Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re ready for a turkey experience that’s equal parts impressive and approachable, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast. Imagine incredibly juicy meat, crisp golden skin, and the kind of cozy, garlicky aroma that gathers people in the kitchen long before dinner is served!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated! The ingredients for Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast are truly simple, yet each one plays a starring role in making your turkey taste like the holidays—even if it’s a random Thursday. Let’s make every bite count.

• Turkey Breast (2.5–3 kg, bone-in, skin-on): Bone-in and skin-on means maximum juiciness and flavor, giving you that crave-worthy crispy skin at the end.
• Fresh Herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme): These aromatic herbs infuse both the butter and the roast itself, bringing freshness and an earthy, woodsy vibe.
• Garlic (lots!): Smashed garlic in the pan and minced garlic in the butter guarantees deep flavor in every layer.
• Unsalted Butter: The heart of this recipe—softened to easily mix with fresh herbs and coat your turkey generously.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the herbs, garlic, and turkey shine; adjust for brined or unbrined birds, as noted.
• Fresh Parsley: A last pop of color and brightness in your herb butter (and on top, if you like a little flourish at serving).

Variations

One of the joys of this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is how easy it is to tailor to your family or pantry. Don’t have all the herbs on hand, or want a twist? Here are a few fun ways to make it your own.

• Boneless Turkey Breast: Substitute a boneless breast and adjust roasting time—it’s equally delicious and even a little quicker for smaller households.
• Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried sage, rosemary, and thyme—about one teaspoon each, mixed into the butter.
• Citrus Zest: Add grated lemon or orange zest to your butter for a bright, zippy note that pairs beautifully with all those herbs and garlic.
• Spicy Twist: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the herb butter for a subtle kick.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Step 1: Bring Turkey to Room Temperature

About 45 minutes before you plan to roast, take your turkey breast out of the fridge. This little patience step means more even roasting and super juicy results (no more dry spots!).

Step 2: Prep Your Oven & Baking Dish

Heat your oven to 200°C/390°F and position the rack just below the middle. Arrange the smashed garlic cloves and whole herb sprigs in the center of a baking dish or ovenproof skillet—this makes a savory bed to infuse your turkey with aroma and flavor as it roasts.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter

In a bowl, mash together your softened butter, chopped fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It should smell absolutely fantastic! This is the flavor powerhouse for your Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast.

Step 4: Loosen and Butter the Skin

Using the back of a teaspoon, gently loosen the turkey skin from the breast. Slide about two-thirds of your herb butter under the skin, massaging it around for even coverage—don’t be shy! Flip the turkey and rub most of the remaining butter underneath, saving just a couple spoons for the top.

Step 5: Assemble and Roast

Place the turkey breast side-up on your herb-and-garlic bed. Smear that last bit of butter on the skin (not a ton—herbs on the surface can burn). Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Slide it into the oven, and immediately turn the heat down to 180°C/350°F.

Step 6: Baste and Roast to Perfection

Roast about 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices. Use a thermometer and aim for 74°C/165°F at the thickest part—this is the secret to moist turkey, every time. If the skin gets golden before the turkey is cooked, tent it loosely with foil. Rest the turkey 15–20 minutes before carving.

Step 7: Make the Buttery Pan Sauce

After roasting, squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins back into the pan, removing herbs. Strain the golden buttery pan juices into a jug—taste and adjust salt if needed. This sauce is pure gold poured over every slice of your Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Garnishes

For an eye-catching table presentation, scatter extra fresh herbs—sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or parsley—over and around the platter. A few bright pomegranate seeds or thin lemon slices also add a festive, colorful accent to your Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast.

Side Dishes

This turkey breast absolutely loves a classic holiday line-up: tangy cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and honey-glazed carrots all taste like pure celebration. For something lighter, try herby green beans or a crisp, lemony salad alongside—it’s hard to go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern, share-worthy spread, slice the turkey breast and fan out the pieces over a big cutting board, drizzle with pan sauce, and sprinkle with flaky salt. Or, pile leftover slices onto brioche rolls with cheese for next-day sandwiches—don’t forget a spoonful of that herby butter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover turkey breast whole if possible and wrap tightly in foil or plastic; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Save any extra pan sauce, as it makes leftover slices taste like day-one magic!

Freezing

Love planning ahead? Freeze cooled slices of Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast with a little of the sauce in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this makes holiday meal prep extra easy.

Reheating

To keep your turkey moist, gently reheat slices (with any reserved butter sauce) in a covered baking dish at 160°C/325°F until warmed through. A splash of broth or extra butter helps bring leftovers right back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as slicing into a Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast and seeing those juicy, flavor-packed slices ready to enjoy. Whether it’s a holiday or just a “want something special” night, I hope this recipe brings the same warmth, coziness, and table-happy smiles to your kitchen as it does to mine. Give it a try—you won’t regret a single garlicky bite!

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