How to Cook a Rolled Turkey Breast Roast for a Crowd

A rolled turkey breast roast makes an elegant, impressive main course for a special dinner or smaller holiday gathering. Learn how to prepare juicy, flavorful rolled turkey breast with herbed butter and gravy for your next celebration.

Overview of Rolled Turkey Breast

A rolled turkey breast roast is made by butterflying a whole turkey breast, spreading it with an herb butter, then rolling and tying it into a uniform shape. Often the tenderloins are removed first for an even thickness.

Compared to cooking a full turkey, a rolled breast roast cooks more quickly and serves fewer people – about 8 to 12. So it’s ideal for a more intimate meal.

The process of rolling, seasoning, and roasting keeps the lean breast meat deliciously moist and infused with flavor. Carved slices showcase the herb filling, making for an beautiful presentation.

Advantages of Cooking Rolled Turkey Breast

Here are some of the benefits of cooking a rolled turkey breast roast

• Quick cooking – A breast roast takes only about 1 1/2 hours to roast since it’s a smaller, thinner cut than a whole turkey.

• Easy to season – Butterflying the breast creates more surface area to coat with herbs and spices.

• Self-basting – The rolled shape allows the meat to baste in its natural juices while roasting.

• Lean and tender – Turkey breast has little fat or connective tissue so roasting keeps it tender.

• Feed a smaller group – A breast roast yields about 8-12 servings perfect for holidays or dinner parties.

• Impressive presentation – Carved spirals showing the interior filling look elegant plated.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Rolled Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for foolproof rolled turkey breast roast:

1. Prepare Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with chopped orange zest, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper.

2. Butterfly and Spread Breast

Remove tenderloins and butterfly breast. Spread half the herb butter evenly under the skin.

3. Roll and Tie Breast

Smear remaining herb butter inside breast. Roll into a uniform log and tie at 1-inch intervals with kitchen twine.

4. Arrange Vegetables

Place sliced onions and carrots in the bottom of a roasting pan. Add 1 cup broth.

5. Roast Turkey Breast

Place breast seam-side down atop vegetables. Roast at 400°F, basting occasionally, until 150°F internal temperature.

6. Rest and Make Gravy

Let roast rest 15 minutes then make gravy with pan drippings. Slice and serve with gravy.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• For maximum flavor, do not remove the skin before roasting even if not eating it.

• Baste the roast every 15 minutes with the pan juices to prevent drying out.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness; breast should reach 150°F.

• Let the roast rest after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.

• Make the gravy while the meat rests to incorporate the fond from the pan for full flavor.

Inspiring Rolled Turkey Breast Recipes

There are many delicious ways to season rolled turkey breast roasts. Get inspired with these ideas:

• Tuscan style with rosemary, garlic, lemon, and pancetta

• Italian herbs and cheeses like basil, oregano, and provolone

• Tex Mex style with cumin, chili powder, jalapeño, and pepper jack

• Mediterranean with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta

• Thanksgiving flavors like sage, thyme, cranberries, and walnuts

• Greek with spinach, dill, lemon, and feta

• Bacon and cheddar with chipotle and barbecue sauce

Have fun mixing and matching flavors to create your own signature roast turkey breast!

Serving Suggestions for Rolled Turkey Breast

Carved turkey breast makes wonderful sandwiches piled high on crusty bread the day after Thanksgiving. It also shines in entree salads, wraps, flatbreads, and more.

Slice and serve roasted turkey breast along with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, and cranberry sauce for a festive meal.

Or keep it simple with just turkey, gravy, roasted potatoes, and a green salad for an easy weeknight dinner. Leftovers will make excellent turkey sandwiches or soup!

Rolling, seasoning, and roasting a whole turkey breast is an elegant yet easy cooking method that keeps the lean meat tender and full of flavor. With the right herbs, spices, and aromatics, you can infuse lots of taste into turkey breast for your next special dinner or smaller holiday celebration. Give this impressive roast a try for your next crowd-pleasing meal!