What is a Turkey Roast? A Complete Guide to This Delicious Meal

A turkey roast is a classic main dish perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy family dinner. But what exactly is a turkey roast? How do you choose and prepare one? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about cooking delicious turkey roasts.

What is a Turkey Roast?

A turkey roast refers to an oven-roasted portion of a whole turkey. While roasting a full 10-25 pound bird is traditional for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, partial turkey roasts offer a more manageable size for everyday meals

There are a few common types of turkey roasts

• Whole turkey – A full turkey weighing 10-25 lbs, roasted whole. The centerpiece for holiday feasts.

• Bone-in turkey breast – The whole breast section with bones and skin intact, usually 4-8 lbs.

• Boneless turkey breast roast – Just the breast meat, no bones, skin or dark meat, formed into a log shape. Typically 2-5 lbs.

• Whole turkey leg – The full leg with drumstick, thigh, and some back. Around 3-8 lbs each.

Benefits of Cooking a Turkey Roast

Compared to roasting a full turkey, partial turkey roasts have some advantages:

• Less waste – Only cook what you need with a breast, leg or boneless roast.

• Quicker cooking – Smaller roasts cook faster than a 15+ lb turkey, usually under 2 hours.

• More white meat – Turkey breast roasts provide lean, mild flavored meat.

• Easier carving – Boneless roasts slice cleanly with no fuss.

• Versatile flavors – Boneless roasts work well with bold rubs or stuffings.

• Lower cost – Partial roasts give you an elegant main course at a more budget-friendly per-pound price.

How to Choose a Turkey Roast

Follow these tips when selecting a turkey roast:

• Calculate portions needed. Plan for 1/2 lb turkey per person. An 8-10 lb roast feeds 15-20.

• Consider bone-in or boneless. Bone-in has more flavor, boneless carves easier.

• Check for injections. “Self-basting” turkeys are injected with broths or fats. Choose plain roasts to season yourself.

• Select fresh or frozen. Make sure frozen roasts are tightly wrapped with no freezer burn. Allow 1-3 extra days to thaw larger ones.

• Look for netting. This stretchy mesh helps hold boneless roasts together when cooking. Remove before serving.

• Choose organic and free-range for turkeys raised more naturally without antibiotics or hormones.

Preparing Turkey Roasts

Proper preparation ensures moist, flavorful turkey roasts. Here’s how:

• Thaw completely if using frozen turkey. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours per 4-5 lbs.

• Rinse and pat dry. Rinse off any packaged liquids and pat the skin dry for crisping.

• Loosen skin to create pockets for herb butter or stuffing.

• Season under the skin with oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings.

• Add stuffing if desired. Stuff the breast lightly to allow air circulation.

• Tie legs together on whole birds for easier handling. Tuck wing tips under.

• Brush with oil or butter to help the skin get crispy and brown.

• Let stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before roasting so it cooks evenly.

How to Roast Turkey Breast and Other Turkey Roasts

Follow these roasting tips:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a low temp for even cooking.

• Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan for air circulation. The rack prevents sticking.

• Roast 30 minutes per lb. A 5 lb boneless breast takes around 2 1/2 hours. Whole birds take longer.

• Baste occasionally with drippings, butter or broth if turkey seems dry.

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F.

• Let rest 15-30 minutes before carving so juices settle back into the meat.

• Carve using a sharp knife. Cut along the breast bone and slice.

• Make gravy from the delicious pan drippings.

Flavorful Recipe Ideas

Season your roast with:

• Herb-garlic paste – Blend oil, garlic and herbs into a flavorful paste.

• Cajun spice rub – Blackening seasoning adds kick.

• Citrus-herb wet rub – Orange, lemon, rosemary and thyme are nice.

• Cornbread & sausage stuffing – Savory stuffing for whole or bone-in breast.

• Prosciutto-wrapped – Wrap boneless roasts in prosciutto or bacon for built-in basting.

• Pesto-stuffed – Basil pesto and mozzarella cheese gives an Italian twist.

With so many easy ways to roast tasty turkey, there’s no need to save it just for holidays. Delicious turkey roasts can star at special dinners or even weeknight family meals. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorites.

A turkey roast offers an elegant yet easy to manage alternative to roasting a whole bird. Choose from boneless breast, bone-in breast, whole legs or a smaller whole turkey. Prepare properly and roast low and slow for incredibly moist, flavorful results. With creative seasonings and sides, turkey roasts make for memorable meals any time of year.