Cooking a Butterball turkey breast is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey without the hassle of a whole bird. Whether you’re preparing for a small gathering or just craving a flavorful roast, this guide will walk you through easy steps to cook a perfect Butterball turkey breast that’s bursting with flavor.
Preparing Your Butterball Turkey Breast
Before you start cooking, make sure your Butterball turkey breast is fully thawed if it was frozen. Pat it dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely during roasting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 Butterball turkey breast (around 3 to 6 pounds)
– ¼ cup softened butter
– Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme (about 4 tablespoons minced)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions for roasting alongside
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate temperature ensures the turkey breast cooks evenly and stays moist.
2. Prepare the Herb Butter
Mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs such as sage, rosemary, or thyme, along with salt and pepper. This flavorful butter will keep your turkey juicy and aromatic.
3. Apply the Butter Under the Skin
Carefully lift the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Spread about half of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin, directly onto the meat. Then rub the remaining butter all over the skin. This technique infuses the meat with flavor and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
4. Arrange Vegetables (Optional)
If you like, toss chopped root vegetables-such as potatoes, carrots, and onions-with some of the remaining herb butter and place them in the roasting pan around the turkey breast. These will roast alongside and soak up delicious pan juices.
5. Roast the Turkey Breast
Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a rack or directly on the vegetables in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to monitor the temperature. Roast for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on size (approximately 20 minutes per pound for a 3 to 6-pound breast).
6. Check for Doneness
The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat.
7. Optional Broil for Crispness
If you roasted vegetables alongside the turkey, you can broil them for 5 minutes after the turkey is done to achieve a nice golden brown finish.
Tips for Perfect Butterball Turkey Breast
– Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
– Don’t skip the butter under the skin-it’s the secret to juicy meat and crispy skin.
– Customize your herb butter with your favorite herbs and spices like lemon zest, thyme, or rosemary.
– Let the turkey rest before carving to keep it juicy.
– Pair your turkey breast with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Slice your Butterball turkey breast thinly and serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or green beans. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or salads the next day!
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast is straightforward and rewarding. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your flavorful, tender turkey!