Introduction

Remember those cozy Sunday dinners, the ones filled with laughter, warm smells, and food that just makes you feel good all over? Today, we’re bringing a taste of that back to your kitchen with an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Amish-Style Turkey Breast. Seriously, this recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a thousand times before. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something special without the fuss, or for a delightful centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in just over an hour and a half, with most of that time being hands-off baking!
Easy: Minimal prep work means more time for you and less time stressing in the kitchen.
Giftable: While a whole turkey breast might be a bit much, the flavor is giftable! Think about these glazes for smaller cuts or even sharing the recipe with friends.
Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and tangy glaze is universally loved and pairs beautifully with almost any side dish.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed turkey breast:

1 (3-4 pound) boneless turkey breast: A good quality turkey breast is your star. You can usually find these boneless and skinless, which makes prep a breeze!
1/2 cup pure maple syrup: This is where the magic starts! Use the real stuff, not the imitation, for the best authentic flavor. It gives such a lovely, warm sweetness.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: A little tang to cut through the sweetness. It brightens everything up!
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth and a little zing that complements the maple beautifully.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that just sings with poultry.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because what’s a savory dish without a hint of garlic?
1 teaspoon onion powder: For that savory, aromatic base note.
Salt and pepper to taste: The essential seasonings to bring out all the wonderful flavors. Don’t be shy!

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking! This is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.

Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C).
Whip up the glaze: In a small bowl, grab a whisk and combine the pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk it all together until it’s a beautiful, smooth mixture. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it?
Prep the turkey: Take your turkey breast and season it all over with salt and pepper. Get into all the nooks and crannies!
Into the dish it goes: Place your seasoned turkey breast into a baking dish. An oven-safe dish that’s just a little larger than your turkey is perfect.
Pour on the flavor: Now, pour that glorious maple syrup mixture evenly over the top of the turkey breast. Make sure to coat it well!
Cover it up: Tightly cover the baking dish with foil. This helps to keep the turkey moist and tender as it bakes.
First bake: Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour.
Uncover and finish: After an hour, carefully remove the foil. This is when the magic happens – the glaze will start to caramelize beautifully! Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Rest and enjoy: This is the hardest part – waiting! Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before you slice and serve it. This resting time is crucial for juicy, tender meat.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling creative? Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

Vinegar Swap: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch. Just be aware balsamic might add a deeper color and slightly different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, use about a tablespoon, finely chopped. It adds an extra pop of freshness.
Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice in the glaze can add another layer of bright flavor.
Brown Sugar Boost: For an even richer caramelization, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the glaze.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to ensure your Amish-Style Turkey Breast is absolutely perfect every time:

Don’t skip the resting time: I know it’s tempting to slice right away, but letting the turkey rest is key to juicy, tender meat. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the breast.
Check the temperature: Using a meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked poultry. Overcooked turkey can be dry, so aim for that 165°F (74°C)!
Prep ahead: You can mix the glaze ingredients up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before pouring over the turkey.
Even thickness: If your turkey breast is very uneven, you can tuck the thinner end under to create a more uniform thickness for even cooking.

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Amish-Style Turkey Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s delicious served cold in sandwiches or reheated gently. For reheating, I like to cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through, or slice and warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I use turkey thighs instead of a breast?
A: Absolutely! Turkey thighs are often more forgiving and stay very moist. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so definitely rely on your meat thermometer.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until cooked through. You might want to broil it for a few minutes at the end to get some caramelization.

Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: If you want a thicker glaze, after removing the turkey from the baking dish, you can pour the pan juices into a small saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and let it reduce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
A: This recipe is fantastic for smaller gatherings or as a wonderful alternative to a whole roasted turkey, especially if you’re short on time or just feeding a few people. The flavors are festive and delicious!

Amish-Style Turkey Breast

An incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Amish-Style Turkey Breast recipe, perfect for weeknights or smaller gatherings. It features a sweet and tangy maple-cider glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Servings 4 people

Equipment

Oven preheat to 350°F (175°C)
Small bowl
Whisk
Baking dish oven-safe, slightly larger than turkey breast
foil
Meat thermometer

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3.5 pound boneless turkey breast average size

Glaze Ingredients

0.5 cup pure maple syrup use real maple syrup
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3.5 pound boneless turkey breast
Season the turkey breast all over with salt and pepper.
3.5 pound boneless turkey breast
Place the seasoned turkey breast in a baking dish.
3.5 pound boneless turkey breast
Pour the maple syrup mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
3.5 pound boneless turkey breast
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil.
Bake for 1 hour.
Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This recipe is great for smaller gatherings or as a quick alternative to a whole roasted turkey. You can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Ensure the turkey rests for 10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.