Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible roasted turkey breast recipe!
Today, I’m excited to share my secret weapon for the juiciest, most flavorful turkey you’ve ever tasted: garlic herb butter!
This recipe is perfect for smaller gatherings or when you don’t want to roast a whole bird. Let’s dive in and make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients for the Perfect Garlic Herb Butter
Before we start cooking, let’s gather our flavor-packed ingredients:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (4-6 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one lemon (optional, for a citrusy kick)
Pro tip: Always opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your dish. And remember, fresh herbs will give you the most vibrant flavor!
Preparing Your Turkey Breast for Roasting
First things first, let’s get that turkey ready:
- If frozen, thaw your turkey breast in the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden skin we all love!
- Trim any excess skin or fat, but leave enough skin to cover the breast.
Crafting the Garlic Herb Butter Mixture
Now for the star of the show – our garlic herb butter:
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add that lemon zest for a zesty twist!
- Mix everything until well combined. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
The Art of Butter Application
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
- Take about 2/3 of your garlic herb butter mixture and spread it evenly under the skin. This is the secret to infusing your turkey with incredible flavor!
- Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey breast.
- If you like, tie the turkey breast with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
Roasting Techniques for a Juicy Turkey Breast
Time to roast this bad boy:
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the turkey with its juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and help the skin crisp up.
Monitoring Temperature and Doneness
Don’t leave doneness to chance:
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check the temperature.
- Once it hits 165°F (74°C), your turkey is done!
- Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Let’s make this turkey the star of the show:
- Carve the turkey breast into thin slices against the grain for the most tender result.
- Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
- For wine lovers, a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish.
And there you have it, folks! With this foolproof recipe for roasted turkey breast with garlic herb butter, you’re all set to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a fabulous meal.
The combination of juicy meat, crispy skin, and aromatic herbs will make your taste buds sing!
Remember, the key to success lies in the details – from selecting quality ingredients to mastering the butter application.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes your new go-to for special occasions or cozy family dinners.
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your mouthwatering results with us! Trust me, once you’ve tasted this garlic herb butter turkey, you’ll never want to prepare it any other way. Enjoy!
Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast 4-6 pounds
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one lemon optional, for a citrusy kick
Instructions
- If frozen, thaw your turkey breast in the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
- Take about 2/3 of your garlic herb butter mixture and spread it evenly under the skin.
- Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey breast.
- If desired, tie the turkey breast with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the turkey with its juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and help the skin crisp up.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Carve the turkey breast into thin slices against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.