the secret to juicy slices.
Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking and drying out your turkey breast.

How to Serve Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Bourbon Maple Turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma that complements the glaze beautifully. Sometimes I toss a few toasted pecans on top for crunch and an extra nutty note.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts, but I also love serving it alongside sweet potato casserole or a crisp apple slaw for a seasonal twist. The savory gravy ties everything together perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the turkey turkey breast and fan the pieces on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, and small bowls of gravy. It makes a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap any leftover turkey tightly in foil or an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays juicy and flavorful for 3 to 4 days when stored right. Make sure to keep the gravy separate for reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of the glazed turkey breast before with good success—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer bag. It lasts up to 3 months, and when thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, the texture stays tender.

Reheating

I gently reheat my turkey slices in a covered baking dish at 300°F with a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. The gravy warms up nicely on the stove over low heat—stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe?

You can absolutely use a bone-in turkey breast, but keep in mind it may need a longer roasting time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internal temp, and adjust basting time accordingly.

What type of bourbon works best for the glaze?

I recommend using a middle-shelf bourbon that you enjoy sipping since its flavor is front and center in the glaze. Avoid flavored or very cheap bourbons as they can introduce off-flavors.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before using. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before slathering it on the turkey.

Is this recipe suitable for a holiday meal?

Definitely! Its sweet and smoky profile makes it stand out on holiday tables, yet it’s easy enough to prepare without stress. Pair it with your favorite sides and you’re all set for a memorable feast.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bourbon Maple Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s my go-to when I want something impressive but fuss-free. The balance of flavors makes every bite feel cozy and celebratory, so give it a try and watch your friends and family light up over dinner. Don’t forget to take a moment to savor that sweet bourbon aroma filling your kitchen—it’s pure magic.