Can You Make Turkey Breast Ahead of Time? A Detailed Guide

Cooking a whole turkey and timing it just right for a holiday meal can be incredibly stressful. Many home cooks wonder, can I prepare the turkey breast in advance? The answer is yes! With some planning and preparation, you can cook your turkey breast, slice it, store it properly, and simply reheat it when you are ready to serve.

Why Make Turkey Breast Ahead of Time?

There are several benefits to preparing your turkey breast ahead:

• Avoid timing stress – No need to worry about pulling the hot turkey out of the oven right as your guests arrive. You can roast, slice and refrigerate or freeze the turkey breast 1-3 days in advance.

• Enjoy a relaxed holiday – Making the turkey ahead frees you up to focus on side dishes, desserts, and enjoying time with guests rather than slaving in the kitchen.

• Allows for easy reheating – Sliced turkey breast can be quickly reheated in the oven with minimal fuss and just a drizzle of broth.

• Moist and flavorful meat – Brining or dry brining the breast makes it extra juicy and seasoning it under the skin infuses lots of flavor.

How Far in Advance Can You Cook Turkey Breast?

For best quality and food safety, plan to cook your turkey breast 1-3 days before serving. Here are your options:

• Cook 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate the sliced turkey.

• Cook 2-3 days ahead and freeze the sliced turkey. Thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before reheating.

• Cook, slice, and freeze turkey breast for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Ahead Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for perfect make-ahead turkey breast:

1. Prep the Turkey Breast

• Choose a bone-in, skin-on breast between 5-8 lbs. The bone adds moisture and flavor.

• Brine the breast overnight or dry brine for 1-3 days. This infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it super juicy.

• Season under the skin with herb butter, salt, and pepper. This adds lots of flavor.

2. Roast the Turkey Breast

• Roast at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 1 3/4 – 2 hours.

• Let rest 30 minutes before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb.

3. Slice and Store Turkey

• Carve turkey, cutting breast meat into 3/4 inch slices.

• Arrange slices tightly together in a baking dish to prevent drying out.

• Cover turkey tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze.

4. Reheat and Serve

• Thaw frozen turkey in fridge 1-2 days before reheating.

• Bring refrigerated turkey to room temp before reheating.

• Spread slices in pan, drizzle with broth, cover with foil.

• Bake at 350°F for 25-30 mins until hot. For faster reheating, use 450°F for 10-15 mins.

• Transfer turkey to platter, drizzle with pan juices, and serve!

Tips for Moist, Flavorful Leftover Turkey

Follow these tips for the best results when making turkey breast ahead:

• Brine or dry brine – This seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.

• Roast your turkey breast to the proper internal temperature of 165°F – no higher or it will dry out!

• Let the cooked breast rest before carving so juices redistribute.

• Cut breast meat thickly – slices should be 3/4-inch thick to prevent drying out.

• Keep slices together when storing to prevent exposed surfaces from drying out.

• Wrap turkey tightly before refrigerating or freezing. Use plastic wrap pressed directly on surface, then foil.

• When reheating, use gentle heat of 325-350°F to warm turkey without overcooking.

Make Ahead Turkey Breast Recipes

Here are some delicious make-ahead turkey breast recipes to try:

Make-Ahead Roasted Turkey Breast

This Food Network recipe brines the breast overnight for lots of flavor. Herb butter adds flavor under the skin. Roast, cool, slice and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw and gently reheat with broth.

Make-Ahead Turkey

The Yummy Life’s tutorial shares great tips for roasting, carving, chilling, and reheating the breast for a stress-free holiday meal. It includes steps for making quick turkey broth to use for reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cooked turkey breast last in the fridge?

Cooked turkey breast will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Reheat within this time for the best quality.

Can you freeze sliced turkey breast?

Yes, freezing cooked, sliced turkey breast is a great way to prep holiday meals in advance. Turkey breast can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What is the best way to reheat turkey?

To reheat cooked turkey breast, arrange slices tightly in a baking dish. Drizzle with a little broth, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F – 350°F until hot, 20-30 minutes. Check often to prevent drying out.

Should you brine turkey breast?

Brining is highly recommended for the most flavorful, juicy turkey breast. It infuses seasoning and helps the meat retain moisture. Brine bone-in, skin-on breast 8-24 hours before roasting.

What temp do you reheat turkey at?

Turkey should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Reheat leftovers in a 325°F-350°F oven until completely warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature.

The Bottom Line

Preparing your turkey breast ahead of the holiday meal is an easy way to ensure moist, flavorful meat without the timing stress. With proper brining, roasting, storage, and reheating, you can enjoy a relaxed holiday with family and friends. Use the techniques above for your best make-ahead turkey breast and cranberry sauce yet this season!