Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re hunting for a show-stopping main dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and wonderfully simple, then you’re going to fall in love with this Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe. I absolutely love how the garlic and fresh herbs blend with the butter to create a golden, crispy skin and tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for turkey breast that never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe plays its part to create a harmonious flavor. Choosing fresh herbs and good-quality butter really makes a difference, plus the garlic gives it that irresistible aroma I can never get enough of.

• Whole bone-in turkey breast: A bone-in breast cooks evenly and stays juicy compared to boneless, plus it’s easier to slice beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it spreads easily; unsalted lets you control the salt level precisely.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of flavor you love—skip the powder for best results.
• Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped, this herb brings a piney, fragrant note that pairs perfectly with poultry.
• Fresh thyme: Adds earthiness and a subtle hint of lemony brightness to the butter mixture.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning inside and out; helps bring all the flavors alive.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and balances the herb flavors.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can tweak the herbs or butter to suit your taste or dietary needs. I encourage you to experiment a bit; that’s how your own signature Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe develops!

• Herb swaps: Try adding sage or marjoram if you’re feeling adventurous; I once swapped thyme for oregano and my family raved about the difference.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.
• Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and it still turns out beautifully rich, though the skin crisps a little differently.
• Stuffed turkey breast: I’ve stuffed mine with spinach and cream cheese for a fancy holiday dinner that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple.

How to Make Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Make the Herby Garlic Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then in a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. This aromatic butter is the star of the show—it penetrates the turkey as it roasts, infusing each bite with moisture and herbal goodness. I find using softened butter is key because it spreads easily under the skin without tearing it.

Step 2: Coat the Turkey Breast

Gently loosen the skin from both halves of the turkey breast using your fingers. This part took me a few tries to get comfortable with, but be gentle so you don’t tear the skin. Spread half of the herb garlic butter under the skin, covering as much meat as you can. Then smooth the skin back down and slather the remaining butter evenly on top. This double layer of seasoned butter is what creates that irresistible crust during roasting. Place the turkey breast in a baking dish—9×13 inches works well—and get ready to roast!

Step 3: Roast to Golden, Juicy Perfection

Roast the turkey breast uncovered for 1 ½ to 2 hours. I always rely on an instant-read thermometer to tell me when it’s done—the thickest part of the breast should register 160°F (71°C). The skin will have turned a beautiful golden brown by then. After taking it out of the oven, tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes; during that time, the internal temp rises to a juicy 165°F (74°C). Resting is crucial—I learned my lesson the first time I skipped this step and ended up with dryer meat.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once rested, slice the turkey off the bone, then crosswise into lovely serving pieces. I like to use a sharp carving knife for clean slices that look impressive on the plate. Serve immediately with your favorite sides—keep reading for some of my top pairing ideas!

How to Serve Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing the slices with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley—it brightens the plate and gives a fresh herbal aroma. Sometimes a wedge of lemon on the side adds a lovely zing that balances the richness of the butter. Plus, those little touches impress guests every time.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this turkey breast alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sweet cranberry sauce. You’ll also enjoy it with buttered green beans or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides or lighter vegetable dishes—whatever your mood!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like to arrange the sliced turkey breast on a large platter with fresh herbs tucked between the slices. Adding roasted garlic cloves and a drizzle of pan juices makes it look and taste extra special. Sometimes I serve it family-style on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, inviting feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I let the turkey cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing moisture or flavor. Reheating gently is key to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast freezes beautifully. I slice the meat before freezing, individually wrapping portions or placing them in freezer bags for easy thawing. I’ve found it tastes just as good after a month in the freezer when properly sealed.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep the meat from drying out. You can also quickly warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter. Either way, you get juicy leftovers that taste almost as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Herbed Garlic Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe really feels like a gift every time I make it—the simplicity and the rich, comforting flavors always bring my family back to the dinner table with smiles. I used to struggle with dry white meat, but this method changed everything for me, and I know you’ll appreciate how effortless yet delicious it is. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to roast turkey breast!

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