Delicious Turkey with Pineapple and Cherries

Turkey doesn’t have to be boring! This juicy turkey breast recipe topped with sweet pineapple and cherry sauce makes for a delicious and unique main dish. I love serving this for special occasions throughout the year when I want to mix up our usual turkey preparations.

Ingredients

To make this tasty turkey dish. you’ll need

  • 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (about 5 pounds)
  • 1⁄4 cup honey
  • 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
  • 1⁄4 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
  • 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained with juice reserved
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper

That’s it! Just a few simple ingredients is all you need.

Instructions

Making this turkey is super easy

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the turkey breast in a shallow roasting pan, then season all over with salt and pepper.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and cherry preserves. Stir until well blended.

  3. Roast the turkey for 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours, brushing occasionally with the honey glaze, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part away from the bone reads 165°F.

  4. Shortly before the turkey is done, make the pineapple cherry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice with the cornstarch. Stir in the pineapple slices and cherries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.

  5. When turkey is done, transfer to a serving platter and top with the pineapple cherry sauce. Slice and serve!

Tips

  • For extra flavor, try adding some crushed garlic to the honey glaze mixture.

  • You can use frozen unsweetened cherries instead of cherry preserves if you prefer.

  • Slice the pineapple thick to keep it juicy and prevent it from overcooking in the sauce.

  • Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

  • Serve with rice pilaf or roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus.

Make it Your Own

Play around with the glaze and fruit combinations to customize this dish. Consider using mango, peaches, apricots or berries instead of the pineapple. You could also use orange marmalade, cranberry sauce, chutney or other fruit preserves in place of the cherry.

Perfect for Entertaining

This turkey is sure to impress guests! It’s simple to prepare but tastes gourmet. The presentation with the vibrant pineapple and cherry topping really makes it shine. It’s a great centerpiece main dish for more formal dinner parties and holiday meals.

So next time you are looking for a special turkey recipe, give this honey glazed turkey with pineapple and cherries a try. It puts an unexpected fruity twist on classic turkey that I think you and your guests will love. Enjoy!

turkey with pineapple and cherry

How to Make Classic Pineapple and Honey Glazed Ham at Home

FAQ

What is pineapple in turkey?

Ananas” is the word in Turkish and in French as well as the vast majority of other European, and several non-European, languages.

Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?

Smear Your Entire Turkey with Butter Most turkey prep is designed to compensate for its lack of fat, and therefore, flavor. Dry brining is the best way to season your bird from the inside out, but for the juiciest, most delicious meat, you’ve gotta add some fat–and there’s no better fat than butter.

How to spice up your turkey?

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

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