A boneless or bone-in turkey breast in the 5 pound range is the ideal size for feeding a smaller gathering. But cooking turkey breast can seem daunting if you’ve only tackled whole turkeys in the past. Have no fear! With a few simple tips you’ll have a mouthwatering 5 pound turkey breast on your table in no time.
Why Choose Turkey Breast?
Cooking a 5 pound turkey breast has several advantages over roasting a whole bird:
- Smaller size easily feeds 4-6 people without massive leftovers
- Faster cooking time of only 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Higher ratio of edible meat to bone/waste
- Lower cost per pound compared to a whole turkey
- Easier preparation with no tricky trussing
For a special meal with just a few guests a turkey breast is ideal. Let’s look at how to cook this manageable cut of turkey to juicy perfection.
Picking the Right Size
Turkey breasts are available both bone-in and boneless. For the best flavor and texture, choose a:
- Bone-in breast between 4-6 pounds to serve 4-6 people
- Boneless breast around 2 pounds for 3-4 servings
Make sure the breast is evenly shaped so it cooks evenly. Irregularly shaped breasts may cook unevenly. Allow the breast to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for better moisture.
Seasoning and Prepping the Breast
To ensure your 5 pound turkey breast turns out tender and flavorful:
- Pat the breast dry with paper towels so the skin gets crispy
- Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your hands
- Rub olive or avocado oil under the skin to keep the meat juicy
- Season under the skin and on the skin with salt, pepper and herbs
- Place citrus, onions, garlic or herbs inside the breast cavity
Once prepped, the turkey breast is ready for roasting
How to Roast a 5 Pound Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey breast perfection:
- Prep breast as above and preheat oven to 350°F
- Place breast on a rack in a roasting pan for airflow circulation
- Roast at 350°F, calculating 15-18 minutes per pound (75-90 minutes total)
- Check internal temp with an instant read thermometer; breast is done at 165°F
- Rotate pan halfway through roasting for even browning
- Let rest 15-30 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb back into the meat
And your flawlessly cooked 5 pound turkey breast is ready to carve and serve!
Turkey Breast Roasting Pan Options
You can use any pan that allows air circulation under the breast:
- Roasting pan fitted with a rack
- Rimmed baking sheet lined with a cooling rack
- Disposable foil pan with a turkey rack
If oven space is limited, roast the breast directly in a baking dish without a rack, breast side up.
Monitoring the Internal Temperature
As the turkey breast roasts, monitor the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Verify the internal temp reaches 165°F in multiple spots.
If the turkey skin browns too quickly, tent foil over it loosely and continue roasting until 165°F. For food safety, turkey must reach 165°F minimum.
Letting the roasted breast rest afterwards allows juices to redistribute so the sliced meat stays moist. The internal temperature will rise about 5-10°F during resting time.
Infusing More Flavor
Consider these easy ways to add more flavor to your roasted turkey breast:
- Rub flavored butter under the skin before roasting
- Coat the breast in an oil-based spice rub
- Stuff the cavity with lemon, herbs, garlic, onions or other aromatics
- Soak the breast overnight in a salt and sugar brine before cooking
Get creative with herbs, spices, citrus or vegetables to infuse the turkey breast with flavor.
Carving and Serving the Turkey
Follow these steps for serving your beautifully roasted turkey breast:
- Let breast rest 15-30 minutes before slicing
- Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices across the grain
- Spoon any pan juices over the sliced breast
- Make gravy from the drippings to accompany the turkey
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor
Your guests will be amazed at your perfect, juicy roasted turkey breast! With its quicker cook time and smaller size, a 5 pound turkey breast is so much easier than wrestling a large whole bird. Impress your family or dinner guests with your roast turkey skills.
Common Turkey Breast Roasting Questions
How long does a 5 lb turkey breast need to cook?
Allow about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F, so 75-90 minutes total for a 5 pound breast. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
Should I cover the breast while roasting?
Cook uncovered, but tent with foil if skin browns too fast before reaching 165°F.
What temperature is best for roasting turkey breast?
325°F to 350°F delivers the ideal juicy meat and crispy skin. Higher temps shorten the cooking time.
How many people can a 5 lb breast serve?
A 5 lb bone-in breast will serve about 6-8 people. A boneless breast serves 4-6.
Cooking a 5 pound turkey breast ensures perfect portion sizes for smaller holiday gatherings. With a few simple tricks, you’ll have tender and delicious roast turkey ready to impress your guests!
Use a Meat Thermometer
If you dont have a meat thermometer, please get one! Using one will make your life a lot easier, otherwise theres just too much guesswork.
I prefer to use a remote thermometer, that way you can track the progress of the turkey as it cooks, without opening the oven door. But any instant read thermometer will do. (I use two ChefAlarm remote thermometers, one inserted into the breast, one inserted into a thigh.)
To Brine or Not to Brine the Turkey
If you follow these instructions for cooking the turkey (breast side down and removing the turkey from the oven before the thighs reach 165°F and the breast 160°F, there is no need to brine the turkey! Your turkey will be perfectly succulent and delicious.
That said, if you would like to cook your turkey in a more conventional manner, breast side up, brining will help keep the breast from drying out. See our methods for both wet and dry turkey brines:
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 5 lb turkey breast?
- Temperature: A higher temperature will cook the turkey breast faster, while a lower temperature will take longer.
- Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone-in turkey breasts take longer to cook than boneless.
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
- Juicy results: The lower heat allows for slower cooking, which helps retain moisture in the turkey breast.
- Less risk of burning: With a lower temperature, the skin is less likely to burn before the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Consistent cooking: A lower temperature ensures the turkey breast cooks evenly throughout.
Should a turkey breast be cooked, covered or uncovered?
Should You Cover a Turkey When Cooking? To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven.Nov 13, 2024
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey breast?
You can pour a little of water in the bottom of the roasting pan, but keep in mind the turkey will release drippings as well as it cooks. However, if you’re making gravy, it’s best to add about a cup of water to the roasting pan.
How do you cook a 5 lb turkey breast?
Here are some tips for cooking a 5 lb turkey breast: * Start with a high-quality turkey breast. A good-quality turkey breast will be plump and juicy, with white meat that is firm and pink. * Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This will help to ensure that the turkey breast cooks evenly. * Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or butter.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast?
A bone-in turkey breast takes about 20 minutes per pound to cook at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). The internal meat temperature should reach 165 degrees F (75 degrees C); cooking times and temperatures will vary depending on the recipe you follow. Roasting turkey breast is a simple technique for even the beginner cook.
How long does it take to cook a 5lb Turkey?
In the oven, you’ll need 20 to 25 minutes of baking time per pound of turkey breast, depending on the temperature used. Make sure your turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. How long does it take to cook a 5lb turkey at 350? Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature.
How do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to a full size turkey for small families. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, your whole family is going to love this one! Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a 3 to 8 pound turkey breast skin side up on the rack of a roasting pan, or into a lightly greased 9×13 pan.
What temperature should a 5 lb turkey breast be cooked to?
To ensure the turkey breast is cooked to perfection, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. 1. How do I properly season a 5 lb turkey breast?
How do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
Measure the temperature in the center of the thickest part of the breast. Actual cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast. Boneless turkey breasts will cook faster. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Remove from the oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil.