If you’re on the hunt for a reliable showstopper that delivers on flavor and simplicity, look no further than this Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe. It’s all about bringing out the best in turkey, with a crisp skin and succulent flavor that’s a hit every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Juicy: Thanks to a flavorful butter rub, this turkey breast comes out moist and tender every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples work wonders to highlight the natural taste of turkey.
- Effortless Gravy: The drippings turn into the best gravy you’ve ever tried with just a few simple steps.
- Holiday-Ready: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, impressing your guests is a promise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in transforming your turkey into a masterpiece. Think of them as the ensemble cast in this savory production: every note in harmony, enhancing the succulent texture and rich taste.
- Bone-In Turkey Breast: Opt for 3 to 4 pounds for perfectly tender meat and ease of cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Bringing creaminess and a source of fat, which crisps up the skin beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory and ensures picturesque browning.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a gentle smoky flavor that’s both comforting and delightful.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of thyme or rosemary bring aromatics when serving, elevating flavor with every bite.
Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to make it uniquely yours! It’s remarkably adaptable, allowing for substitutions that suit your palate or dietary needs perfectly.
- Lemon-Infused: Add lemon zest to the butter mixture for a citrusy brightness that complements the turkey.
- Herb Lovers: Swap the smoked paprika with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for a garden-fresh taste.
- Maple Sweetness: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different dimension of sweetness and caramelization.
How to Make Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F. While it warms up, place a wire rack on a baking sheet or use a proper roasting pan. The elevated rack is key for even cooking, ensuring hot air circulates all sides of the turkey.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Let the turkey breast rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. In the meantime, combine soft butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and minced garlic into a delightful spreadable paste.
Step 3: Season and Roast
Place the turkey on the rack and lovingly massage your butter mix all over it, including under the skin — yes, show it some love! Roast it for 90 minutes, occasionally rotating for an even tan until the interior reads a safe 165 degrees F.
Step 4: Rest and Make Gravy
After roasting, let your turkey rest for a luxurious 30 minutes — enough time to prepare a magic gravy using the drippings. Strain and whisk them with a stock flour slurry over medium heat, stirring until it thickens deliciously.
Pro Tips for Making Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Room Temperature Rest: Letting the turkey sit before cooking evens out the temperature, ensuring consistent roasting.
- Spread the Love: Gently separate skin from meat, spreading the butter mixture underneath for richer flavor.
- Perfect Gravy Base: Strain those drippings well; they’re the backbone of your luscious gravy.
- Patience in Resting: The resting time after cooking is crucial to lock in juices for the ultimate tender slices.
How to Serve Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Dress your turkey with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions can add an extra crunch and visual allure, too!
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a refreshing cranberry sauce — each a classic pairing to bring out those hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with sides all around. Alternately, serve on a platter atop a bed of herbs, surrounded by whole roasted garlic bulbs for a cozy, inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover turkey slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days, perfect for sandwiches or salads, adding a rich depth of flavor.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for longer storage. They can be frozen for up to three months — just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your turkey either gently in the oven with added broth for moisture, or in the microwave. Remember to cover it to prevent drying. Aim for even heating to bring back that original juiciness.
FAQs
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What size turkey breast should I use?
For this Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe, a 3 to 4 pound bone-in turkey breast is ideal. It provides enough meat without overwhelming cooking times, ensuring tenderness.
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How can I tell when the turkey is done?
The turkey is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, placing it in the thickest part without touching the bone.
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Can I prepare the butter rub in advance?
Absolutely! Mix it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Remember to bring it back to room temperature before applying, for easier spreading.
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Is there a gluten-free option for the gravy?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for the same thickening effect, ensuring the gravy remains smooth and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
So gather up your ingredients, and embark on this culinary adventure! This Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings everyone together around the table. Try it and let it become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
Print
Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a juicy and flavorful roasted turkey breast, perfected with a buttery herb rub and served with rich homemade gravy. This easy-to-make recipe yields tender slices perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday roasts, offering a succulent centerpiece with crispy skin and savory accompaniments.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs, for serving
Gravy Ingredients
- Drippings from the turkey – anywhere from 1/4 cup to 2/3 cup
- 16 ounces chicken or turkey stock
- 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet or inside a roasting pan to elevate the turkey for even roasting.
- Prepare the Turkey: Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined into a paste.
- Season the Turkey: Place the turkey breast on the wire rack. Gently lift the skin and rub the butter mixture underneath, then spread the remaining mixture evenly over the surface, covering all sides.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey for about 90 minutes, turning the pan halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; once it reaches 165°F, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Resting helps retain juices and ensures tenderness.
- Prepare the Drippings: Strain the drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove larger bits, setting aside the liquids for gravy.
- Make the Gravy Base: Heat the strained drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. Shake the stock and flour vigorously in a shaker cup until smooth to create a slurry.
- Add the Slurry to the Gravy: Gradually pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk for 10-20 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Keep warm on low heat until serving. Serve the sliced turkey with the warm gravy drizzled over, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Rest the turkey for 30 minutes post-cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.
- Adjust gravy seasoning gradually, tasting as you go for personalized flavor.
- Leftover gravy can be enriched with additional stock or water when reheating for a better consistency.
- Stir continuously while making gravy to avoid lumps and obtain a smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
