If you are searching for a comforting and flavorful centerpiece that will impress your family and friends, this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is the answer. Juicy and tender, infused with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and roasted to golden perfection, this turkey breast offers a perfect balance of rustic charm and elegant taste. Whether for a special holiday meal or a cozy weekend dinner, the aromatic garlic and herb butter creates a crispy, savory crust that locks in moisture and delivers a mouthwatering experience every time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your table with smiles!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for bringing out the best in your turkey breast. Each component contributes a unique flavor note or texture, turning a straightforward roast into a culinary celebration.
- 6 lb bone-in turkey breast: The star of the show, providing moist, tender meat with a rich flavor thanks to the bone.
- 5 tablespoons butter (softened): Key for creating a luxurious herb butter that dissolves beautifully into the meat.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a warm, pungent punch that permeates every bite.
- 1 tablespoon finely minced sage leaves: Brings earthy depth and a hint of minty freshness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced rosemary leaves: Offers a piney, resinous aroma that pairs perfectly with poultry.
- 1 tablespoon finely minced thyme leaves: Delivers a subtle lemony and peppery note that enhances overall complexity.
- 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley: Brightens the dish with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to season and amplify all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance.
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional): A lovely visual and aromatic accent for serving.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve that beautiful crisp skin.
How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat jumpstarts the roasting process, giving the turkey skin a wonderfully crispy texture. At the same time, grease your baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to avoid any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Herb Butter
In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This herb butter is what transforms your turkey from simple to stunning, infusing every bite with layers of savory freshness and that irresistible aroma of freshly crushed herbs.
Step 3: Apply Herb Butter Under and Over the Skin
The secret to juicy turkey lies in this step. Gently loosen the skin from the meat without tearing it, then spread half of your herb butter mixture underneath the skin. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful as it roasts. Use the remaining butter to coat the top of the breast for an extra layer of golden, herby goodness.
Step 4: Begin Roasting at High Heat
Place the turkey breast skin side up into your baking dish. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin just begins to brown. This initial blast of heat locks in juices and starts developing that coveted crispy crust.
Step 5: Lower Temperature for Slow Cooking
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue roasting the turkey for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste it occasionally with the pan juices to keep the surface succulent and to enhance flavor throughout. This slower cooking step ensures tenderness deep inside.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The turkey is ready to come out of the oven once the thickest part reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer. This careful temperature check ensures your turkey is safe to eat while remaining irresistibly moist.
Step 7: Rest the Turkey
Cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. During this rest, the internal temperature will continue to rise to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, yielding perfect tenderness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your beautiful Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe by garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like. Not only does this lift the presentation, but it adds a fresh herbal aroma that complements the dish splendidly.
How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley make for a simple yet elegant garnish. These little touches not only enhance the appearance but also provide a subtle boost in fragrance and color, making your plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this classic roasted turkey breast with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a vibrant cranberry sauce to balance savory and sweet. The herbs in the turkey blend beautifully with traditional sides, creating a harmonious holiday-inspired feast or a comforting everyday dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider placing sliced turkey breast over a bed of wild rice pilaf or nestled alongside a colorful harvest salad. Using a wooden serving board adorned with fresh herbs adds rustic charm, making your effort look effortlessly elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to pour a little pan juice over the slices before sealing to help retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save turkey for a longer period, slice the meat and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and use within 2 to 3 months for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in foil to maintain juiciness, or warm slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to preserve the turkey’s tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a bone-in turkey breast tends to have more flavor and moisture, a boneless breast works well too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness earlier since boneless cuts usually cook faster.
Is it necessary to loosen the skin before applying the herb butter?
Yes, this step is key because spreading the butter beneath the skin allows the herbs and garlic to penetrate the meat, resulting in deeper flavor and juicier texture than just coating the surface.
Can I prepare the herb butter mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the herb butter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This makes the preparation process quicker on the day you’re roasting and intensifies the herb flavors as they meld together.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast — the temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit after resting to ensure safety and optimal juiciness.
What should I do if my turkey skin isn’t crispy enough?
If the skin isn’t as crispy as you like at the end of cooking, you can place the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, and this quick blast will crisp up the skin beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite dishes to make when I want something impressive yet straightforward. The marriage of fragrant herbs and succulent turkey is simply unbeatable. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon — your family and friends will thank you for the wonderful flavors and the warm comfort it brings to your table.
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Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs recipe offers a flavorful and juicy half turkey breast, perfectly seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs and garlic butter. Roasted to golden-brown perfection in the oven, this dish is ideal for a comforting family meal or a special occasion, ensuring a tender and aromatic centerpiece that’s easy to prepare and impressively delicious.
Ingredients
Turkey and Butter Mixture
- 6 lb bone-in turkey breast (half breast)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely minced sage leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely minced thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Others
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Coat a baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for roasting.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to integrate all the flavors.
- Apply Butter Under and Over Skin: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without detaching it completely. Spread half of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin, ensuring even coverage. Then spread the remaining butter evenly over the top of the turkey breast.
- Initial High-Heat Bake: Place the turkey breast into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the skin starts to brown, developing a flavorful crust.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue baking the turkey for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Check Internal Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is ready to come out of the oven once it registers at least 160°F (71°C).
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes; during this time, the internal temperature will rise to at least 165°F (74°C), ensuring safe and juicy meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the turkey breast with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired. Slice and serve warm for a savory and aromatic main course.
Notes
- Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey is cooked safely without overcooking.
- Loosening the skin and spreading butter underneath helps keep the breast juicy and infuses the meat with herb flavors.
- Basting throughout the cooking process prevents the breast from drying out.
- Adjust herbs to taste or substitute fresh herbs with dried ones in smaller quantities if fresh is unavailable.
