Description
An easy roasted turkey breast that delivers juicy, tender meat and a golden, crispy herb‑butter crust — perfect for holidays or a cozy dinner without the fuss of a whole bird.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 turkey breast (4‑6 pounds), patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the bottom rack.
- Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to aid in crisping the skin.
- In a bowl, mash the softened butter together with the rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reserve about 2‑3 tablespoons of the mixture for later.
- Gently lift the skin of the turkey breast and spread a portion of the herb‑butter mixture underneath the skin, then smooth the skin back over. Rub the remaining herb butter over the top and sides of the turkey.
- Roast the turkey breast uncovered for approximately 90 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- After removing from the oven, spread the reserved herb butter on top for extra flavor, then tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Allowing rest helps juices redistribute and ensures juicier meat.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 2‑3 grated garlic cloves to the herb butter. (Variation: garlic herb version.)
- Brighten the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the herb butter. (Variation: lemon herb version.)
- To add a gentle heat, include ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the butter mixture. (Variation: spicy herb version.)
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried sage, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Use the pan drippings to make a gravy — if needed, add chicken or turkey stock and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of turkey breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
