This Turkey Roast, seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, makes a wonderful main dish for a small Thanksgiving celebration or intimate dinner party. It’s simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Cooking a succulent and flavorful Butterball turkey breast roast may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tips and techniques, you can have a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table or special occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a Butterball turkey breast roast like a pro, from thawing and prep to roasting and carving.
Choosing and Thawing the Turkey Breast
When selecting your Butterball turkey breast roast, you’ll want to choose one that is around 3 to 5 pounds to feed an average gathering. Look for a breast that is firm to the touch without any tears or excess liquid in the packaging. For convenience, you can purchase a frozen breast roast and thaw it in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight.
Once thawed, keep the turkey breast refrigerated and cook within 1 to 2 days for safety and optimal freshness. Never thaw the breast on the counter, as bacteria can begin growing rapidly at room temperature.
Prepping the Turkey Breast
Before roasting you’ll want to prep your turkey breast for maximum flavor. Start by removing it from the packaging and rinsing under cold water. Pat the breast completely dry with paper towels.
Next, make a flavorful herbed butter mixture. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 2 tablespoons olive oil, chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Grate in some lemon and orange zest for brightness.
Rub the herb butter all over the turkey breast, lifting the skin to spread some underneath. This helps infuse flavor into the meat.
Roasting to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting rack in a shallow pan, skin side up Resist adding liquid to the pan, as you want to roast not braise the turkey.
Roast for around 20 minutes per pound, so 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours for a 3 pound breast After the first hour, start basting with a mixture of melted butter, chicken broth and citrus juice every 30 minutes to help keep the meat moist.
Loosely tent foil over the breast around 2⁄3 through cooking to prevent over-browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, removing it from the oven when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
Letting It Rest
Never skip letting your turkey breast rest before carving, as this allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes tented in foil after roasting. The temperature will continue rising 5 to 10 degrees during this time.
Carving and Serving
When rested, carve your turkey breast by slicing against the grain into even pieces. Arrange on a platter and spoon over any collected pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
Pair your roasted Butterball turkey breast with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a delicious meal. Leftovers can be stored for 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
Turkey Roasting Times and Temperatures
For easy reference, here are approximate roasting times for different Butterball turkey breast sizes at 325°F:
- 2 to 3 pounds: 1 1⁄4 to 1 3⁄4 hours
- 3 to 5 pounds: 1 3⁄4 to 2 1⁄4 hours
- 5 to 7 pounds: 2 1⁄4 to 2 3⁄4 hours
- 7 to 9 pounds: 2 3⁄4 to 3 1⁄4 hours
Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, looking for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Troubleshooting Common Roasting Issues
Follow these tips to troubleshoot any potential roasting troubles:
- Dry turkey – Cook to proper internal temp, baste during roasting, tent with foil if browning too quickly
- Undercooked turkey – Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, increase roasting time
- Uneven browning – Rotate pan during roasting, ensure oven rack is centered
- Soggy skin – Pat turkey dry before roasting, avoid basting in last 30 minutes
- Sticking to pan – Use a roasting rack or veggies to elevate, let rest before removing
Get Creative with Flavor
While our basic roasting method delivers delicious results, get creative with unique flavor combinations:
- Herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage work well. Try marjoram, oregano or tarragon.
- Spices – Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, curry powder
- Citrus – Lime, grapefruit, clementines, blood orange
- Aromatics – Garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass
- Sauces – Pesto, chimichurri, teriyaki, hoisin, barbecue
With these easy tips, you can roast a show-stopping Butterball turkey breast for your next special occasion. Monitor temperature, baste generously, and let it rest for roasting success. Enjoy carving into deliciously juicy, flavorful meat that will wow your guests. Happy holidays!
How To Cook A Turkey Roast
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to roast turkey. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Herb Paste: In a small bowl, mix the spices with olive oil to form a paste. Rub the paste evenly over the entire turkey roast.
- Set Up for Roasting: Place the turkey roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Top the turkey with pieces of butter.
- Bake: Roast the turkey in an uncovered 325°F (165°C) oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Keep the Mesh On: Leave the mesh string on the turkey roast during cooking. It holds the meat together, helping it retain its shape as it cooks.
- Check with a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the edge or the pan, and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Skipping this step may lead to dry turkey.
Pair this turkey roast with your favorite classic sides for a memorable meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that never fails.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed for a lighter option.
- Cranberry Sauce: Offers a tangy contrast to the turkey.
You can use either fresh or frozen turkey for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Boneless turkey roasts are commonly found in the freezer section or fresh meat section of most grocery stores. Look for brands like Butterball or similar options, and check for roasts that include both white and dark meat if that’s your preference.
No, leave the string casing on during cooking. It helps the turkey roast hold its shape. You can remove it after the turkey has rested and is ready to be sliced.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, and ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
A small roasting pan or a baking dish with a rack will work well for this recipe. The pan should be large enough to fit the turkey roast with some room for air to circulate but not so large that the juices spread too thin.
Yes, if you don’t have a roasting rack, you can place the turkey roast on a bed of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions, to lift it off the bottom of the pan.
Allow the turkey to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Roast Turkey Recipe
- Perfect Size: Designed for smaller meals or gatherings, it delivers just the right amount without leaving you with too many leftovers.
- Simple to Make: Clear, easy steps make this turkey roast approachable and stress-free.
- Packed with Flavor: The herb seasoning creates a flavorful crust, keeping the turkey moist and delicious.
Be sure to explore all of our Thanksgiving For One recipes.
A turkey roast is a smaller, more manageable alternative to a whole turkey. It’s a boneless cut of turkey meat, usually tied together and cooked like a small roast. It’s an excellent choice for smaller gatherings when a full turkey isn’t necessary.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this roast turkey recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Turkey Roast: I usually use a Butterball turkey roast, which typically weighs about 3 pounds. It’s the perfect size for smaller meals.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper add wonderful flavor to the roast. You can customize the seasoning blend by substituting with dried rosemary or herbes de Provence if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: Combining the spices with olive oil creates a paste that helps them adhere to the turkey as it cooks. I always use extra virgin olive oil because it’s the least processed and retains a pure olive flavor. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. If you prefer, you can use a lighter olive oil instead.
- Butter: I use salted butter for this recipe, placing small pieces over the turkey before roasting. As it melts, the butter seeps into the meat, adding flavor and helping to crisp the surface.
SUPER EASY!!! JUICY TURKEY BREAST ROAST RECIPE (small portion) Budget Friendly
FAQ
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey breast roast?
Cooking a Butterball turkey typically takes about 13 to 15 minutes per pound when roasting it at 325°F (163°C). Here’s a quick reference based on weight:
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
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Less drying out:The lower temperature cooks the turkey breast more gently, minimizing moisture loss and resulting in a juicier bird.
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Even cooking:A lower temperature ensures the whole breast cooks evenly, preventing the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
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Suitable for most cuts:Whether you’re cooking a boneless or bone-in turkey breast, 325°F is a safe and reliable temperature to use.
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.
Do you cook a turkey roast 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
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey breast?
Season the roast with your preferred herbs and spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or rosemary. 7. Place the roasting pan with the turkey roast in the preheated oven. 8. Roast the butterball boneless turkey breast for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Are Butterball turkey breasts ready to cook?
For the ultimate convenience, Butterball Ready-to-Roast turkey breasts are fully prepared and ready to cook with no thawing, no prep work and minimal clean-up. No matter which method you choose to cook turkey breast — all of them produce delicious results — make sure the meat’s internal temperature reaches 165ºF before serving.
What is a Butterball boneless Turkey Breast Roast?
Roasting a Butterball boneless turkey breast roast is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner without the hassle of dealing with a whole bird. This tender and juicy roast is the perfect choice for smaller gatherings or individuals who prefer white meat.
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
7. Place the roasting pan with the turkey roast in the preheated oven. 8. Roast the butterball boneless turkey breast for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 9. If using the netting, remove it after about 2/3 of the cooking time for even browning. 10.
Do Butterball turkey breasts need to be reheated?
Some Butterball turkey breasts come fully cooked and simply need reheating in the oven before serving. Fully cooked turkey requires the least amount of preparation and cooking time. For fresh or frozen turkey breast, use the Butterball turkey cooking calculator to determine the proper cook time for oven-roasted turkey.
How do you season a Butterball turkey breast?
Seasoning plays a significant role in enhancing the flavors of your Butterball turkey breast. The possibilities are endless, but let’s explore a classic and delightful herb seasoning: Mix together a combination of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley in a small bowl. Add some olive oil to create a paste-like consistency.