This Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast is a festive delight! It’s juicy, tender, and packed with the flavors of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, making it perfect for your holiday feast.
Your guests will love the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen. I usually serve it with cranberry sauce and stuffing—talk about a Christmas win! 🎄
Best part? It’s easy to make! Just rub those herbs on the turkey, pop it in the oven, and let it roast while you take care of other holiday fun. Who knew turkey could be this simple?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: Use a skin-on turkey breast, around 3 to 4 pounds for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. If you want an easier option, you can use skinless turkey breast, but it may need more moisture added during cooking.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage contribute lovely aromas, but you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount when using dried since they are more concentrated.
Olive Oil or Butter: This is the base for your herb rub. You could swap for avocado oil for a different flavor or ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Orange Zest: This adds a nice brightness! If you don’t have oranges, lemon zest works too. You can also skip this if you prefer a more straightforward flavor profile.
Pomegranate & Cranberries: These add a festive touch. If you can’t find them, grapes or even slices of apple can create a beautiful presentation.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Stays Moist While Roasting?
The key to a moist turkey breast is all in the preparation and cooking method. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to dry the turkey breast with paper towels; this helps the skin get crispy.
- Rub the herb mixture under the skin as much as possible—this infuses moisture and flavor directly into the meat.
- Basting is crucial! About halfway through cooking, spoon some pan juices over the turkey to keep it moist.
- Let the turkey rest after cooking; this step lets the juices redistribute instead of leaking out when you slice it.
Following these steps will help your turkey be juicy and delicious. Enjoy your cooking journey!
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for Christmas Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 3 to 4 pounds), skin on
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh sage and thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for roasting. Be sure to also set aside an additional 10-15 minutes for resting the turkey before you slice it. In total, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours of active time and resting combined—perfect to get your kitchen ready for the holiday cheer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the turkey breast evenly without drying it out.
2. Preparing the Herb Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, sage, orange zest, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir well to create a fragrant herb paste that will infuse flavor into the turkey.
3. Seasoning the Turkey:
Take the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This creates a beautiful crispy skin when roasted. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Placing in the Roasting Pan:
Put the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan or baking dish. For an extra touch, scatter some fresh herb sprigs around the turkey for added flavor and aroma during cooking.
5. Roasting the Turkey:
Roast the turkey in your preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
6. Basting for Moisture:
About halfway through roasting, carefully baste the turkey with the pan juices or more melted butter. This helps keep the meat juicy and enhances the flavor.
7. Letting It Rest:
Once the roasting time is up, take the turkey breast out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the turkey, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
8. Slicing the Turkey:
Now, slice the turkey breast into thick pieces. This will make it easier to serve and look beautiful on your platter.
9. Garnishing:
Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh sage leaves, thyme sprigs, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. This gives a lovely festive touch to the presentation.
10. Serving Time!
Serve your herb-roasted turkey breast warm alongside your favorite Christmas sides like roasted squash, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Your guests will surely enjoy this delightful holiday treat!
This herb-roasted turkey breast will bring beautiful aroma, moist tenderness, and festive flair to your Christmas dinner table! Enjoy!
Can I Use Bone-In Turkey Breast Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in turkey breast! Just adjust the cooking time as it may take a bit longer to roast. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. For this recipe, that would be about 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, being careful not to dry it out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the herb marinade and rub it on the turkey breast a day in advance. Keep the turkey covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.