Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy smoked turkey breast enhanced with a peppery dry rub and basted with a tangy, spiced apple cider mop sauce for moist, flavorful meat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 225 minutes blends pounds, bone-in, skin on turkey breast, tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 275°F and prepare 2 cups apple cider and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to make the dry rub.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry the 4-pound bone-in turkey breast and rub all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then evenly coat with the dry rub.
  4. Step 4: Place the turkey breast on the smoker rack skin side up, and smoke for about 3 to 3.5 hours, spraying the turkey every 45 minutes with the apple cider and vinegar mixture to keep it moist.
  5. Step 5: In the last 30 minutes, mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard and brush it on the turkey breast to create a spiced glaze.
  6. Step 6: Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Step 7: Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and tent with foil; let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Mop Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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