Cooking a Butterball turkey breast is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey without the fuss of a whole bird. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your Butterball turkey breast turns out perfectly every time.
What You Need to Know Before Cooking
Butterball turkey breasts come in various forms, but the most common is the boneless, netted turkey breast roast. These typically weigh around 3 to 5 pounds and are perfect for roasting. The key to a great turkey breast is cooking it low and slow to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking a Butterball Turkey Breast
1. Prepare Your Turkey Breast
– Remove the turkey breast from its packaging, including any plastic wrap and netting. Pat it dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting.
– If your turkey breast comes with a gravy packet, set it aside for later or discard if you prefer making your own gravy.
2. Preheat Your Oven
– Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature allows the turkey to cook evenly without drying out.
3. Seasoning and Flavoring
You can keep it simple or add a burst of flavor with a herb butter rub. Here’s a popular and easy way to season your Butterball turkey breast:
– Mix softened unsalted butter with fresh herbs like thyme, lemon peel, and a pinch of kosher salt.
– Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast and rub the herb butter underneath and over the skin. This adds moisture and a delicious flavor.
– Alternatively, for a zesty twist, brush the turkey breast with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning and oregano before roasting.
4. Prepare the Roasting Pan
– Place a rack inside a shallow roasting pan. If you like, create a bed of chopped vegetables (like onions, carrots, and celery), lemon slices, garlic cloves, and bay leaves to elevate the turkey breast. This not only helps with even cooking but also adds flavor to the drippings for gravy.
5. Roast the Turkey Breast
– Place the turkey breast skin side up on the rack or vegetable bed.
– Roast uncovered in the preheated oven. Cooking time is generally about 15 minutes per pound, so for a 3 to 5-pound breast, expect around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is safely cooked when it reaches 170°F (77°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
6. Rest Before Carving
– Once the turkey reaches the right temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil.
– Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy when sliced.
7. Carve and Serve
– Remove the netting carefully.
– Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve with your favorite sides and gravy.
Tips for Perfect Butterball Turkey Breast
– Don’t rush the cooking: Low and slow is the key to moist turkey.
– Use an instant-read thermometer: This ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your turkey.
– Add flavor with herbs and citrus: Butter, thyme, lemon, and garlic are classic pairings that enhance the turkey’s natural taste.
– Rest the meat: Always let your turkey rest before carving to keep it juicy.
Simple Gravy Idea
If you want to make a quick gravy from your roasting pan drippings:
– Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
– Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook until golden.
– Slowly whisk in turkey drippings and some broth until smooth and thickened.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This homemade gravy pairs beautifully with your roasted Butterball turkey breast.
Enjoy your delicious, juicy Butterball turkey breast with family and friends!
Tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, a Butterball turkey breast roast is a winner for any occasion. Happy cooking!