Turkey breast

Turkey breast recipes have been around for centuries. The first recorded turkey breast recipe was in the book of Apicius, a Roman cookbook from the 4th century. This recipe called for the turkey to be roasted with a stuffing of pork, leeks, and onions.

Turkey breast recipes really came into their own in the 16th century, when turkeys were first brought to Europe from the Americas. At this time, the bird was still quite a novelty and was often served with grand fanfare. Recipes from this era often called for the turkey to be roasted with an elaborate stuffing and served with a rich gravy.

As turkey became more commonplace in European kitchens, recipes began to simplify. By the 19th century, turkey was often served simply roasted with a stuffing of bread and onions. This is a tradition that continues to this day.

Advice

Making the perfect turkey breast can be a daunting task, but with the right tips, you can make sure it comes out perfectly every time. Firstly, make sure to buy a turkey breast that is fresh. If you are using a frozen turkey breast, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Secondly, season the turkey breast with herbs and spices of your choice. To help the turkey breast stay moist and juicy, consider basting it or rubbing it with butter or oil. Lastly, be sure to cook the turkey breast to the proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Following these simple steps will help ensure a great tasting turkey breast every time.

Questions

How many will a 4 lb turkey breast feed?

A 4 lb turkey breast should feed approximately 6-8 people.

How do you cook a turkey breast so it doesn't dry out?

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. 2. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper and any other seasonings of your choice. 3. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. 4. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or aluminum foil. 5. Bake the turkey breast for 1 hour and 15 minutes. 6. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. 7. Check the turkey breast with a digital thermometer. It should be between 165°F and 170°F when done. 8. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?

It depends on how you like your turkey cooked. Generally, a turkey breast should be cooked at 350°F, but if you'd prefer a more tender turkey, cooking it at 325°F will provide a more tender, juicy result.

Can I buy just a turkey breast?

Yes, most major grocery stores carry just turkey breasts.

How many turkey breasts do I need for 6 adults?

You would need about 3 turkey breasts for 6 adults.

How big of a turkey breast do I need for 10 people?

A turkey breast that weighs between 8 to 10 pounds should be enough to feed 10 people.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

  /public/recipe-tin-eats-logo.svg

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • paprika
  • garlic
  • onion
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • olive oil
  • all purpose flour
  • salt
  • turkey breast
  • butter
  • black pepper
  • thyme
  • chicken stock broth
  • salt
  /public/thespruceeats-logo.svg

Brined and Roasted Turkey Breast

  • turkey breast
  • water
  • allspice berry
  • black peppercorn
  • salt
  • light brown sugar
  • rosemary
  • bay leaf
  • apple
  • herb
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • lemon
  • onion
  • orange
  • vegetable oil
  /public/bonappetit-logo.svg

Boudin Blanc–Stuffed Turkey Breasts with Chestnuts

  • salt
  • chicken broth
  • ground pork belly
  • cognac
  • thyme
  • salt
  • yellow mustard seed
  • allspice
  • clove
  • salt
  • butter
  • heavy cream
  • sugar
  • sweet white wine
  • mace
  • nutmeg
  • chestnut
  • bread crumb
  • bay leaf
  • turkey breast
  • coriander seed
  • white peppercorn
  • thyme
  /public/thespruceeats-logo.svg

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

  • chicken stock
  • paprika
  • salt
  • thyme
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • turkey breast
  • all purpose flour
  • butter
  • black pepper
  • rosemary
  • sage
  • salt
  /public/thespruceeats-logo.svg

Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

  • turkey breast
  • soy sauce
  • ground
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • garlic
  • brown sugar
  • sweet
  • butter
  • vegetable oil
  • orange juice concentrate
  /public/foodandwine.svg

Tuscan-Style Turkey Breast with Sage Gravy

  • STUFFING
  • salt
  • garlic
  • pancetta
  • sage
  • thyme
  • bread crumb
  • onion
  • TURKEY AND GRAVY
  • salt
  • onion
  • thyme
  • white wine
  • pancetta
  • sage
  • all purpose flour
  • butter
  • carrot
  • turkey stock
  • turkey breast
  • water
  /public/the-country-cook-logo.svg

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • parsley flake
  • rosemary
  • thyme
  • sage
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • onion
  • turkey breast
  • all purpose flour
  • butter
  • butter
  • chicken stock
  /public/savor-the-best-logo.webp

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

  • salt
  • cornstarch
  • dijon mustard
  • smoked paprika
  • fennel seed
  • powdered garlic
  • powdered sage
  • worcestershire sauce
  • thyme
  • white wine
  • water
  • white
  • herbs de provence
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • rosemary
  • chicken broth
  • turkey breast
  • rosemary
  • juice
  /public/40-aprons-logo.svg

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

  • thyme
  • oil
  • carrot
  • celery
  • salt
  • salt
  • onion
  • turkey breast
  • butter
  • all purpose flour
  • chicken broth
  • thyme
  • garlic
  • garlic
  • garlic
  • water
  /public/the-stay-at-home-chef-logo.webp

Roasted Cajun Turkey Breast

  • basil
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cayenne pepper
  • thyme
  • white pepper
  • turkey breast
  • paprika
  • butter
  /public/saveur-logo.webp

Skillet-Roasted Turkey Breast

  • salt
  • white wine
  • cornstarch
  • light brown sugar
  • canola oil
  • sage
  • thyme
  • paprika
  • turkey double breast
  • carrot
  • onion
  • celery
  • chicken broth
  • plum tomato
  • butter
  /public/cup-cakes-and-kale-chips-logo.webp

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • light brown sugar
  • paprika
  • all purpose red rub
  • cayenne pepper
  • gravy
  • turkey breast
  • onion
  /public/seriouseats.svg

Grill-Roasted Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breasts Recipe

  • brine
  • Brine
  • herb butter
  • turkey breast
  • sugar
  • salt
  • ice water
  • Type of fire three-zone split
  • grill heat
  • Herb Butter
  • zone type
  • dijon mustard
  • marjoram
  • oregano
  • rosemary
  • sage
  • thyme
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • disposable foil tray
  • apple wood chunk
  • lemon zest
  • red pepper flake
  • garlic
  • butter
  /public/immaculate-bites-logo.svg

Roast Turkey Breast

  • parsley
  • black pepper
  • paprika
  • turkey breast
  • celery
  • onion
  • salt
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • rosemary
  • butter
  • sage
  • garlic

Ingredient Breakdown

 
salt
turkey breast
butter
garlic
thyme
black pepper
sage
onion
rosemary
olive oil
paprika
all purpose flour
carrot
celery
chicken stock
water
chicken broth
sugar
garlic powder
lemon
parsley
onion powder
oil
black peppercorn
vegetable oil
white wine
pepper
fennel seed
light brown sugar
bay leaf
oregano
canola oil
bread crumb
dijon mustard
pancetta
herb
orange
single turkey breast
coriander seed
soy sauce
cayenne pepper
cornstarch
buttermilk
lemon juice
maple syrup
turkey stock
bread stuffing
orange juice
ground
parmesan cheese
spice mill
red pepper flake
lemon zest
cornbread
basil
white pepper
brown sugar
ginger
cilantro
white vinegar
turkey
cumin
seasoning
chicken stock broth
mayonnaise
fig
kalamata olife
anchovy
cajun turkey injection
cajun turkey seasoning
turkey skin
allspice berry
apple
spinach
sour orange sauce
spanish spice rub
flatleaf parsley
spanish onion
lime juice
honey
orange zest
brown onion
dark soy sauce
creole seasoning
rib
ground pork belly
cognac
yellow mustard seed
allspice
clove
heavy cream
sweet white wine
mace
nutmeg
chestnut
white peppercorn
herbs rosemary
sour cream
cranberry
yellow cornmeal
unrefined coconut oil
bacon
chive
turkey breast bone
chinese 5-spice powder
broccolini
apricot preserve
hot sauce
chicken breast
pineapple orange juice
sweet
orange juice concentrate
parsley flake
smoked paprika
powdered garlic
powdered sage
worcestershire sauce
white
herbs de provence
juice
red chili
italian parsley
brioche breadcrumb
prosciutto
ancho chile
guajillo chile
pasilla chile
chorizo
mexican oregano
onion soup
cranberry sauce
turkey broth
cream
swanson chicken broth
chinese sherry
arrowroot dissolved
green onion
swiss chard
vegetable stock
grape seed oil
sugar snap pea
celery salt
coriander
chipotle chile powder
cranberry chutney
pork boudin sausage
turkey double breast
plum tomato
sichuan peppercorn
chili powder
all purpose red rub
gravy
brine
herb butter
grill heat
zone type
marjoram
disposable foil tray
apple wood chunk
ice water
smoked mozzarella

Insights

Staple Ingredients

  • salt 72%
  • turkey breast 68%
  • butter 43%

Common Ingredients

  • garlic 38%
  • black pepper 28%
  • thyme 28%
  • olive oil 23%
  • rosemary 23%

Usual Ingredients

  • onion 22%
  • sage 22%
  • all purpose flour 15%
  • carrot 12%
  • chicken stock 12%
  • celery 10%
  • chicken broth 10%
  • water 10%
  • lemon 8%
  • oil 8%
  • paprika 8%
  • parsley 8%
  • pepper 8%