If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both sweet and savory, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Honey Baked Turkey Recipe is my go-to when I want something that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. The tender turkey breast, lovingly coated in a fragrant blend of spices and finished with a luscious honey glaze, makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Baked Turkey Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a perfectly moist texture. From the blend of spices that gently season the turkey to the honey glaze that caramelizes during baking, these essentials come together to create something truly memorable.
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast: The star of the show, providing lean, tender meat that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors and helps tenderize the turkey.
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning: Classic herbaceous notes that complement turkey perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory profile with a gentle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warmth and aromatic charm to the seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: For a gentle hint of heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick): Used to help the turkey stay juicy and adds richness.
- â…“ cup honey: The magic ingredient that delivers that golden, sticky glaze everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick): Melts into the honey glaze for a smooth, shiny finish.
- 2 tablespoons white wine: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a bit of zip, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning within the glaze to tie all flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough peppery punch to round out the glaze.
How to Make Honey Baked Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Begin by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. Then, mix the kosher salt, poultry seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend all over the turkey breast, massaging it into every nook and cranny. Let it rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature; this allows the flavors to penetrate gently while ensuring even cooking.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and sizzling, sear the turkey breast on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step locks in moisture and creates that lovely depth of flavor and appealing crust.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, remaining butter, white wine, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Warm the mixture gently over low heat, stirring until everything is melted and well blended. This luscious glaze is what gives the turkey its signature glossy, caramelized finish. Set the glaze aside until the turkey is ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the seared turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush generous amounts of the honey glaze over the turkey, then pop it in the oven. Every 15-20 minutes, baste the turkey with more glaze to build that irresistible sticky layer. Roast for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, resulting in infinitely juicier meat. Slice against the grain and drizzle with any remaining glaze for an extra burst of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Honey Baked Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make perfect garnishes for the Honey Baked Turkey Recipe, lending an herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. A sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as pecans or sliced almonds, adds a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor. For a festive touch, bright cranberries scattered alongside create lovely pops of color and tartness.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or roasted root vegetables complement the glaze without overpowering it. If you’re in the mood to mix it up, a crisp apple and fennel salad refreshes the palate with its zingy sweetness, offering a delightful balance to the rich turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your Honey Baked Turkey Recipe on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh greens and citrus slices instantly elevates the dining experience. For a more casual vibe, try slicing the turkey thinly and serving it with warm rolls for sandwiches. You can even use leftovers in salads or wraps the next day, keeping the magic of this dish alive beyond the first serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Honey Baked Turkey Recipe has been enjoyed, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The turkey will keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days, retaining its moistness and flavor. Keeping the glaze intact on the slices helps maintain that delightful sweetness each time you reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this turkey freezes really well. Slice the meat and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers with a little of the glaze to prevent drying. Properly wrapped, it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the turkey slices in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Alternatively, warming in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil preserves tenderness while reviving that honey glaze shine. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, since it can dry out the delicate turkey breast.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this Honey Baked Turkey Recipe?
Absolutely! Using bone-in turkey breast can add flavor and keep the meat extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to reach the proper temperature.
Is there a substitute for white wine in the glaze?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can swap the white wine with apple cider vinegar or chicken broth. Both options provide the acidity needed to balance the honey’s sweetness without overpowering the glaze.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The Honey Baked Turkey Recipe scales up nicely. Just ensure you have a bigger roasting pan or multiple pans to allow proper air circulation and even cooking for larger turkey breasts or multiple pieces.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Rewarm gently before applying it to the turkey during basting to ensure it coats beautifully and helps build that irresistible crust.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Honey Baked Turkey Recipe inspires you to create a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit special. It’s my personal favorite when I want to impress without stress, turning simple ingredients into something magical. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved classic on your dinner table too!
Print
Honey Baked Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Baked Turkey Recipe features a succulent, tender turkey breast glazed with a sweet and savory honey mixture. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and slow roasted to lock in moisture, this dish makes a delightful centerpiece for any meal, offering a delicious balance of flavors and a beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a small bowl, combine 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, poultry seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey breast. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and dot with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Prepare Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in the honey, white wine, Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook gently until combined and warmed through, but not boiling.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for about 75 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C) is reached when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Apply Glaze: Remove the turkey from the oven and brush the honey glaze generously over the entire surface. Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through. The glaze will caramelize and create a beautifully glossy coating.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and tender when carved.
Notes
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the honey mixture longer to reduce it further before applying.
- Leftover glazed turkey makes great sandwiches or salads.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted butter or different honey varieties.
- Resting the meat before slicing is essential to keep it juicy.
