Description
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Homemade Gravy is a comforting, juicy, and flavorful meal that requires minimal hands-on time. Tender turkey breast is infused with savory herbs and slowly cooked to perfection, complemented by a rich, silky homemade gravy made with plant-based butter and a natural gelling agent. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Meat
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds), lean and trimmed
- 6–8 strips smoked turkey bacon
- 6–8 smoked turkey slices (for lining slow cooker, optional)
Aromatics and Herbs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon grape juice (natural) (optional, for gravy variation)
Gravy Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1–2 teaspoons natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons plant-based cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Wrap the turkey breast in smoked turkey bacon or line the slow cooker with smoked turkey slices to infuse smoky aroma.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat plant-based butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast on all sides until golden brown, locking in juices and enhancing flavor.
- Slow Cook with Aromatics: Transfer the seared turkey breast to the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), fresh herbs, and vegetable broth. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the turkey is cooked through and tender.
- Make the Homemade Gravy: When the turkey is done, skim excess fat from the slow cooker liquid. In a saucepan, melt plant-based butter and whisk in the natural gelling agent gradually over medium heat. Add the drippings and cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy. Stir in plant-based cheese if desired for creaminess and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the slices warm with the homemade gravy drizzled on top.
Notes
- Always pat the turkey breast dry before searing to lock in moisture.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme for maximum flavor impact.
- Do not skip searing; it adds significant depth to flavor and texture.
- Cook on low heat to ensure tender, juicy turkey without drying out.
- Whisk the natural gelling agent gradually when thickening the gravy to avoid lumps and achieve smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, homemade gravy, tender turkey recipe, plant-based gravy, easy turkey dinner