If you’ve been searching for that perfect centerpiece to wow your family and friends at your next dinner, look no further. This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is a game changer. Juicy, tender turkey breast infused with a fragrant mixture of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage all wrapped in velvety herb butter creates a dish bursting with flavor and soul. Whether it’s a special occasion or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe guarantees a beautifully roasted turkey breast that’s remarkably easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so wonderful about this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors and building that irresistible aroma and texture that only fresh herbs and creamy butter can achieve.
- Bone-in turkey breast (4-6 pounds): The star of the dish providing tenderness and juiciness thanks to the bone.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup/1 stick), softened: Acts as the creamy, rich base for your herb mixture and bastes the turkey beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Offers aromatic pungency and depth of flavor that complements turkey perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Adds piney, woodsy notes that elevate the herbs’ complexity in the butter.
- Fresh thyme leaves (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle earthiness that balances the richer flavors.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Imparts a warm and slightly peppery character that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Key for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough gentle heat and brightness.
- Lemon zest of one lemon (optional): Provides a fresh citrusy kick that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Thaw the Turkey
Begin by thawing your turkey breast if frozen; it’s essential to do this slowly in the refrigerator over 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. Thorough thawing ensures the meat cooks evenly and remains juicy throughout the roasting process.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature strikes the perfect balance for roasting the turkey evenly while ensuring the skin crisps up gorgeously.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. This magical butter blend will infuse the turkey with incredible flavor both beneath the skin and on the surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Remove your turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp during roasting. Then, with gentle fingers, loosen the skin very carefully but don’t tear it — this step is crucial for tucking in the herb butter later.
Step 5: Apply the Herb Butter
Spoon about two thirds of your garlic herb butter under the skin, spreading it evenly to coat the meat directly. Massage the remaining butter all over the outside skin for that extra luscious flavor and crispy, golden finish.
Step 6: Tie and Roast
Tie the turkey breast with kitchen twine if you want, which helps keep it compact for even cooking. Place it skin-side up in a roasting pan. Pop it into the preheated oven and roast for roughly 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Remember to baste every 30 minutes with the turkey’s own juices to lock in moisture and build that irresistible skin crispiness.
Step 7: Rest and Carve
Once roasting is complete, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest comfortably for 15-20 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, resulting in slices that stay moist and tender when you carve them thin, against the grain for the best texture.
How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herb sprigs such as rosemary or thyme make pretty garnishes that also echo the flavors nestled inside the turkey. A few lemon wedges on the side offer a citrus contrast that guests can squeeze over their slices for a lively burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This roasted turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted vegetables, and a tangy cranberry sauce. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich garlic herb butter flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the turkey breast sliced on a large wooden board surrounded by roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs for a rustic, inviting presentation. Or plate individual servings with a drizzle of pan juices and sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top for an elegant touch that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover turkey breast tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for delicious next-day sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to keep your roasted turkey breast longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the meat and layer it in freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. Frozen turkey keeps well for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed when you crave that flavorful punch.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your turkey breast, gently warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or pan drippings in the oven set to a low temperature (around 300°F). This slow reheating method helps preserve moisture and lets the garlic herb butter flavors shine through all over again.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in adds flavor and juiciness, boneless turkey breast works well too; just adjust cooking time accordingly and keep a close eye on temperature to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to loosen the skin before applying the herb butter?
Yes, loosening the skin is key for getting the flavorful herb butter directly onto the meat, enhancing moisture and infusing taste beneath the crispy skin layer.
Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the garlic herb butter a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors meld better.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated, and be sure to crush them gently for better aroma.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a well-roasted turkey breast that’s infused with aromatic garlic herb butter. This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe brings that magic into your kitchen with straightforward steps and ingredients that pack a punch. I promise once you try it, this will become your go-to recipe for making every meal feel like a celebration. So grab your turkey breast, get that butter mixed, and prepare to savor a dish that’s bursting with warmth, flavor, and love.
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Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter is a flavorful and juicy main dish perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations. The turkey breast is generously coated with a homemade garlic herb butter made from fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, then roasted to perfection for tender meat and crispy skin.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (4–6 pounds)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one lemon (optional, for a citrusy kick)
Instructions
- Thaw the Turkey: If using a frozen turkey breast, thaw it in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds to fully thaw.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. Mix until well blended.
- Dry the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Loosen Skin: Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast, gently loosening it without tearing.
- Apply Butter Under Skin: Take about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter mixture and spread it evenly under the loosened skin, coating the meat directly.
- Apply Butter Outside: Rub the remaining garlic herb butter all over the outside surface of the turkey breast to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Tie Turkey (Optional): For even cooking, tie the turkey breast with kitchen twine to keep shape and promote uniform heat distribution.
- Place in Roasting Pan: Put the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan suitable for oven use.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
- Baste During Cooking: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey breast with its own juices to keep it moist and help develop crispy skin.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve and Serve: Slice the turkey breast thinly against the grain and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Be careful when loosening the skin to avoid tearing it, as the butter needs to be evenly applied underneath.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the turkey is safely cooked to 165°F without being overdone.
- Lemon zest adds a nice brightness but is optional based on your flavor preference.
- Tying the turkey breast helps it cook evenly but can be skipped if you prefer.
- Resting the turkey after roasting is essential for juicy slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
