As the holidays approach, many of us start thinking about what turkey option to choose for those big family feasts When it comes to buying an uncooked turkey breast at an affordable price, Costco is a great option worth considering. As avid Costco shoppers ourselves, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about Costco’s selection of uncooked turkey breasts
An Overview of Costco’s Turkey Breast Options
Costco offers a wide variety of uncooked turkey breast options from well-known brands like Jennie-O, Butterball, and Kirkland Signature. Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer:
-
Jennie-O Turkey Breast Roast – This is Costco’s most popular turkey breast option. These boneless, skinless turkey breast roasts weigh around 11 pounds on average. They come pre-seasoned with a tasty blend of herbs and spices.
-
Kirkland Signature Whole Turkey – For a full turkey experience, go for one of Costco’s Kirkland Signature whole turkeys. These birds can weigh anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds.
-
Butterball Turkey Breast – You can also find Butterball turkey breasts at Costco in a range of sizes. They offer both boneless and bone-in varieties.
-
Organic Turkey Breast – Costco has a selection of organic and free-range turkey breasts from brands like Willie Bird.
Why Choose Costco for Your Uncooked Turkey Breast?
There are a few key reasons why Costco’s uncooked turkey breasts are worth buying:
-
Unbeatable Prices – Due to their massive buying power, Costco is able to offer turkey breasts at incredibly low prices compared to most grocery stores. Their popular Jennie-O turkey breast roasts cost just $1.69 per pound on average – that’s a serious bargain for a high-quality bird!
-
Consistent Quality – The uncooked turkey breasts sold at Costco consistently earn high marks for their juiciness, tenderness, and flavor. The Jennie-O roast, for example, is noted for being both flavorful and tender.
-
Convenience – Shopping at Costco means you can grab everything for your holiday meal in one trip. From the uncooked turkey breast to side dishes and desserts, it’s all there!
How to Cook an Uncooked Costco Turkey Breast
Cooking up a tasty uncooked Costco turkey breast is easy. Here are some basic tips:
-
Thaw completely – Make sure to thaw the turkey breast fully in the refrigerator before cooking. This takes 1-2 days depending on the size.
-
Preheat the oven – Preheat your oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan for oven cooking.
-
Calculate cook time – Figure about 15 minutes per pound. An 11 lb Jennie-O breast will take around 2 3⁄4 hours to cook.
-
Check temperature – Cook until the breast reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
-
Season simply – A basic rub of oil, salt, and pepper is all you need. Add herbs or spices for more flavor.
-
Try other cooking methods – You can also smoke, grill, or even slow cook an uncooked turkey breast for delicious results.
Handy Uncooked Turkey Breast Cooking Times
Use these general guidelines for how long your uncooked Costco turkey breast will need to cook:
| Turkey Breast Weight | Approximate Cook Time at 325°F |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1 1⁄4 hours |
| 8 lbs | 2 hours |
| 10 lbs | 2 1⁄2 hours |
| 11 lbs | 2 3⁄4 hours |
| 12 lbs | 3 hours |
Cooking times may vary a bit based on the shape and thickness of each breast. Checking the temperature is the best way to confirm doneness.
Costco Turkey Breast Storage Tips
Properly storing your uncooked Costco turkey breast is important for both freshness and food safety. Here are some tips:
-
Store uncooked turkey breast in original packaging in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
-
For longer fridge storage up to 5 days, rewrap the breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
-
Uncooked breast can be frozen for up to 1 year. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bags.
-
Leftover cooked breast keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Slice breast and store in airtight containers.
-
Cooked turkey breast can be frozen for 2-3 months after cooking. Portion into freezer bags or containers.
Following safe storage guidelines will ensure your Costco turkey breast stays fresh and ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking uncooked Costco turkey breasts:
What’s the best way to thaw a frozen breast?
Thaw frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs. of turkey.
Can I cook a turkey breast from fully frozen?
Yes, but it will take at least 50% longer. Thaw first for best results.
Is it safe to cook turkey breast at 325°F?
Yes, 325°F is within the safe cooking temp range of 325-350°F for poultry.
Can I use an instant read thermometer?
Absolutely! Instant read thermometers are a great way to test breast doneness.
How long does cooked turkey breast last?
Cooked turkey breast lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and 2-3 months in the freezer.
Satisfy Your Crew with Costco’s Uncooked Turkey Breast
Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast From Costco | Chef Dawg
Shopping for an uncooked turkey breast at Costco offers savings, convenience, quality, and ease for your holiday meals. Their wide selection gives you plenty of options at budget-friendly prices. Follow the helpful tips above for thawing, cooking, and storing your uncooked Costco turkey breast. The results will be a juicy, delicious centerpiece your whole family will love this holiday season.
