Save It A succulent turkey breast roasted to perfection and finished with a bright, sweet Limoncello glaze for a zesty Italian twist—ideal for festive gatherings or a special Sunday dinner.
I first made this Limoncello-glazed roast turkey breast for a Sunday dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite—everyone loved the citrusy brightness balanced with the tender, juicy meat.
Ingredients
- Turkey: 1 (3&4 lb / 1.4&1.8 kg) boneless turkey breast, skin-on; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Aromatics: 1 lemon, zested and halved; 4 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Limoncello Glaze: ¼ cup (60 ml) Limoncello liqueur; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey:
- Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Arrange in Pan:
- Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Stuff the cavity underneath with lemon halves, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Roast:
- Roast for 45 minutes, uncovered.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine Limoncello, honey, butter, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until slightly thickened (about 4&5 minutes). For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with 1 tsp water and stir in; cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
- Glaze and Finish Roasting:
- After 45 minutes of roasting, brush turkey liberally with the Limoncello glaze. Repeat every 15 minutes until the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), about 30&40 minutes more.
- Monitor Browning:
- If skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let turkey rest 10&15 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with remaining glaze.
Save It Sharing this dish has become a cherished tradition in our family, reminding us of bright winter gatherings shared around the table.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Required Tools
Roasting pan with rack, small saucepan, basting brush, meat thermometer, and a sharp carving knife are essential for perfect results.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 315 calories, 10 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, and 47 g protein.
Save It This Limoncello-glazed roast turkey breast will brighten up any special meal—zesty, juicy, and unforgettable.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to ensure turkey breast stays moist?
Brushing the turkey with the Limoncello glaze during roasting adds moisture and flavor, while resting the meat before slicing helps retain juices.
- → Can I substitute the Limoncello glaze with another citrus glaze?
Yes, glazes using lemon or orange juice combined with honey and butter work well as alternatives, delivering similar bright and sweet notes.
- → How do the herbs enhance the flavor of the turkey?
Fresh thyme and rosemary, along with garlic and lemon, infuse the turkey with aromatic and earthy undertones complementing the glaze.
- → Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the glaze?
Cornstarch is optional and used for thickening the glaze to help it cling better, but the glaze will still impart flavor without it.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the turkey in advance and gently reheat, brushing additional glaze to refresh the flavors before serving.