Slow Cooker Apple Bourbon Turkey Breast Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the turkey breast in a skillet with a small amount of oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This caramelizes the exterior of the meat and adds an extra layer of complexity to the final dish. If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is very hot and sear for only two minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a professional touch to the final presentation of the sliced turkey.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the turkey once it is cooked and pour the remaining juices into a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for several minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

This creates a concentrated syrup that can be drizzled over the sliced turkey right before serving, ensuring that every bite is packed with the sweet and savory flavors developed during the slow cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Apple Turkey: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for a subtle, spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the apple cider beautifully.
• Herbed Apple Turkey: Incorporate one tablespoon of dried rosemary or sage into the sugar rub to add an earthy, aromatic quality that complements the natural flavor of the turkey.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of broth or water until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short bursts.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the meat from drying out. Place the container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Properly stored, the turkey will maintain its quality for up to three days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the container to help restore moisture to the meat, preventing it from becoming tough during the reheating process in the microwave or oven.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the turkey completely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, slice the cold turkey and reheat it gently in the oven with a little bit of the pan juices. This method saves time on the day of your meal and ensures that the meat remains tender and flavorful throughout the reheating process.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey breast sliced on a warmed platter to keep it at an ideal temperature. The slices should be about half an inch thick to maintain their structure and tenderness.

Accompany the turkey with side dishes that highlight the sweet and savory profile of the glaze, such as roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The contrast between the warm, glazed turkey and crisp, fresh sides creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal for any occasion.

For a more formal presentation, you can garnish the serving plate with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, which add a pop of color and a fresh aroma to the dish.

If you have reduced the pan juices into a syrup as suggested in the tips, spoon this over the slices just before bringing the plate to the table. This adds a beautiful sheen to the turkey and ensures that the flavor is front and center for your guests to enjoy immediately upon serving.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Bourbon Turkey Breast

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb turkey breast
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Place the turkey breast into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure the meat is positioned evenly to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Spread the Dijon mustard over the top of the turkey breast using a spoon. Immediately follow by sprinkling the dark brown sugar evenly across the surface of the meat.
3. Pour the apple cider around the turkey breast into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the turkey and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Contains: mustard, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

6.5 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

11 g

Sodium

150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.