Save to Pinterest 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 prepared this Limoncello-glazed turkey breast to celebrate a family milestone, and everyone loved the fragrant, tangy glaze that felt at once unique and comforting—now it is requested for every holiday.
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
- Prepare Oven & Turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Season Turkey:
- Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Assemble for Roasting:
- 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 the Turkey:
- After 45 minutes of roasting, brush turkey liberally with the Limoncello glaze. Repeat every 15 minutes until turkey is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), about 30&40 minutes more.
- Tent with Foil (if needed):
- If skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let turkey rest 10&15 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with remaining glaze.
Save to Pinterest Gathering everyone to carve the turkey breast always feels festive, and drizzling it with extra glaze makes for an irresistible centerpiece that gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey breast pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Tool Tips
Using a small saucepan makes controlling glaze texture easier. A meat thermometer ensures juicy, perfectly cooked turkey every time.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers approximately 315 calories, 10 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates, and 47 g protein—ideal for light yet satisfying holiday feasts.
Save to Pinterest Bright, zesty, and festive, this Limoncello-glazed turkey breast will add a Mediterranean touch to your next celebration—be ready for requests for seconds.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to ensure the turkey breast stays moist?
Pat the turkey dry before roasting and baste it regularly with the Limoncello glaze to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
- → Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before glazing the turkey during roasting.
- → What internal temperature should the turkey reach when cooked?
The turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- → Can I substitute the Limoncello glaze with another citrus glaze?
Certainly, alternatives like orange or lemon glaze work well, offering citrus brightness paired with sweetness.
- → How can I prevent the skin from browning too quickly?
Loosely tent the turkey with foil during roasting if the skin starts to brown too fast, removing it near the end for crispness.