Can I use bone-in turkey breast?

Yes, you can. Just add 10–15 minutes to the roasting time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.

What’s the best substitute for bourbon?

Apple juice is the easiest and most accessible option. It gives the glaze a sweet richness without the alcohol.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir or quick warm-up before using.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Turkey: The Holiday Centerpiece You’ll Make Again and Again

Brown Sugar Bourbon Turkey

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Turkey is a sweet and smoky glazed turkey breast recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners. It’s packed with bold flavors and ready in under 90 minutes.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes
Total Time: 95 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (2–3 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Orange slices or zest (optional, for garnish)
Chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
Rub all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Set a rack in the center position.
Place turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet.
Brush half the glaze over the turkey breast.
Roast uncovered for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, brush the remaining glaze all over the turkey breast. Tent loosely with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
Continue roasting for another 35 minutes or until the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
Remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest, loosely tented with foil, for 15 minutes.
Slice the turkey breast against the grain and spoon any glaze from the pan over the slices.
Garnish with fresh herbs, orange zest, or chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For an alcohol-free version, substitute apple juice for bourbon.
Use vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free adaptation.
If using bone-in turkey breast, add 15 minutes to roasting time.
Double the glaze recipe for extra sauce to serve on the side.
Tent with foil during roasting if skin browns too quickly.
Let the turkey rest before slicing to retain moisture.

Find it online: https://www.recipebyelena.com/brown-sugar-bourbon-turkey/