Preparing a stuffed and roasted turkey breast makes for a delicious and elegant main dish for Thanksgiving when you don’t need to feed a crowd. With a bone-in turkey breast, you can create a mini version of the classic stuffed turkey that’s perfect for a smaller gathering. Follow this simple guide to learn how to butterfly, season, stuff, and roast a bone-in turkey breast.
What You Need
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (4-5 lbs)
- Herb butter
- Stuffing of choice
- Roasting pan
- Kitchen twine
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Step 1: Thaw the Turkey Breast
If using a frozen turkey breast, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking. This is the safest thawing method.
Step 2: Remove the Skin
Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a cutting board. Gently loosen the skin from the meat using your fingers then peel it off completely. Set the skin aside for later. Removing it now allows you to directly season the meat.
Step 3: Butterfly the Breast
To butterfly, position your knife parallel to the cutting board about 1/2 inch above it. Starting from the thick end, slice into the center of the breast, stopping 1/2 inch from the edge. Open up the breast like a book. This helps the breast cook evenly.
Step 4: Pound the Breast
Cover the breast with plastic wrap and lightly pound it with a meat mallet to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness, This also helps it cook evenly,
Step 5: Make Herb Butter
Blend 1 stick softened butter with herbs like thyme, sage, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Spread on Herb Butter
Rub the herb butter all over the turkey breast and under the skin. This adds flavor and keeps it moist while cooking.
Step 7: Make the Stuffing
Choose your favorite stuffing recipe. For extra flavor, use stock and sausage in the stuffing. Avoid adding extra salt if you brined the turkey.
Step 8: Stuff the Breast
Spoon the stuffing loosely into the cavity of the butterflied breast, leaving a 1-inch border.
Step 9: Roll and Tie
Starting at one end, roll up the breast around the stuffing. Place the reserved skin over the seam. Tie kitchen twine around it at 1-inch intervals to secure the shape.
Step 10: Roast the Stuffed Breast
Heat oven to 350°F. Place breast in a roasting pan seam-side down. Pour in 1/2 cup broth for moisture and flavor. Roast until 165°F internally, basting occasionally, about 2-3 hours.
Step 11: Rest, Carve and Serve
Let rest 10 minutes before removing twine and carving. Serve with gravy and sides for a delicious mini Thanksgiving feast!
Stuffing and roasting a bone-in turkey breast is easier than cooking a whole turkey but still delivers all the delicious flavors and textures of Thanksgiving in a smaller package. With these simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful stuffed breast ready for carving in just a few hours. Slice into this impressive yet easy main to kick off your holiday meal.
How to Debone a Turkey Breast | Gimme that Recipe!
FAQ
Can you stuff a bone-in turkey breast without?
How to stuff a single turkey breast?
Do you cook a bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350?
How do you cook a bone-in Turkey Breast?
To cook a bone-in turkey breast following Ina Garten’s recipe, first preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Next, place the fully defrosted turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. In a bowl, combine all the herbs, dry mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Rub the remainder of the paste on the outside of the turkey breast skin.
How to stuff a turkey breast?
To stuff a turkey breast, loosen the skin over the breast with your fingers and stuff butter under the skin. Tuck in a few thyme leaves. Fill the turkey with your choice of stuffing. Here are two tasty stuffing recipes to try. Once stuffed, tie the ankles together. Spread the thickly sliced onions over one of the disposable trays and place the bird on top.
Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead of a breast?
For the Turkey Turkey breast: (about 3-4 pounds): I use a boneless turkey breast with the skin on. You can substitute a bone-in turkey breast, but it will take slightly longer to cook. Be sure to use an instant-read meat thermometer and check for doneness at 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
What does a bone-in Turkey breast look like?
Before cooking, a bone-in turkey breast has a bone running through the middle and usually has the skin attached, giving it a different appearance compared to a boneless turkey breast. Once they are both cooked and sliced, they look the same.
How to remove the bone from a turkey breast?
To remove the bone from a turkey breast, start by making a long slice to remove the bone from the turkey’s back. This will give you access to the rib cage, which you can then remove to access the turkey breast’s thigh bone. This bone also needs to be removed.
How to cook a turkey breast with butter & thyme?
In a small bowl, add the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and thyme and mix it together with a fork. Rub the butter mixture over the entire turkey breast (even lift the skin gently and rub it underneath as well.