If you're looking for a show-stopping Thanksgiving centerpiece - or simply a beautifully flavored roast for any special occasion like Christmas feast or special lunch or dinner gathering - this Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect choice.
Sometimes the best holiday dishes are the ones that feel familiar, comforting, and effortless—and this Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is exactly that.
Inspired by the beloved Honey Baked classic, this recipe delivers a stunning golden glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic warmth.
It’s simple to prepare, full of balanced sweet-and-savory flavor, and cooks beautifully every time, whether you’re making a full Thanksgiving or Christmas spread or just a special weekend meal.
The process starts the night before with a flavorful dry rub made with paprika, nutmeg, and ground ginger. This gives the turkey a warm, aromatic depth that develops slowly as it rests.
Before roasting, the turkey is coated generously in honey butter and placed over a shallow bed of chicken broth to keep it moist and tender in the oven. Near the end, a mixture of sugar, salt, poultry seasoning, and more honey butter is brushed over the top, giving the skin that gorgeous golden color and a light, crisp finish.
What you end up with is a turkey breast that slices beautifully, stays juicy, and has just the right touch of sweetness without being overwhelming. It pairs easily with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted greens, or a creamy onion casserole, making it a reliable centerpiece for any meal.
Whether you're preparing a full holiday spread or elevating a weekend dinner, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted greens, or a sweet onion casserole for a festive meal your guests will remember long after the plates are clean.
It’s quick to cook, great for leftovers (especially in sandwiches with honey mustard), and—out of all the turkey recipes tested—this one was the clear favorite with the kids. Simple, flavorful, and consistently delicious, this Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to year after year.
Seasoning Ideas
Enhance the flavors of the turkey breast with warm, fragrant seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the honey glaze:
- Custom Dry Rub: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika for deeper flavor, or mix in rosemary or thyme along with the poultry seasoning for a more herb-forward profile.
- Add Holiday Warmth: Incorporate cinnamon or cloves for a festive twist that pairs beautifully with the honey butter.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub to balance the sweetness with gentle heat.
- Citrus Brightness: Include lemon or orange zest in the rub for a bright, aromatic lift that complements the glaze.
Recipe Variations & Flavor Twists
These adaptable twists come straight from successful test kitchen trials—but feel free to make them your own. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be customized:
- Mustard-Infused Topping: Add a small amount of mustard to the sugar topping to cut through the sweetness. (Kids may be less excited about this one, but adults love it!)
- Boozy Glaze Upgrade: Mix a splash of bourbon, brandy, or Southern Comfort into the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
- Fruity Notes: Add orange zest to the sugar topping for a fresh, citrus-forward glaze that enhances the warm spices.
- Herb-Forward Finish: Add extra rosemary, thyme, or sage into the honey butter for a more aromatic profile.
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Cooking Tips
These tested-and-true tips ensure your Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast turns out perfectly moist, evenly cooked, and beautifully golden:
Mesh Bag or Twine?
- Mesh Bag: If your turkey breast comes in a mesh bag, it’s safe to roast—it will brown but remain intact even at high temperatures like 450ºF/230ºC.
- Twine: If it doesn’t have one, simply tie it with kitchen string. No need for fancy butcher knots—simple loops and knots work just fine to help the turkey hold its shape.
Proper Thawing Is Key:
If using a frozen turkey breast, thaw it completely in the refrigerator. A 3 lb breast can take up to 36 hours, so plan ahead to avoid uneven cooking.
Foil Tenting for Moisture:
When tenting with foil, cover the entire roasting pan, not just the turkey. This traps steam inside and keeps the meat juicy.
Make the Sugar Topping Early:
Prepare the sugar topping while the turkey begins roasting. As the melted butter cools and slightly solidifies, it becomes easier to pat and spread evenly over the turkey.
Don’t Waste the Pan Juices:
The drippings will be beautifully sweet and savory—drizzle them over the sliced turkey for extra flavor and shine.
INGREDIENTS
Turkey:
- 3 lb boneless turkey breast
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp cup honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
For the dry rub:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (mixture of dried ground sage, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg black pepper)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch allspice
To roast:
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- juice of 1 orange and zest
For the honey glaze sugar topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Seasoing the Turkey:
01. Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel.
02. In a small bowl, combine the salt, poultry seasoning, dried rosemary, paprika, onion powder, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and allspice.
03. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Roasting the Turkey:
01. Preheat oven to 325°F/160ºC.
02. Place a wire rack in a roasting pan.
03. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. It keeps the turkey moist when roasting. You can use turkey or vegetable broth instead.
04. Remove the plastic wrap around the turkey breast and place it on the rack.
05. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, orange juice, zest, and honey. Then slather the mixture over the turkey breast.
06. Tent the turkey and roasting pan loosely with foil.
07. After that, roast the turkey breast for 1 hour.
08. While the turkey breast is roasting, combine the melted butter, honey, granulated sugar, salt, poultry seasoning, and smoked paprika. Set aside for a while to get a thick texture.
09. After an hour, remove the roasting turkey breast from the oven and remove the foil.
10. To stop the honey and sugar from burning, carefully pour the water and remaining chicken broth into the roasting pan. Be careful when adding the water, as the pan is already hot; it can splatter, causing painful burns
11. Turn the oven up to 350ºF/180ºC.
12. Pat the thick sugar mixture over the top of the turkey breast and keep it back in the oven uncovered and roast for 15 minutes until golden brown or the internal temperature reaches 150ºF/65ºC.
13. If the top starts to change color too quickly before the internal temperature is reached, loosely cover it with foil.
14. Remove the turkey from the oven, re-cover it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
Create a festive, comforting spread around your Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast by pairing it with sides that complement its sweet, buttery glaze and warm spices.
Classic Holiday Trimmings:
Since this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any celebration, serve it alongside traditional favorites—roasted vegetables, tangy cranberry relish, and fluffy dinner rolls. And don’t skip the stuffing balls; they pair beautifully with the sweet, caramelized glaze.
Creamy & Cozy Comfort Sides:
This turkey works wonderfully with a rich onion casserole, adding savory depth to your plate. For something simple yet satisfying, spoon the sliced turkey over buttery mashed potatoes and drizzle everything with the sweet pan juices. Your guests—and especially kids—will love this combination.
Greens for Balance:
Add a touch of color and freshness with sautéed kale and bacon. The slight bitterness of the kale and the smoky bacon perfectly balance the honey glaze’s sweetness.
Wine Pairing
Enhance your meal with a wine that complements the sweetness of the honey butter and the warm spices in the turkey.
White Wines:
- Oaked Chardonnay: Its buttery, creamy notes echo the richness of the glaze and pair elegantly with the tender turkey.
- Off-Dry or Semi-Sweet Riesling: A touch of sweetness brings out the honey flavors while balancing the savory herbs and spices.
Red Wines:
- Pinot Noir: Light-bodied with red berry notes, it complements the glaze without overpowering the dish. Its subtle earthiness ties in beautifully with the warm spices.
- Zinfandel: For a bolder option, choose one with soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors—it matches the caramelized glaze and adds depth to each bite.
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Garnishing Tips
Finish your turkey breast with simple, elegant garnishes that highlight its golden shine and sweet aroma.
- Fresh Herbs: Scatter sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage over the serving platter for a fragrant, festive touch.
- Citrus Accents: Add thin slices of orange or lemon around the turkey for a pop of brightness that complements the honey glaze.
- Pan Drippings: Lightly spoon warm pan juices over the sliced turkey just before serving to enhance shine, moisture, and flavor.
- Caramelized Edges: Allow a few extra minutes under high heat near the end to deepen the glaze’s color—this creates a naturally beautiful presentation.
These serving and garnishing ideas will elevate your Honey Glaze Butter Roasted Turkey Breast into a memorable, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.