Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast is more than just a festive meal—it’s a cozy, flavor-packed celebration of fall on your plate. This recipe came to life during a crisp November evening in my kitchen, with a leftover can of pumpkin puree begging to be turned into something special. The result? A tender turkey breast, beautifully glazed in sweet-spiced pumpkin perfection. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving or craving something warm and seasonal, this dish brings out comforting autumn flavors without overwhelming effort. Let’s walk through how to create this delicious twist on tradition with ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Why Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast Works
The Secret to Bold Seasonal Flavor: Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
When I first experimented with a pumpkin glaze, I worried it might overpower the turkey. But the blend of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and warm spices like ginger and nutmeg added just the right balance. Pumpkin’s natural sweetness complements the savory meat, while mustard and vinegar cut through with a slight tang. The result? A turkey breast that’s moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. Just like in Pumpkin Spice Chicken Wings, the seasoning profile here turns simple ingredients into something remarkable.
Holiday Meal Without the Hassle
Not every gathering needs a whole turkey. A boneless breast is easier to roast and carve, and perfect for small families. Plus, it cooks faster and allows you to focus on creating unforgettable side dishes like Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin or a batch of Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries. You can serve this recipe confidently for weeknight dinners or elegant holiday meals—it always wins praise.
Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast | 1 Ultimate Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, tender turkey breast glazed with a warm, spiced pumpkin-maple glaze. Perfectly roasted and basted for bold autumn flavor in every slice.
Ingredients
1 (2–3 lb) boneless turkey breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground sage
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place turkey in a pan.
2. Rub with oil and spices.
3. Mix glaze ingredients and simmer.
4. Roast for 1 hr 15 min, basting with glaze every 20 min.
5. Cover if browning too fast.
6. Rest 10 min, slice and serve.
Notes
Cover loosely if browning too quickly.
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Pumpkin spice glazed turkey breast, glazed turkey, fall turkey, maple glaze
Building Flavor with the Perfect Seasoning and Glaze
Seasoning the Turkey Breast the Right Way
Getting the flavor right starts before the glaze ever touches the bird. For this Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast, seasoning the turkey with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage, and cinnamon infuses it with warmth and subtle depth. The cinnamon doesn’t overpower—instead, it lightly perfumes the meat, echoing the glaze’s spice profile. If you’re a fan of fall-forward meals like Pumpkin Dump Cake, this approach gives similar cozy notes in a savory format.
The garlic powder adds a little edge, while sage ties everything together in that unmistakable “holiday roast” kind of way. Every bite feels thoughtfully seasoned without needing a complicated brine or marinade.
Crafting the Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
The glaze is where the real magic happens. Pumpkin puree gives body and subtle earthiness. Maple syrup brings sweetness, and Dijon mustard cuts through the richness with gentle acidity. Add apple cider vinegar, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a touch of smoked paprika if you want a hint of wood-fired flavor.
Simmer the glaze for just a few minutes until it thickens slightly. It becomes glossy, fragrant, and perfectly spoonable. You’ll want to use it not just for basting, but as a sauce on the side. It’s a flavorful echo of the glaze in every bite—just like how Pumpkin Protein Cheesecake builds layers of flavor with its creamy texture and spiced base.
Brushing this Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast every 15–20 minutes while roasting keeps the turkey juicy and gives it a stunning golden finish. The sugars gently caramelize on top without burning—especially if you tent the turkey with foil during the final 30 minutes.
How to Roast Turkey Breast to Juicy Perfection
Oven Tips for a Moist Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
Roasting turkey breast may seem straightforward, but it’s the little details that make a difference. Start by placing the seasoned breast in a shallow roasting dish or pan. Roast at 350°F (175°C), and keep your basting brush ready—the key is glazing every 15–20 minutes. This builds layers of flavor and locks in moisture.
Use a meat thermometer, not guesswork. When the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part, the turkey is done. This ensures food safety and avoids overcooking, which can dry out the meat. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil—this allows the inside to keep cooking while preserving that beautiful golden finish. It’s the same hands-on care you’d give when roasting Pumpkin Gnocchi—slow, steady heat for full flavor payoff.
When to Apply the Glaze During Roasting
Wondering when to put glaze on smoked turkey or a roasted one like this? Timing matters. If you apply the glaze too early, sugars may burn. Too late, and it won’t caramelize. Starting about 15 minutes into roasting gives the turkey time to absorb dry seasonings first. Apply the glaze in thin, even coats every 15–20 minutes. This layering technique creates a flavorful crust without burning.
Much like in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, where the perfect bake depends on timing and moisture, this turkey breast rewards attention. Finish by resting the meat for 10 minutes before slicing. This lets juices redistribute, so every slice is tender and packed with flavor.
Serving, Storing, and Answers to Common Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast Questions
Serving & Storing Your Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
Once your Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast is golden, fragrant, and rested, it’s time to carve. Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter with a drizzle of leftover glaze, or serve the glaze warm on the side. This glaze also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or even spooned over mashed potatoes.
If you’re planning a cozy dinner or a small holiday meal, this turkey breast shines alongside other autumnal dishes like Cajun Turkey or Pumpkin Spice Pickles for a surprising contrast.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. They make excellent sandwiches, wraps, or chopped over fall salads. You can also reheat slices gently with a bit of water or broth to retain moisture. Just like Pumpkin Overnight Oats, this Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast is still a treat the next day.
Conclusion: Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast is proof that classic holiday ingredients can create something exciting, easy, and packed with flavor. With its golden, caramelized glaze and juicy, tender slices, this dish stands out at any table—without the stress of cooking a full bird. The combination of sweet pumpkin, warm spices, and savory roasted turkey feels festive but also practical for everyday cooking. It’s a go-to choice when you want something seasonal yet special. Whether served with cozy sides or reinvented as leftovers, this turkey breast recipe brings warmth, simplicity, and bold autumn flavor to every bite.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy experimenting with other pumpkin-forward mains like Pumpkin Gnocchi or lighter sides like Pumpkin Overnight Oats.
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FAQ Section: Pumpkin Spice Glazed Turkey Breast
Can you glaze a turkey breast?
Absolutely. Glazing a turkey breast adds moisture, flavor, and visual appeal. Brush on the glaze multiple times during roasting to build a flavorful crust and boost juiciness.
What should I season my turkey breast with?
Use a simple, flavorful mix: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, sage, and cinnamon. This blend adds warmth without overpowering the glaze’s sweetness.
When to put glaze on smoked turkey?
Apply glaze during the last 30–45 minutes of smoking to prevent burning. Reapply every 15–20 minutes for layers of flavor, just like with oven-roasted turkey.
Should you bake a turkey breast covered?
Not entirely. Roast uncovered for browning, but loosely tent with foil if the top browns too fast. This prevents overcooking while letting the glaze caramelize.