If you want a show-stopping centerpiece that brings a burst of flavor and irresistibly moist meat to your table, this Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender turkey breast infused with fragrant herbs and the richness of butter, roasted to golden perfection. It’s incredibly satisfying to prepare but feels like an elegant feast, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and special occasions. You’ll love how every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage wrapped in melt-in-your-mouth juiciness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe comes to life with just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role. The turkey breast provides the star protein, while the herb butter brings an aromatic, buttery punch that locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor. Fresh herbs and garlic elevate the profile beautifully.
- Turkey Breast: Choose a whole or half bone-in turkey breast for maximum flavor, or boneless for easier carving.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it’s the base of the herb butter, adding richness and helping the herbs adhere.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural flavors of the turkey and herbs.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the butter’s richness.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses a warm, savory note that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Fresh Thyme: Offers a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
- Fresh Rosemary: Adds piney, slightly sweet notes for aromatic complexity.
- Fresh Sage: Provides a mild, herbaceous earthiness that’s classic with turkey.
How to Make Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
If your turkey breast is frozen, it’s important to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 5 pounds to defrost safely and evenly. Removing it from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking helps the bird come closer to room temperature, which ensures a more even cook throughout.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature is key to cooking the turkey breast gently so it stays tender and juicy without drying out.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This herb butter is going to be the magic that locks in moisture and imparts incredible flavor right under the skin.
Step 4: Season the Turkey
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during roasting. Lightly sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the outside for extra savory goodness. Carefully and gently loosen the skin away from the breast and spread a generous spoonful of your herb butter underneath, coating both sides of the meat. Rub the remaining butter evenly over the skin as well.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or baking dish. Adjust your oven racks so that the turkey is positioned right in the center for even heat distribution. Roast the bird at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 14 to 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast. A helpful tip is to take it out just before it hits that temperature, since it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, tent your turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, which means every slice will be tender and juicy instead of dry.
How to Serve Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, garnish your turkey breast with fresh herb sprigs such as rosemary or thyme, which echo the flavors inside. A few lemon wedges on the side add a bright contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes to soak up all those juices, roasted seasonal vegetables for color and crunch, or a fresh green salad to lighten the meal. Cranberry sauce or a simple pan gravy also makes lovely accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the turkey breast atop a wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted garlic cloves and herb sprigs. Alternatively, carve thin slices and create elegant open-faced sandwiches with flavorful spreads and crisp greens. This versatility lets you enjoy the recipe in different ways beyond a traditional plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep your roasted turkey longer, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen turkey breast from this recipe maintains good quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat without drying it out, cover the turkey slices with foil and warm gently in a low oven or microwave with a splash of broth or water. This helps retain moisture and brings back some of the original tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless turkey breast works well and is easier to carve, though bone-in can offer slightly more flavor and juiciness during roasting.
Do I need to brine the turkey before roasting?
This Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe doesn’t require brining because the herb butter locks in moisture and seasons the meat deeply, but you can brine if you prefer extra juiciness and salt penetration.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs?
While fresh herbs add brightness and texture, dried herbs may be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount when substituting to avoid overpowering the dish.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe and perfect doneness.
What if I don’t have a roasting pan?
No worries! A sturdy baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan with a rack works just as well to roast your turkey breast evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about preparing a Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe that’s both simple and impressive. It’s a dish that invites warmth and satisfaction to your table with each juicy, flavorful slice. Whether it’s a holiday or a cozy weeknight dinner, I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the comforting deliciousness that only a well-roasted turkey breast can deliver.
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Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey with a fragrant herb butter coating. Perfectly roasted at a moderate oven temperature, the turkey breast is infused with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, making it ideal for holiday meals or a special family dinner. Simple preparation with a resting period ensures tender, moist meat every time.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 whole or half bone-in turkey breast (or boneless, about 3 to 5 pounds)
Herb Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours for every 5 pounds. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature which helps in even cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) ensuring the turkey will cook gently and evenly.
- Make the Herb Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix well until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Lightly season the outside with additional salt and pepper. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast without tearing it, then spread a spoonful of the prepared herb butter underneath the skin to coat the meat. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey to maximize flavor.
- Place in Roasting Pan: Transfer the turkey breast to a roasting pan or an oven-safe baking dish, positioning it so it will cook evenly.
- Roast the Turkey: Arrange your oven racks so the turkey breast will sit in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. Roast the turkey at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 14 to 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature aiming for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Remove the turkey from the oven just before it reaches this temperature to allow carryover cooking during resting.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes; this resting step locks in the juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. After resting, carve and serve your perfectly roasted turkey breast.
Notes
- If using a boneless turkey breast, adjust roasting time accordingly as it may cook slightly faster.
- Resting is essential; do not skip as it helps the juices redistribute.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but fresh is preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy to avoid overcooking.
- Herb butter can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance herb flavors.
