HoneyBaked Turkey Breast from Honey Baked Ham features tender, smoky turkey breast glazed with a signature sweet and savory honey coating, offering a juicy and flavorful centerpiece perfect for any meal.
Equipments
- Oven or smoker
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Carving knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) boneless skinless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Using a boneless skinless turkey breast around 3 to 4 pounds ensures even cooking and easy handling. Mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground mustard creates a balanced seasoning that enhances the turkey's natural flavor. Brushing the turkey with a honey glaze made from honey, brown sugar, unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar during roasting results in a smoky, sweet, and savory crust. Using a meat thermometer is crucial to guarantee the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165degF for juiciness and safety. Your HoneyBaked Turkey Breast copycat menu will impress with tender, flavorful turkey glazed with that signature honey coating.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground mustard in a small bowl.
- Rub seasoning mixture evenly all over the turkey breast.
- Place seasoned turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for 60-75 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat glaze mixture over medium heat, stirring until melted and well combined.
- During the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush turkey breast generously with the glaze every 5-7 minutes.
- Tent turkey with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Remove turkey breast from oven when it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Loosely tent with foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice turkey breast with a carving knife and serve.
Substitution
HoneyBaked Turkey Breast from Honey Baked Ham copycat recipes often call for a balance of smoky spices and sweet glazes to replicate the signature flavor. If you don't have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika combined with a small amount of liquid smoke can provide a similar smokiness. When glazing the turkey, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different yet still sweet finish. Using a meat thermometer ensures your turkey breast reaches the ideal internal temperature of 165degF, preventing dryness. Your leftover turkey can be refrigerated and easily reheated by covering with foil to retain moisture.
Tips
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 160degF (71degC) to ensure the turkey breast is safe and juicy. When applying the honey glaze, brush it on every 5-7 minutes during the last 20 minutes of roasting to build up a sticky, flavorful coating without burning. Tent the turkey with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly to prevent charring. Allow your turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist.
Nutritions
HoneyBaked Turkey Breast offers a rich source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The olive oil and unsalted butter provide healthy fats, while the honey glaze adds natural sugars that enhance flavor without excessive calories. Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Your meal balances nutritional benefits with savory and sweet elements, making it both satisfying and wholesome.
Storage
Store your HoneyBaked Turkey Breast in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn. For best quality, refrigerate the cooked turkey within two hours and consume within 3-4 days. If freezing, wrap the turkey breast in heavy-duty foil or freezer-safe bags, and use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a smoky depth, you can substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning blend. Instead of roasting, consider using a smoker at 225degF for 3-4 hours to infuse rich smoky flavor into the turkey breast. You might also swap apple cider vinegar in the glaze for balsamic vinegar or orange juice to introduce a different tang or citrus sweetness. To enhance juiciness, brine your turkey breast overnight in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and aromatics before applying the seasoning and glaze.
Allergies
HoneyBaked Turkey Breast contains potential allergens such as honey, mustard, and butter, which could affect individuals with allergies to pollen, mustard seeds, or dairy. If you have a known allergy to these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dish or consult with your healthcare provider before consuming it. Cross-reactivity between mustard and other spices may also pose a risk for sensitive individuals.
Why this recipe?
HoneyBaked Turkey Breast from Honey Baked Ham restaurant is prized for its perfectly glazed, tender, and juicy meat that offers a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The carefully crafted seasoning and slow roasting technique create a moist texture and rich taste that stand out compared to ordinary turkey options. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate this signature flavor and quality at home, providing a special, restaurant-quality meal for your family and guests. Your homemade HoneyBaked Turkey Breast can be a satisfying, cost-effective alternative that brings gourmet tastes to your own kitchen.