Cider-Baked Turkey Breast Recipe π¦π
Overview:
If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on a classic turkey breast recipe, look no further than this Cider-Baked Turkey Breast! Perfect for any time of the year, this dish takes on a special autumnal charm when prepared with cider instead of apple juice. Inspired by the culinary wisdom passed down through generations, this recipe offers a comforting and aromatic meal that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a tender and juicy turkey breast that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 5-6 lbs turkey breast
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider π
- 1/2 cup apple cider (for sauce) π
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450Β°F (230Β°C). It’s essential to ensure your oven is adequately heated to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on your turkey breast.
2. Prepare Turkey:
- Place the turkey breast, skin side up, in a large roasting pan. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully as it bakes.
3. Initial Bake:
- Bake the turkey uncovered for 30 minutes at 450Β°F. This initial high heat will help seal in the juices and develop a delicious crust on the outside of the turkey.
4. Prepare Cider Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of apple cider and soy sauce. This delightful blend of flavors will infuse the turkey with a subtle sweetness and savory richness.
5. Basting:
- Pour the cider and soy sauce mixture over the turkey in the roasting pan. Ensure the turkey is generously coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Cover the roasting pan and lower the oven temperature to 325Β°F (165Β°C).
- Bake the turkey for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting frequently with the cider mixture. This ensures the turkey remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
6. Prepare Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of apple cider and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will thicken the pan drippings into a luscious sauce to accompany the turkey.
7. Final Touch:
- Once the turkey is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and stir the cornstarch mixture into the pan drippings. This step adds a glossy finish and amplifies the flavor of the sauce.
- Return the turkey to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and bubbling.
8. Serve:
- Transfer the beautifully glazed turkey breast to a serving platter, and generously spoon the thickened cider sauce over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Cider-Baked Turkey Breast with your favorite sides and accompaniments.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 610.8
- Fat: 26.6g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 245.7mg
- Sodium: 893.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 84g
Tips and Tweaks:
- Personalize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding herbs and spices to the cider mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or allow the sauce to simmer for a few additional minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Leftover Turkey: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Use any remaining turkey to make sandwiches, salads, or wraps for a delicious and satisfying meal the next day.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Pair your Cider-Baked Turkey Breast with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and stuffing for a complete and festive meal.
Conclusion:
With its succulent meat, rich flavors, and aromatic cider-infused sauce, this Cider-Baked Turkey Breast is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting and hearty meal, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish!
