Honey Baked Turkey Breast

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making a special turkey dinner doesn't have to mean spending all day in the kitchen. This simple recipe delivers impressive results with very little effort. These are the top reasons this will be one you make again and again.

Simple ingredients - You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this flavorful turkey breast. No fancy food required!

Easy to make - Everything goes into an oven cooking bag, which keeps the turkey incredibly moist while locking in all the flavor. No basting necessary!

Minimal cleanup - Since it's all contained in the bag, there's no mess left behind. The juices stay in the bag. No scrubbing the roasting pan!

Makes its own gravy - Those savory drippings from the turkey and honey-butter sauce turn into a sweet and savory glaze that's perfect for drizzling over each slice.

Customizable - From swapping out the herbs to using maple syrup instead of honey, it's easy to tailor this recipe to your preferences.

Perfect for two - A small turkey breast is ideal for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or weeknight meal without the need to cook a whole bird.

Ingredients and Their Part in the Recipe

Every ingredient in this turkey recipe plays an important role in building flavor and moisture. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need:

• Turkey breast - The star of the dish. Choose a boneless or bone-in breast depending on your preference. A 2 to 2½ pound size is perfect for a small group.
• Butter - Adds richness and helps keep the meat tender while roasting.
• Honey - Brings a subtle sweetness and a golden glaze to the turkey. It's what gives you that irresistible honey roasted turkey breast flavor.
• White wine - Adds depth and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce. It also helps steam the turkey in the bag.
• Fresh rosemary - Infuses the dish with herbal aromatics that complement the sweetness of the honey.
• Flour - Shaken inside the oven bag, it helps prevent the bag from bursting and thickens the juices.
• Black pepper - A simple seasoning to balance the sweetness and add a bit of zip.

How to Make Honey Baked Turkey

You'll love how easy this buttery honey turkey breast is to make. It's as simple as combining ingredients, sealing the bag, and letting the oven do all the work. Here's what to do:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, honey, and rosemary sprig. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, remove from the heat, discard rosemary, and set aside. 
2. Prepare the turkey breast for the honey butter sauce by piercing the breast 8-10 times with a sharp knife. 
3. Prepare the cooking bag by dusting the inside with flour. Shake around a bit, then lay the bag in a roasting pan. Season the breast with salt and pepper then place it in the bag.
4. Pour honey butter sauce over the seasoned turkey breast.
5. Tie the bag with the provided nylon closure, then make 6 small cuts in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
6. Roast the turkey breast at 350°F for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Cover and let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Slice turkey breast and place on a platter with sliced oranges, grapes, greens and rosemary sprigs. Drizzle with honey gravy and serve while hot.

Recipe Tips for Success

Getting perfect results with this recipe is easy, but here are a few helpful tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:

Thaw the turkey breast fully in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even roasting and avoids undercooked spots.

Make sure your turkey is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. It should reach 160-165°F in the thickest part.

Cut the oven bag carefully when the turkey is done. The steam released will be very hot.

Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute so you get moist, flavorful slices.

Want to make it extra festive? Decorate your serving platter with fresh greens, cranberries, orange slices, red grapes, and rosemary sprigs.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

You can switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Maple Glaze - Swap the honey for maple syrup to give the turkey a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
• Seasoned Butter - Mix softened butter with Cajun or Creole seasoning and rub it on the turkey instead of using honey. Wrap in bacon for extra indulgence.
• One-Pan Meal - Add chopped onions and potatoes to the bottom of the roasting pan before placing the bag on top. Instant side dish!
• No Wine? No Problem - Use chicken broth in place of wine.
• Fresh Herb Swap - Use fresh sage in place of rosemary for a different herbal flavor.

What to Serve with Honey Roasted Turkey

Complete your dinner with these tasty side dishes:

• Homemade Cranberry Sauce - Made with orange juice and liqueur for a zesty twist on the classic.
• Mushroom Wine Gravy - Deep, rich flavor that's perfect with turkey and mashed potatoes.
• Perfect Mashed Potatoes - Creamy, buttery, and always a crowd favorite.
• Yellow Squash Casserole - Cheesy, savory, and topped with crispy crackers for texture and flavor.
• Soft Dinner Rolls - Make them in the air fryer to save oven space and get fluffy rolls in minutes.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover honey turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating.

To freeze, wrap turkey slices in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat slices in the microwave or oven just until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a covered dish with a little broth or leftover gravy to keep it moist.

More Recipes for Turkey

Looking for more ways to use turkey? Try these reader favorites:

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast - Juicy and flavorful with crispy herb-buttered skin.
• Turkey Cranberry Brie Panini - A gourmet-style sandwich that's perfect for holiday leftovers.
• Turkey Pasta Skillet - A one-pan meal with creamy cranberry sauce and tender pasta.
• Turkey Soup - A cozy, comforting way to use up leftover turkey.
• Turkey Tetrazzini - Classic comfort food with pasta, turkey, and creamy sauce.

Find lots of delicious turkey recipes and easy Thanksgiving recipes right here on 2CM!