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Cozy Maple Roasted Turkey Breast for Two: Easy Holiday Dinner

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This cozy maple roasted turkey breast for two is a quick and easy holiday dinner that comes together in under 90 minutes. The sweet and savory maple glaze creates a caramelized crust, making it perfect for intimate occasions like a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or a small Thanksgiving for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 to 2.5 lbs / 900g to 1.1 kg)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (preferably dark amber)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 small apple, quartered (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub the turkey breast all over with the olive oil, then generously season every part of the bird with the spice mixture. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan or baking dish. If using aromatics, scatter the apple, onion, and herb sprigs around the turkey.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Whisk constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Place the turkey breast in the preheated oven and roast, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
  5. After the first 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Brush or spoon about a third of the maple glaze all over the turkey breast. Return the pan to the oven. Every 15 minutes, remove the pan and baste the turkey with the pan juices and another layer of the glaze, using up all the glaze by the last basting.
  6. The total roasting time will be about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  7. Once the turkey hits 160°F (71°C), remove it from the oven. Transfer it to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
  8. While the turkey rests, pour the pan juices through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl. Skim off some of the fat if desired. Serve the turkey sliced with the pan sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time; it ensures juicy meat. If the skin gets too dark before the turkey is fully cooked, tent loosely with foil. For a more tender result, roast at 325°F (160°C) for a longer time. Use a reliable digital instant-read thermometer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted turkey breast, turkey for two, easy holiday dinner, small Thanksgiving, intimate dinner, maple glaze turkey

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