Cooking a Butterball boneless turkey breast roast is a fantastic way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey without the fuss of a whole bird. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or a small holiday gathering, this guide will walk you through the steps to roast a tender, mouthwatering turkey breast that everyone will love.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Butterball boneless turkey breast roasts are typically around 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and come either fresh or frozen. If frozen, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The roast is lean, tender, and perfect for those who want all the taste of turkey with less preparation time.
Ingredients for a Perfect Roast
– 1 Butterball boneless turkey breast roast (about 3 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced or cut into matchsticks
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
– 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
Feel free to customize your seasoning with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, or add lemon zest for a bright twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature ensures the turkey cooks evenly and stays juicy.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Remove the turkey roast from its packaging. If still frozen, thaw it under cold running water for about a minute before cooking. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely.
3. Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible, to maximize flavor penetration.
For an extra flavor boost, make small slits in the turkey and insert garlic matchsticks into the meat.
4. Prepare the Roasting Pan
Place a rack inside a shallow roasting pan and pour 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom. This will keep the turkey moist and catch drippings for a delicious gravy later.
5. Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast on the rack, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes per pound. For a 3-pound roast, this means roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
6. Crisp the Skin (Optional)
Once the turkey reaches the target temperature, increase the oven to 375°F (190°C) and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp and brown the skin beautifully.
7. Rest Before Slicing
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy when sliced.
Tips for the Juiciest Butterball Boneless Turkey Breast
– Don’t skip the butter or oil rub: It helps lock in moisture and creates a flavorful crust.
– Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature at the thickest part.
– Let it rest: This step is crucial for juicy meat.
– Add aromatics: Garlic, herbs, and even lemon zest add layers of flavor.
– Use the pan juices: Make a simple gravy by deglazing the roasting pan with broth or wine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your roasted Butterball boneless turkey breast with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. Leftovers can be transformed into sandwiches, soups, or salads for easy meals the next day.
Cooking a Butterball boneless turkey breast roast is straightforward and rewarding. With simple seasoning and careful roasting, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this turkey roast!