Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make delicious meals approachable for everyone! Today, prepare to transform your kitchen with our incredible Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast. This recipe combines the comforting, sweet-savory flavors of traditional Amish cooking with the ultimate convenience of your slow cooker. It is the ideal dish for holidays or any night you crave something truly special and incredibly easy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will adore this Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast for its incredible simplicity and outstanding flavor profile. We focus on minimal effort for maximum deliciousness, making meal prep a breeze.

Effortless Cooking: Your slow cooker does all the hard work, freeing up your time.
Tender & Juicy: Expect perfectly cooked turkey, infused with rich maple goodness.
Sweet-Savory Harmony: The balance of sweet maple and savory herbs creates an unforgettable taste.
Versatile: This dish shines as a holiday centerpiece or a comforting weeknight meal.
Beginner-Friendly: Clear, step-by-step instructions ensure success for every home cook.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to create your own tender Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast:

1 (3-4 pound) boneless turkey breast
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

Always opt for pure maple syrup over pancake syrup for the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast. Pure maple syrup offers a depth of sweetness pancake syrups simply cannot match. Apple cider vinegar is crucial; its acidity balances the maple’s sweetness, tenderizing the turkey as it cooks. Feel free to swap dried thyme with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage for a different aromatic twist. If using a bone-in turkey breast, allow extra cooking time. Adjust salt and pepper generously to your liking, as proper seasoning enhances all the other flavors.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful turkey dish.

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Whisk
Medium mixing bowl
Sharp knife for slicing
Meat thermometer

Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a succulent meal.

Begin by placing your turkey breast in the slow cooker. Position it so it sits evenly, ensuring uniform cooking throughout.
In a separate bowl, create your maple mixture by whisking together the pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Add the dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder, continuing to whisk until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the heart of your Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast flavor.
Pour this aromatic mixture over your turkey breast, taking care to coat all surfaces. The even distribution of the maple mixture ensures every slice will carry that pleasant balance of sweet and savory.
Season generously with salt and black pepper. Remember that proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the maple-herb flavors in your turkey.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the turkey to cook for 6-7 hours. You will know it is done when the meat is tender and registers 165°F on a meat thermometer. Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly tender Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast.
Before slicing, let the cooked turkey rest for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful. Slice against the grain for the most tender pieces.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast with these handy tips. For crispy skin, quickly sear the turkey breast in a hot skillet with a little oil before placing it in the slow cooker. Avoid overcooking to maintain ultimate tenderness; always rely on a meat thermometer. For a rich gravy, whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with equal parts cold water) into the pan juices after removing the turkey, then simmer until thickened. Resist lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking; each peek adds 20-30 minutes to your cook time and can dry out the turkey. Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey to confirm it reaches 165°F.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast adapts wonderfully to various meals and preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this flavorful turkey breast with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a lighter meal, serve slices alongside a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. It is also excellent in sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover turkey breast tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, slice the turkey, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers with a little of the cooking liquid, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated turkey gently in the microwave or a covered pan on the stove with a splash of broth to retain moisture. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary or sage added to the maple mixture for an altered aromatic profile. For a heartier meal, add root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth and spice to the sauce.

Nutrition

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for your Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast, per serving.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	10 g
Carbs	12 g
Sugars	10 g
Sodium	320 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

You have questions, and we have answers about this delightful recipe!

Q: Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
A: It is safest to thaw your turkey breast completely in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to unsafe temperatures.

Q: Can I make this with bone-in turkey?
A: Absolutely! A bone-in turkey breast will work, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Q: How do I adjust for a larger/smaller turkey?
A: For a larger turkey breast (5-6 lbs), increase cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low. For a smaller one, reduce by an hour. Always rely on your meat thermometer.

Q: Can this be cooked in the oven?
A: Yes, you can. Roast in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This slow cooker method truly tenderizes the Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast.

Q: Is the sauce too sweet?
A: The apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard effectively balance the maple syrup, creating a harmonious sweet and savory profile that is not overly sweet.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast offers a truly special meal with minimal effort. Its combination of sweet maple, savory herbs, and tender turkey makes it a standout dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or simply seeking a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Give this beginner-friendly recipe a try and discover how effortless delicious cooking can be!