Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Introduction

This roasted turkey breast recipe offers a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for any occasion. Infused with fresh herbs and a buttery finish, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10 leaves fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 turkey breast, 4-6 pounds, patted dry

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Position the oven rack in the bottom position only.
2. Step 2: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan. Use paper towels to pat it dry inside and out for crispier skin.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture for later.
4. Step 4: Carefully lift the skin from the turkey breast using the back of a spoon. Spread the majority of the herb butter underneath the skin, then smooth the skin back down to evenly coat the breast. Take care not to tear the skin.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey breast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) at the thickest part.
6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven, top it with the reserved butter, and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the herb butter mixture before spreading under the skin.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, sage, and thyme.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy results every time.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave covered to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook this turkey breast at a higher temperature to save time?

Cooking at a higher temperature may dry out the meat. Slow roasting at 325°F ensures tender and juicy results.

Is it necessary to lift the skin and spread butter underneath?

Yes, placing the herb butter under the skin keeps the breast moist and infuses it with flavor throughout the cooking process.

Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 150 reviews

This Roasted Turkey Breast recipe offers a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for holidays or special family dinners. The turkey breast is generously infused with a herb butter mixture made from fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, then roasted to a tender, moist finish. Simple yet elegant, this dish highlights the natural flavors of the turkey enhanced by aromatic herbs and a perfect seasoning balance.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey and Herb Butter

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10 leaves fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 turkey breast, 4-6 pounds, patted dry

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Arrange the oven rack so that only the bottom rack is in use to ensure even roasting.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels both inside and out to ensure the skin crisps up properly during roasting.
3. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter with the fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside 2 to 3 tablespoons of this butter mixture for finishing the turkey after roasting.
4. Apply Butter Under the Skin: Carefully use the back of a spoon to lift the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Spread the herb butter generously underneath the skin to flavor the meat directly, then smooth the skin back over the breast, ensuring the butter coats the surface. Be gentle to avoid ripping the skin, as this will help the butter remain in place while cooking.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan with the turkey breast into the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the innermost part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating it is safely cooked through.
6. Rest and Finish: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and top it with the reserved herb butter. Let the meat rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness to avoid overcooking or undercooking the turkey.
• If skin tearing occurs, patch gently with some extra butter and skin to keep moisture in.
• Allow the turkey to rest covered loosely with foil if you prefer it hotter at serving.
• Leftover turkey breast makes excellent sandwiches or salads.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, sage, and thyme if fresh is unavailable, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter turkey, holiday turkey recipe, succulent turkey breast, simple turkey roast