This Turkey Roast, seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, makes a wonderful main dish for a small Thanksgiving celebration or intimate dinner party. It’s simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Boneless turkey breast is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey that still delivers all that delicious flavor in a more manageable size. Learning how to properly bake a boneless turkey breast ensures you end up with tender, juicy meat and crispy, golden skin every time.
In this article, I’ll share my foolproof method for baking boneless turkey breast to perfection along with tips for maximizing moisture and flavor. Once you master this easy technique, you can enjoy incredible baked turkey breast any night of the week!
Choosing the Right Boneless Turkey Breast
The first step is selecting a high-quality boneless turkey breast at the store, Here are a few tips
-
Opt for fresh vs frozen – Fresh turkey breast offers the best flavor and texture.
-
Look for a size around 3-4 lbs – This provides enough meat without being unwieldy.
-
Inspect for plumpness – It should feel moist and firm, not dry or squishy
-
Check sell-by date – Pick the freshest breast possible for maximum juiciness.
-
Make sure it’s correctly labeled boneless – This ensures easy prep and cooking.
Taking a little extra time to choose just the right boneless turkey breast pays off with the best results when baking.
Seasoning is Key
One of the secrets to incredibly flavorful baked turkey breast is all in how you season it. Here’s a simple but effective seasoning blend:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat and rub half of the seasoning mix directly onto the meat. Then sprinkle the remaining half evenly all over the skin. Massage it in with your fingers. This seasoning helps promote a super tender and juicy interior with a crispy, seasoned exterior when baked.
Prepare a Wire Roasting Rack
The setup is crucial for even cooking and easy prep. Place a wire roasting rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Sit the seasoned boneless turkey breast directly on the rack.
The rack allows air flow under and around the entire breast to promote browning. The baking sheet catches any drippings for making gravy or pan sauce later.
Determine Cook Time
The general rule of thumb for baking boneless turkey breast is about 20-25 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 3-4 pound breast will need 60-100 minutes in the oven.
However, slight variances in size means it’s best to rely on an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness instead of just cook time. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast and it’s done when the temperature reaches 165°F.
Baste for Moisture and Flavor
Basting helps keep the turkey breast deliciously moist while adding flavor. Mix together 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 teaspoons fresh thyme.
Use a brush or spoon to coat the breast with the baste. Baste it every 20 minutes during baking. The butter and lemon juice prevent drying while the herbs infuse flavor.
Let It Rest Before Carving
Never slice into turkey straight out of the oven! Letting it rest is crucial. The resting time allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you slice into it.
After baking, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. The temperature will continue rising about 5°F during the rest.
Carve and Serve
Use a sharp carving or chef’s knife to slice the turkey breast crosswise into thin, even slices. Arrange them nicely on a platter or individual plates. The juicy, tender baked turkey breast makes a satisfying entree. Pair it with your favorite side dishes or use for meal prep lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Common Questions
How long does it take to bake boneless turkey breast?
About 20-25 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 3 pound breast takes 60-75 minutes. Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness.
Can I stuff a boneless turkey breast?
You can carefully loosen the skin and stuff seasoning rubs or compound butter under it. But true stuffing won’t work well with boneless.
What temperature should I bake turkey breast at?
350°F is ideal for cooking the breast evenly without drying it out. Do not exceed 375°F.
What is the minimum internal temperature for turkey?
165°F is the safe minimum internal temperature for turkey breast. This ensures any bacteria are destroyed.
Can I bake turkey breast from frozen?
It’s best to thaw turkey breast before seasoning and baking. Thaw in the refrigerator 24 hrs per 1 lb.
Enjoy Flavorful Baked Turkey Breast Any Night
With these handy tips and techniques, you can serve up incredibly moist, tender and delicious baked boneless turkey breast any evening as an easy dinner.
The simple seasoned bake maximizes flavor and juiciness. Pair it with veggies, rice, pasta or potatoes for a complete meal. Leftovers also make excellent sandwiches or additions to soups and salads.
From choosing the right boneless breast to seasoning, cooking, resting and slicing, feel confident in baking picture-perfect turkey breast every time. Your family will keep begging for you to bake this simple yet totally scrumptious turkey breast recipe on repeat.
/turkeybreast2500-1667-5914c2a73df78c7a8c2e2891.jpg)
How To Cook A Turkey Roast
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to roast turkey. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Herb Paste: In a small bowl, mix the spices with olive oil to form a paste. Rub the paste evenly over the entire turkey roast.
- Set Up for Roasting: Place the turkey roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Top the turkey with pieces of butter.
- Bake: Roast the turkey in an uncovered 325°F (165°C) oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Keep the Mesh On: Leave the mesh string on the turkey roast during cooking. It holds the meat together, helping it retain its shape as it cooks.
- Check with a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the edge or the pan, and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Skipping this step may lead to dry turkey.
Pair this turkey roast with your favorite classic sides for a memorable meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that never fails.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed for a lighter option.
- Cranberry Sauce: Offers a tangy contrast to the turkey.
You can use either fresh or frozen turkey for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Boneless turkey roasts are commonly found in the freezer section or fresh meat section of most grocery stores. Look for brands like Butterball or similar options, and check for roasts that include both white and dark meat if that’s your preference.
No, leave the string casing on during cooking. It helps the turkey roast hold its shape. You can remove it after the turkey has rested and is ready to be sliced.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, and ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
A small roasting pan or a baking dish with a rack will work well for this recipe. The pan should be large enough to fit the turkey roast with some room for air to circulate but not so large that the juices spread too thin.
Yes, if you don’t have a roasting rack, you can place the turkey roast on a bed of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions, to lift it off the bottom of the pan.
Allow the turkey to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Roast Turkey Recipe
- Perfect Size: Designed for smaller meals or gatherings, it delivers just the right amount without leaving you with too many leftovers.
- Simple to Make: Clear, easy steps make this turkey roast approachable and stress-free.
- Packed with Flavor: The herb seasoning creates a flavorful crust, keeping the turkey moist and delicious.
Be sure to explore all of our Thanksgiving For One recipes.
A turkey roast is a smaller, more manageable alternative to a whole turkey. It’s a boneless cut of turkey meat, usually tied together and cooked like a small roast. It’s an excellent choice for smaller gatherings when a full turkey isn’t necessary.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this roast turkey recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Turkey Roast: I usually use a Butterball turkey roast, which typically weighs about 3 pounds. It’s the perfect size for smaller meals.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper add wonderful flavor to the roast. You can customize the seasoning blend by substituting with dried rosemary or herbes de Provence if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: Combining the spices with olive oil creates a paste that helps them adhere to the turkey as it cooks. I always use extra virgin olive oil because it’s the least processed and retains a pure olive flavor. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. If you prefer, you can use a lighter olive oil instead.
- Butter: I use salted butter for this recipe, placing small pieces over the turkey before roasting. As it melts, the butter seeps into the meat, adding flavor and helping to crisp the surface.