Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

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Nothing quite beats the comforting aroma and luscious flavor of a perfectly roasted turkey. This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe brings the classic roast to a whole new level with a marriage of fragrant fresh herbs, silky garlic butter, and tender, juicy turkey breast. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving an impressive yet approachable main dish, this recipe guarantees a spectacular centerpiece that melts in your mouth every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but vibrant ingredients is the first secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role—fresh herbs add an aromatic brightness, garlic infuses deep savoriness, and the butter creates that silky, golden crust that makes the turkey irresistibly tender.

• 2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb single turkey breast, skin on, bone in (NOT BRINED): Bone-in ensures juicy meat and the skin adds crispness and flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the turkey.
• Small bunch of fresh herbs (4 rosemary sprigs, 8 sage sprigs, 10 thyme sprigs): These fresh herbs infuse the turkey with earthy, piney notes that brighten every bite.
• 12 garlic cloves, smashed: Smashed garlic releases a mellow, aromatic flavor that permeates the turkey and baking pan.
• 150 g / 5 oz (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the luscious base for the herb garlic butter mixture, creating moistness and flavor.
• 1 1/4 tsp table salt or 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Ensures the butter seasoning enhances the turkey’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat to the butter blend.
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced: Finely chopped garlic in the butter mix boosts intense garlicky goodness.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage: Offers a warm, slightly peppery note that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary: Rosemary provides a fragrant, woodsy layer to the butter.
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped: Thyme’s subtle citrusy undertones elevate the overall herb flavor.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds a fresh, mildly grassy finish to the butter.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Bring Turkey to Room Temperature

Start by removing the turkey breast from the fridge about 45 minutes before cooking (reduce to 30 minutes if it’s very warm where you are). Allowing the meat to come closer to room temperature ensures even cooking and a juicier outcome.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 200C / 390F, placing the rack in the lower middle position. This heat level will roast the turkey perfectly—crispy on the outside and beautifully tender inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb and Garlic Bed

Arrange the smashed garlic cloves and the bunch of fresh herbs in the center of a baking dish. This bed will impart flavorful steam and aroma to your turkey as it roasts, making the breast tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Mix together the softened butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and all the chopped fresh herbs. This mixture is the heart of our recipe, infusing every bite with luscious herbal and garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Loosen the Turkey Skin

Carefully use an upside-down teaspoon to gently separate the turkey skin from the flesh, working under the thin surface layer without tearing it. This step allows the butter to marinate the meat directly, adding moisture and flavor beneath the skin.

Step 6: Spread Butter Under the Skin

Use about two-thirds of your garlic herb butter and spread it evenly under the skin on the top side of the breast. Using your hands here helps you gently massage the butter into every pocket for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Butter the Underside

Flip the turkey breast over and spread the remaining butter—except for about 2 tablespoons you’ll reserve for the surface—beneath the skin on the underside. This helps ensure the entire breast benefits from the herb butter.

Step 8: Place Turkey on Herb Bed and Butter the Skin

Set the turkey breast skin-side up on top of the garlic and herb bed in your baking dish. Then, gently smear the leftover butter over the skin’s surface. Avoid adding too much here, as herbs on the skin can burn if overexposed to heat.

Step 9: Optional Make-Ahead Step

At this point, you can cover the turkey and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to roast, bring it out and allow it to warm slightly at room temperature for 45 minutes before proceeding.

Step 10: Roast the Turkey

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and roast for about 90 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 74C / 165F when measured at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.

Step 11: Rest and Carve

Once out of the oven, let the turkey breast rest for around 15 minutes. This resting period redistributes the juices throughout the meat for tender, juicy slices when you carve.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herb sprigs scattered on the serving platter add a vibrant splash of green and reinforce the herbaceous flavors of this dish. A few roasted garlic cloves from the pan can be spread alongside for guests who adore that mellow garlic warmth.

Side Dishes

This roasted turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The herb butter shine on the turkey is perfect to drizzle over any sides you serve.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out on a wooden board layered with fresh herb sprigs. Surround the slices with seasonal fruits like cranberries or apple slices to add a colorful and fresh contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice it thinly before storing for easy snacking or sandwiches.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, wrap the sliced turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain quality and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out, warm slices gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth or wrapped in foil inside a moderate oven set to 160C / 320F until heated through. Avoid microwaving which can make the meat rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While you can, using bone-in turkey breast is preferable because the bone helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor during roasting.

Is it necessary to loosen the skin to apply the butter?

Yes! Loosening the skin lets you spread the garlic herb butter directly on the meat, which results in juicier, more flavorful turkey.

Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried ones?

Fresh herbs are best for their vibrant flavor, but if you must use dried, reduce the quantity by about a third to avoid overpowering the dish.

How do I know when the turkey breast is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part; it should read 74C / 165F for safe and juicy results.

Can I prepare the Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the beauties of this recipe is that you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it before roasting, which actually helps intensify the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about roasting turkey breast with a garlic herb butter that elevates a simple meal to a celebration-worthy feast. I encourage you to try this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe for your next gathering or whenever you want to treat yourself to a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s straightforward, delicious, and sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

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