Coffee Turkey Recipe: Honey-Roasted Turkey Breast

Coffee turkey recipe ideas are rare, and this honey-glazed roast is a standout. A coffee-infused oil and honey glaze keep the breast moist and tender. Savory, sweet, and a little spicy, the glaze does the work. Plan ahead, since the coffee oil infuses overnight.

The payoff is a juicy, deeply flavored holiday centerpiece. Start with fresh, coarsely ground coffee for the boldest oil. Bone-in breast stays juicier than boneless through the long roast.

Coffee Turkey Recipe at a Glance

Most of the time is hands-off infusing and roasting. Here is the full recipe at a glance before you start.

A bold dark roast makes the richest coffee oil. Browse our premium whole bean coffee to start.

Ingredients

Everything you need for this coffee turkey recipe.

• ¼ cup ground coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil, plus more to top up
• 1 jalapeno pepper, cored, sliced, and seeded
• ½ cup honey
• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, about 5 inches
• 1 cayenne pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ cup butter
• 6 to 8 lb bone-in turkey breast

How to Make This Coffee Turkey Recipe

Follow these steps to prepare a flavorful coffee turkey recipe. Infuse the coffee oil the day before, make the glaze in the morning, then roast.

1. Mix the oil, ground coffee, and jalapeno in a small jar with a lid.
2. Stir well, cover, and set the jar in a warm place overnight to infuse.
3. For a faster method, cover the jar loosely and set the jar in a pan of water.
4. Bring the water halfway up the jar to a low simmer for at least 45 minutes.

1. Strain the coffee oil through a cloth, pressing the grounds to release the oil.
2. Discard the grounds and peppers, then top up with oil to reach half a cup.
3. Stir the coffee oil, honey, and spices in a small, heavy saucepan.
4. Warm over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture bubbles at the edges.
5. Whisk in the butter briskly until fully melted and blended.
6. Simmer over low heat until the glaze darkens and the honey caramelizes, about 20 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry. Set the breast side down in a foil-lined roasting pan.
3. Paint the glaze over the turkey, working the mixture under the skin and into the cavity.
4. Smear and rub the glaze in well, then pour any extra over the breast.
5. Cover the pan, or tent foil around the turkey without touching the meat.
6. Roast covered for two hours, basting with drippings every 30 minutes after the first hour.
7. Remove the cover and raise the heat to 425 degrees.
8. Baste, then roast uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.
9. Rest the turkey for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Tips and FAQ

Grind the coffee coarse so the oil strains clean. Warm the honey glaze gently to avoid burning the sugar. Mound prepared dressing into the cavity before serving, if you like. For more savory ideas, see our coffee-cured meat recipes.

Choose a coarsely ground, fresh dark roast for the boldest flavor in your coffee turkey recipe. The coffee should be strong enough to balance the honey and spices. See our roast levels guide to choose the right roast. See our roast levels guide to choose yours.

Roast until a thermometer reads 165 degrees at the thickest part. Rest the breast 20 to 30 minutes before carving. The rest keeps the meat juicy and safe.

The slow infusion pulls deep coffee flavor into the oil. An overnight rest gives the richest result. A 45-minute simmer works when you are short on time. Warm the jar gently to speed the infusion.

Start the coffee oil the day before you roast. Make the glaze the morning of the meal. Roast, then rest the breast before serving.

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a bright salad. Coffee-cured sides echo the flavor well. See our coffee and breakfast pairing guide for leftovers.

Fresh Coffee to Cook With

Cook with coffee worth tasting. Browse our premium whole bean coffee, roasted fresh and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.

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No grinder yet? See our grinder guide, then plan dessert with our coffee and dessert pairing guide.

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