5 Delicious Turkey Breast Recipes You'll Love
Are you ready to transform the humble turkey breast into something extraordinary? Turkey breast is not just for Thanksgiving; it's a versatile ingredient that can be the star of many delicious dishes, perfect for any occasion. From juicy, herbed roasted turkey to tender turkey roulades, these recipes will make you rethink what this meat can do. Let's dive into the world of turkey breast recipes that promise both flavor and ease of preparation.
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
If you’re looking for a classic way to prepare turkey breast, look no further than this Roast Turkey with Herb Butter. It’s simple yet imbues the turkey with rich flavors.
- Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey Breast, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon each Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Sage (minced)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix the butter with the herbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pat the turkey breast dry, then gently loosen the skin and smear half of the herb butter beneath it.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan, rub the remaining butter over the skin, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
⭐ Note: Allow the turkey to come to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
Turkey Breast Roulade with Spinach and Feta
A roulade is a sophisticated way to serve turkey, filled with vibrant ingredients for a unique taste experience.
- Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey Breast (around 2-3 lbs, butterflied)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, steamed and chopped
- 1⁄2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil
- Instructions:
- Pound the butterflied turkey to an even thickness.
- Layer spinach, feta, and garlic over the meat, season with salt and pepper.
- Roll up tightly, secure with kitchen twine.
- Sear the roulade in a hot pan with oil until all sides are golden.
- Transfer to an oven preheated at 375°F (190°C) and roast for about 30-35 minutes.
- Let it rest before slicing.
🌟 Note: Make sure to tie the roulade firmly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Citrus Glazed Turkey Breast
This recipe offers a refreshing twist with a tangy citrus glaze that pairs beautifully with the turkey’s mild flavor.
- Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey Breast, skinless and boneless
- 1 Orange, juice and zest
- 1 Lemon, juice and zest
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt, Pepper
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix orange and lemon juice, zest, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for the glaze.
- Place turkey in a roasting pan, baste with half of the glaze.
- Roast for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
For those who prefer the ease of a slow cooker, this recipe offers succulent turkey with homemade gravy.
- Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey Breast (around 5 lbs, bone-in)
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- Salt, Pepper, Thyme
- Instructions:
- Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Layer onions and garlic in the slow cooker, place turkey on top, then add chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove turkey; thicken the drippings with flour to make gravy.
- Slice the turkey and serve with gravy.
Grilled Turkey Breast with Herb Marinade
Grilling turkey brings out an exquisite flavor, especially when it’s marinated with fresh herbs and olive oil.
- Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey Breast, bone-in
- 1⁄2 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons each Fresh Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- Salt, Pepper
- Instructions:
- Combine olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Marinate the turkey for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill for indirect grilling.
- Grill the turkey over indirect heat until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C), turning and basting occasionally.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
💡 Note: For even marination, consider poking the turkey breast with a fork or knife.
In this culinary exploration, we’ve transformed the humble turkey breast into mouthwatering dishes that can grace your table for any meal, not just the holidays. From the classic roasted turkey to an adventurous roulade, each recipe demonstrates how versatile this often-overlooked cut of meat can be. The simple techniques shared here, paired with quality ingredients, elevate turkey breast into a gourmet experience. Enjoy the flavors, try out the methods, and let your turkey breast sing in ways you might not have imagined before.
Can I use ground turkey for these recipes?
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Ground turkey can be substituted for turkey breast in recipes like the roulade or even the slow cooker dish, although the texture will be different. For roasting or grilling, however, stick with a whole turkey breast for optimal results.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
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The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, ensuring it doesn’t touch any bone.
What can I serve with these turkey recipes?
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Turkey pairs well with a variety of sides: roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green beans, or even a fresh salad for something lighter.