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Roast Turkey

Herb-Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast

This golden, juicy roast turkey breast is infused with garlic-herb butter for rich, savory flavor and crispy skin. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal, it’s an easy yet elegant recipe that guarantees moist, tender meat and a showstopping centerpiece every time.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Holiday Main
Cuisine: American, Classic
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 3 kg whole turkey breast bone-in, skin-on, unbrined
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 8 sprigs fresh sage
  • 10 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 12 cloves garlic smashed
For the Herb Butter
  • 150 g unsalted butter softened
  • 1.25 tsp table salt or 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Bring Turkey to Room Temperature
    Remove the turkey from the fridge 45 minutes before cooking so it roasts evenly and the skin doesn’t tighten too quickly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the Oven
    Preheat oven to 200°C / 390°F. Position the rack in the lower middle section for even heat circulation.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Roasting Dish
    Scatter smashed garlic cloves and fresh herbs in the roasting pan to create a fragrant bed for the turkey.
  4. Step 4: Make the Herb Butter
    In a bowl, mix softened butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped herbs until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Loosen the Turkey Skin
    Gently slide a spoon or fingers under the skin to loosen it, being careful not to tear it.
  6. Step 6: Spread the Butter
    Rub two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin and the rest under the breast and on top, reserving 2 tablespoons for the surface.
  7. Step 7: Assemble for Roasting
    Place turkey on top of herbs in the pan, skin side up. Lightly smear the remaining butter on the surface. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Step 8: Roast the Turkey
    Place in oven and immediately lower temperature to 180°C / 350°F. Roast for about 1½ hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices.
  9. Step 9: Check for Doneness
    Check temperature — it should reach 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Cover with foil if it browns too fast.
  10. Step 10: Rest Before Carving
    Transfer to a platter, cover with foil, and rest 15–20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  11. Step 11: Make the Butter Sauce
    Remove herbs and garlic from the pan. Pour the golden butter drippings into a jug — this forms a simple, rich butter sauce for serving.
  12. Serving Suggestions
    Slice against the grain and serve with the butter sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
  13. Storage Tips
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently at 160°C / 320°F until warmed through.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor — dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the amount. Don’t skip the resting step to keep the meat juicy. For a bright twist, tuck a halved lemon under the turkey before roasting.