This herb-roasted turkey breast is a holiday superstar! It’s juicy, perfectly seasoned, and full of flavor, making it an easy choice for your Christmas dinner.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of herbs roasting in the oven? I can’t wait to enjoy this with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a festive feast! 🎄
What I love most is how simple it is to prepare. Just rub on the herbs, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Christmas dinner made easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A 3 to 4-pound turkey breast is great for juicy meat. If you’re looking for a smaller portion, you can use a bone-in turkey breast or even turkey thighs. They both offer rich flavor.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using olive oil for a lighter taste. If you’re aiming for a richer flavor, go with melted butter. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage give a wonderful aroma. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried versions work too, though you’ll only need about a teaspoon each since they’re stronger.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds such a nice punch! If you’re out, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but use half the amount.
Pomegranate Seeds: They make a fun garnish! If not available, fresh cranberries or even chopped walnuts can add color and texture.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Breast is Perfectly Juicy?
The key to a juicy turkey breast is all in the preparation and resting time. Here are some tips to help you achieve that succulent result:
- Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Rub herb mixture under the skin and all over the outside. It pushes flavor right into the meat.
- Monitor the cooking temperature using a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Don’t rush! Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute back into the meat.
- If the skin is browning too fast, don’t hesitate to cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Following these simple tips will help you create a beautiful and delicious herb-roasted turkey breast that the whole family can enjoy!
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for Christmas Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Turkey Breast:
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 3 to 4 pounds), skin on
Herb Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Pomegranate seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, sage, thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious herb-roasted turkey breast will take about 15 minutes for preparation and then approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours to roast in the oven. Don’t forget to account for an additional 15 minutes of resting time after it’s done cooking. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to have this beautiful dish ready to impress your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your turkey breast cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful herb blend.
3. Prep the Turkey Breast:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. If you’d like more flavor, carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast with your fingers, creating a pocket for the herb mixture.
4. Season the Turkey:
Rub the herb and garlic mixture generously all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if you loosened it. Make sure every part is well-coated with the tasty mixture.
5. Roast the Turkey:
Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting pan or in a baking dish. Roast it in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature registers at 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. If you notice that the skin is browning too much before the turkey is cooked through, loosely tent some foil over it.
6. Let It Rest:
Once it reaches the right temperature, carefully remove the turkey breast from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. This step is essential as it keeps the meat juicy.
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the turkey breast and arrange the slices on a serving platter. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped parsley, sprigs of fresh herbs, and scatter some pomegranate seeds over the top.
8. Pair with Sides:
Serve this delicious herb-roasted turkey breast with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce to complete your Christmas dinner feast.
This herb-roasted turkey breast is succulent, fragrant, and sure to be a highlight on your holiday table. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey Breast?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey breast, but make sure to fully thaw it beforehand! The best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust to your taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover turkey for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier use later!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the herb mixture and rub it on the turkey breast the night before, then cover and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
