Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a delightful dish perfect for any family gathering or special occasion. The juicy turkey breast is infused with the flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, making it a standout centerpiece for your dinner table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a Sunday roast, this recipe will surely impress your guests.
Why Make This Recipe
Choosing Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast means you get a delicious meal with minimal effort. The combination of herbs and butter creates a rich flavor that keeps the turkey moist while adding a beautiful aroma to your kitchen. Plus, it’s an excellent way to serve a classic dish without going overboard with preparation time.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Making Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to prepare this flavorful dish that will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb single turkey breast (skin on, bone in, NOT BRINED)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- Small bunch of fresh herbs:
- 4 rosemary sprigs
- 8 sprigs sage
- 10 thyme sprigs
- 12 garlic cloves (smashed with side of knife)
- 150 g / 5 oz (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 tsp table salt or 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped sage (fresh)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary (fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (fresh)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley leaves (fresh)
Directions
Remove fridge chill: Take the turkey out of the fridge 45 minutes before cooking (or 30 minutes if it’s super hot where you are).
Preheat oven: Set the oven to 200°C / 390°F (all oven types). Place the rack in the lower middle position.
Prepare garlic and herbs: Place the smashed garlic and the bunch of fresh herbs in the middle of a baking dish.
Mix butter: In a bowl, combine the butter ingredients.
Loosen skin: Use a teaspoon to gently loosen the skin from the turkey flesh. This is easiest if you go under the thin layer of skin.
Smear butter under skin: Take about 2/3 of the butter mixture and smear it under the skin on the top half of the breast. Try to get it as even as possible.
Turn turkey upside down: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of butter for the surface and smear the rest on the underside.
Place in pan: Set the turkey in the pan on top of the herbs, skin side up. Smear the remaining butter on the skin. It’s best not to use too much on the skin to prevent burning.
Make ahead option: At this point, you can refrigerate the turkey uncovered for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the fridge 45 minutes before you plan to serve.
Roasting: Place the turkey in the oven and roast until fully cooked, ensuring a delicious, golden-brown skin.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Once roasted, let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or stuffing. Garnish with extra herbs for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The turkey can last for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers; they will keep for about 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs according to your preference.
- Ensure the butter is softened to make it easier to smear under the skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F.
Variation
If you want to add a spicy kick, consider adding some chili flakes to the butter mixture for a lively twist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast. Just adjust the cooking time, as it may cook faster.
Q2: What can I do with leftover turkey?
A2: Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even soups.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the turkey and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting. Just allow it to come to room temperature before cooking.
Enjoy your Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast, and impress everyone with your cooking skills!
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5-3 kg single turkey breast (skin on, bone in, NOT BRINED) Weight should be between 5-6 lbs.
- 0.5 tsp salt
- Black pepper To taste
- 4 sprigs rosemary Fresh
- 8 sprigs sage Fresh
- 10 sprigs thyme Fresh
- 12 cloves garlic (smashed with side of knife)
- 150 g unsalted butter (softened) About 10 tbsp
- 1.25 tsp table salt Or 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped sage Fresh
- 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary Fresh
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Fresh
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley leaves Fresh
Instructions
Preparation
- Take the turkey out of the fridge 45 minutes before cooking (or 30 minutes if it’s super hot where you are).
- Set the oven to 200°C / 390°F (all oven types). Place the rack in the lower middle position.
- Place the smashed garlic and the bunch of fresh herbs in the middle of a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the butter ingredients.
- Use a teaspoon to gently loosen the skin from the turkey flesh.
- Take about 2/3 of the butter mixture and smear it under the skin on the top half of the breast.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of butter for the surface and smear the rest on the underside.
- Set the turkey in the pan on top of the herbs, skin side up. Smear the remaining butter on the skin.
- At this point, you can refrigerate the turkey uncovered for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the fridge 45 minutes before you plan to serve.
Roasting
- Place the turkey in the oven and roast until fully cooked, ensuring a delicious, golden-brown skin.
Serving
- Once roasted, let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or stuffing. Garnish with extra herbs.
