Keep frozen. Cook thoroughly to 165.0 degrees F for safety. Preparing your butterball turkey breast: Thaw: Refrigerator: Thaw turkey breast in unopened wrapper, on a tray, in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days. Do not thaw at room temperature. Quick thaw – cold water: Place unopened turkey breast in sink filled with cold tap water for 4-8 hours. Change water every 30 minutes. Once thawed, keep in refrigerator until ready to cook. Prepare (if cooking from frozen see direction below): 1. Remove packaging: Remove netting and wrapper. Refrigerate gravy packet until ready to use. Drain juices and pat turkey breast with paper towels. 2. Stuff turkey – when roasting, if desired: Stuff turkey breast just before roasting. Lightly fill rib and neck cavities; cover exposed stuffing with foil. Approximate thawing & cooking times: Weight – 3 to 5 1/2 lbs. Thaw* in refrigerator – 1 to 2 days. Roast** unstuffed – 1 1/2-2 1/4 hours. Roast** stuffed – 2-2 3/4 hours. Frozen unstuffed – 3-3 3/4 hours. Grill unstuffed – 1 1/2-2 hours. Weight – 5 1/2 to 9 lbs. Thaw* in refrigerator – 2 to 3 days. Roast** unstuffed – 2 1/4-2 3/4 hours. Roast** stuffed – 2 3/4-3 1/4 hours. Frozen unstuffed – 3 3/4-4 1/2 hours. Grill unstuffed – 2-2 1/2 hours. *Always thaw in unopened wrapper, thaw on tray in refrigerator, or thaw in cold water, change water every 30 minutes. Do not thaw at room temperature. **Use a shallow open pan with a flat rack in a 325 degrees F oven. If turkey is covered or placed in an oven cooking bag, cook time will vary. Roast: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Place prepared turkey breast, skin side up, on flat roasting rack in 2″ deep open roasting pan. Do not add water to pan. 3. Brush or spray skin with vegetable oil; insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the deepest part of the breast, not touching bone. 4. Roast uncovered according to time guidelines chart or until meat thermometer in thickest part of muscle is 170 degrees F. If turkey breast is stuffed, the center of stuffing should be 165 degrees F. Roasting times will vary from guidelines if turkey breast is covered or placed in an oven cooking bag. 5. Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving. To roast from frozen: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Remove netting and wrapper. 3. Place turkey breast, skin side down, on flat roasting rack in 2″ deep open roasting pan and roast for 1 hour. Do not add water to pan. 4. Carefully remove gravy packet and refrigerate packet until ready to use. 5. Turn turkey breast skin side up; brush or spray skin with vegetable oil; insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the deepest part of the breast, not touching bone. 6. Continue roasting uncovered to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F on a meat thermometer. 7. Let turkey stand 10 minutes before carving. Grill: Go to www.butterball.com for grilling directions and great recipe ideas.
Cooking a turkey breast can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, you’ll have a beautifully browned, juicy turkey breast every time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook a Butterball turkey breast to perfection.
Choosing and Thawing Your Butterball Turkey Breast
When selecting your turkey breast, look for one that is around 3 to 5 pounds. This size provides the best balance of cooking time and yield for feeding a typical family. Opt for a breast that feels plump and firm to the touch without any tears in the packaging.
If you purchased a frozen turkey breast, proper thawing is crucial. The safest approach is to thaw it in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours for every 4 pounds. For a 3 pound breast, thaw for 1-2 days. Never thaw on the counter, as bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Once thawed, cook within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Now it’s time for the fun part – seasoning and cooking this bird!
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Turkey Breast
Preheat your oven to 325°F. While it heats up, remove your thawed turkey breast from the packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, melted butter, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage, and seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder Rub this all over the turkey breast, getting it under the skin when possible.
Place the seasoned breast skin side up on a rack in a roasting pan. No need to add liquid – we want to roast, not steam. Adding roughly chopped carrots onions and celery under the rack can add flavor.
Calculating Cook Time Based on Weight
The cook time depends on the size of your Butterball turkey breast. Plan for approximately 20 minutes per pound at 325°F.
- A 3 pound breast takes about 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours
- A 5 pound breast takes 1 3⁄4 – 2 1⁄4 hours
- A 7 pound breast takes 2 1⁄4 – 2 3⁄4 hours
Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than time to gauge doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Monitoring Temperature and Basting
After the first hour, start basting every 30 minutes using a mixture of broth, melted butter and citrus juice. Basting keeps the turkey breast moist and adds flavor.
After basting 2-3 times, loosely tent foil over the breast to prevent over-browning if needed. Continue roasting and basting until the thermometer registers 165°F when inserted into the thickest area.
Letting It Rest Before Carving
Once the desired internal temp is reached, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful meat.
After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the breast against the grain. Arrange slices on a platter and serve with pan juices drizzled over the top.
Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas
A beautifully cooked Butterball turkey breast deserves delicious sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies and cranberry sauce.
Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, casseroles, soups and more. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze carved turkey for up to 3 months.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can cook a juicy, flavorful Butterball turkey breast for your next special occasion. Monitor the temperature, baste generously, and let it rest before serving for the perfect results.
DescriptionButterball® Whole Turkey Breast with Ribs and Back Portion.Contains upto 18% of a solution of water, salt, natural flavors.*No artificial ingredients.Minimally processed.+Except for the gravy packet.All natural*+.American Humane certified.humaneheartland.org.Inspected for wholesomeness by U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA Grade A.Gravy packet included.Gluten free.Always tender & juicy.
| Title | Raw Turkey |
| Energy | 160 |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Daily Percent Of Calcium | 2 |
| Daily Percent Of Iron | 10 |
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long to cook a Butterball boneless turkey breast?
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Before removing plastic bag place roast under warm, running water for 1 minute. …
- Place turkey on rack in shallow roasting pan. …
- Cook until meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) – approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before removing netting and slicing.
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Is it better to cook a bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350 degrees? Cook a bone-in turkey breast at 350°F. It will typically take 12-15 minutes per pound. So an 8-9 lb bone-in turkey breast will roast for 1 ½ to 2 hours (90 to 120 minutes).
How many minutes per pound for Butterball turkey?
You roast a turkey, at 325 F, for 20 minutes per pound. So, a 20 lb turkey takes about 6.5 – 7 hours to cook.
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 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).
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast in the oven?
Season your dog’s boneless chicken or turkey breast with olive oil and oven bake for around 25 minutes, or as directed on the packaging for the weight, or boil for approximately 8-15 minutes after bringing the water to the boil. It’s important to cook separately to avoid mixing with any of your own turkey’s seasoning, such as stuffing or onions.
What are Butterball turkey breasts & roasts?
Butterball turkey breasts and roasts are perfect for almost any meal occasion, from small gatherings to weeknight dinners. Enjoy the classic taste of turkey without the effort of cooking a whole bird. Looking for inspiration about how to cook and use turkey breasts and roasts? Explore our tasty turkey breast recipes and helpful FAQs.