This maple mustard roasted turkey breast is a flavorful and simple main dish that delivers tender, juicy meat with a rich, savory glaze. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic butter, and a sweet yet sugar-free maple mustard glaze, this recipe is perfect for holiday meals or a comforting family dinner. It offers the classic roasted turkey flavor without the need to cook an entire bird, making it ideal for smaller gatherings or weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect when you want the comforting taste of roasted turkey without the extra work of preparing a whole bird. The turkey breast cooks faster while still staying incredibly juicy and flavorful.
The garlic herb butter adds richness and depth to the meat, while the maple mustard glaze creates a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Because the glaze uses keto maple syrup, the dish remains sugar-free and low in carbohydrates.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity. With minimal preparation and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that looks impressive on the table but is easy enough for everyday cooking.
Leftovers are also incredibly versatile. The roasted turkey slices can be used for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 boneless skinless turkey breast (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons garlic paste or minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 teaspoons pink sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup keto maple syrup
3 tablespoons stone ground mustard or Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
1/2 cup water (for roasting pan)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator about 30 to 60 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic paste, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and fragrant.
Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels. Place it on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan.
Rub the herb butter mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, coating the top and sides.
Pour the water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps prevent the drippings from burning during cooking.
In a small saucepan, combine the keto maple syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tamari. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Roast the turkey breast in the oven for about 1 hour, or approximately 20 minutes per pound.
After the turkey has roasted for 30 minutes, brush half of the maple mustard glaze over the surface of the turkey.
At about 45 minutes of cooking time, brush the remaining glaze over the turkey.
Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Resting time: 10–20 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Herb Butter Turkey
Add parsley and lemon zest to the butter mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
Spicy Maple Mustard
Stir 1 teaspoon chili flakes or a small amount of hot sauce into the glaze for a subtle heat.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Increase the garlic to 3 tablespoons for a stronger garlic flavor throughout the turkey.
Citrus Herb Turkey
Add orange zest and a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the glaze for a citrus twist.
Smoked Flavor
Use smoked paprika in the herb butter to introduce a subtle smoky taste.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Slice the turkey and place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating in Oven
Place turkey slices in a baking dish with a small amount of broth or water. Cover with foil and heat at 325°F until warmed through.
Reheating in Microwave
Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover lightly. Heat in short intervals until warm.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in turkey breast. The cooking time will likely be longer, so monitor the internal temperature carefully.
What internal temperature should turkey breast reach?
The turkey should reach 160°F before resting. During the resting period, the temperature will continue to rise slightly to a safe serving temperature.
Can I prepare the turkey ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the turkey with the herb butter a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to roast.
Can dried herbs be used instead of fresh herbs?
Yes. If using dried herbs, substitute 1 teaspoon dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh herbs.
What type of mustard works best?
Stone ground mustard and Dijon mustard both work well, offering a balanced tangy flavor.
Can I make this recipe without keto maple syrup?
Yes. You can substitute a small amount of regular maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener blend depending on your dietary preference.
Why should the turkey rest after roasting?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
Can I cook this turkey in a roasting pan without a rack?
Yes. If you do not have a rack, place sliced onions or carrots under the turkey to elevate it slightly.
What can I serve with roasted turkey breast?
Popular side dishes include roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, green beans, or fresh salads.
How do I keep turkey breast from drying out?
Using herb butter, roasting at the correct temperature, and allowing the meat to rest after cooking all help keep the turkey moist.
Conclusion
Maple mustard roasted turkey breast is a delicious, simple alternative to cooking a whole turkey. The combination of herb butter and a sweet-savory maple mustard glaze creates a tender and flavorful centerpiece that is perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
With minimal preparation and impressive results, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy perfectly roasted turkey without the stress of a large holiday roast. Whether served fresh from the oven or used in leftover meals throughout the week, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite.
A tender roasted turkey breast coated with garlic herb butter and finished with a sweet and tangy sugar-free maple mustard glaze, creating a juicy and flavorful keto-friendly main dish.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 20 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
1 boneless skinless turkey breast (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons garlic paste or minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 teaspoons pink sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup keto maple syrup
3 tablespoons stone ground mustard or Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
1/2 cup water (for roasting pan)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator 30–60 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic paste, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and place it on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan.
Rub the herb butter mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, coating the top and sides.
Pour the water into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning.
In a small saucepan, combine the keto maple syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tamari. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Place the turkey in the oven and roast for about 1 hour, approximately 20 minutes per pound.
After 30 minutes of roasting, brush half of the maple mustard glaze over the turkey.
At about 45 minutes of cooking time, brush the remaining glaze over the turkey.
Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 10–20 minutes before slicing.
Slice the turkey breast and serve warm.
Notes
Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting keeps the meat juicy and tender.
If using dried herbs, substitute 1 teaspoon dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh herbs.
Bone-in turkey breast can be used but may require additional cooking time.
Placing sliced onions or carrots under the turkey can replace a roasting rack if needed.
Leftover turkey works well in sandwiches, salads, wraps, or low-carb bowls.