Barefoot Contessa’s Magic Herb-roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Thanksgiving dinner calls for a game-changing herb-roasted turkey breast that will steal the show at your holiday table.

Ina Garten’s technique infuses every succulent bite with rich, aromatic herbs and bold flavors.

The recipe promises a perfectly seasoned centerpiece that’s easier to prepare than a whole roasted turkey.

Juicy, tender meat awaits you with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage dance together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will make everyone’s stomach growl.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure even novice cooks can nail this delectable main course.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every special occasion and weeknight dinner that demands something extraordinary.

Roasting Instructions for Herb Turkey Breast

Herbal Turkey Breast Sensation

• Kitchen Preparation Warm up your cooking space by preheating the oven to a cozy temperature. Position a roasting rack inside your pan, creating the perfect stage for your turkey.
• Flavor Fusion Craft a magical herb blend by combining olive oil, fresh garden herbs, zesty lemon, and aromatic spices. This mixture will transform an ordinary turkey into a culinary masterpiece.
• Turkey Massage Lovingly coat the turkey breast with the herb mixture, gently working the flavors under the skin. Pour a splash of white wine into the pan, creating a steamy environment that will infuse incredible moisture.
• Roasting Journey Slide the turkey into the oven and let it dance slowly, developing a golden-brown exterior. Watch carefully, tenting with foil if the skin starts to darken too quickly. The turkey whispers its readiness when the internal temperature reaches the perfect warmth.
• Resting and Revealing Allow your turkey to relax after its cooking adventure, letting the juices settle and flavors mingle. Slice with care and serve, revealing a succulent centerpiece that will make taste buds sing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Ingredient Rundown

• Turkey Breast: Select a plump, fresh cut with even thickness for consistent cooking, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and juicy results.

• Olive Oil, Dry White Wine: Provides moisture, helps distribute flavors, and creates a rich, aromatic cooking environment.
• Fresh Rosemary, Sage, Thyme: Elevate the turkey's taste with vibrant, earthy herbs that complement poultry's natural flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust aromatic notes, enhancing the overall savory experience.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor, tenderizes the meat, and balances the herbal intensity.

• Dry Mustard: Introduces a subtle tangy kick and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for layering flavors and bringing out the turkey's natural taste.
• Aluminum Foil: Protects the skin from excessive browning and helps maintain moisture during roasting.

Tools for Roasting the Perfect Turkey Breast

• Roasting Pan: Large, heavy-duty pan with a rack to elevate the turkey breast and catch drippings.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking the turkey's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for combining herbs, oil, and seasonings to create the flavorful rub.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping fresh herbs and slicing the cooked turkey breast.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for herb preparation and turkey slicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure herbs, salt, and other seasonings.
• Aluminium Foil: Used to prevent over-browning and to cover the turkey while resting.

Pro Tips & Flavor Boosters for Roasted Turkey

• Elevate your turkey game by massaging the herb mixture under the skin for deeper flavor penetration.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or apple cider for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Use fresh herbs when possible, but dried herbs work well in a pinch – just reduce the quantity by two-thirds.
• Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy turkey breast every single time without guesswork.
• Transform extra roasted turkey into sandwiches, salads, or shred for quick weeknight pasta dishes within 3-4 days of cooking.

How to Plate Herb-Roasted Turkey Beautifully

• Pair with Crisp Sides: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips to complement the herb-infused turkey breast.
• Craft a Wine Companion: Pour a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir that matches the wine used in cooking, enhancing the herb and white wine notes of the dish.
• Create Leftover Magic: Transform extra turkey slices into gourmet sandwiches with herbed mayonnaise, arugula, and crusty sourdough bread for a delightful next-day meal.
• Presentation Pro Tip: Garnish the sliced turkey with fresh rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of pan juices to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of aromatic flavor.

Plan Ahead & Store Turkey Breast the Right Way

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover turkey breast in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Quick Cool and Slice: Allow turkey to cool completely before cutting into thin slices, helping maintain moisture and texture for future meals.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in sealed freezer bags to store for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Reheat with Care: Warm turkey slices in the microwave with a damp paper towel or in the oven at 160°C (325°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep meat juicy.

Succulent Barefoot Contessa Herb-roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s herb-roasted turkey breast delivers succulent, flavorful meat with classic Ina Garten elegance. Home cooks savor this simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings Mediterranean herb notes to a reliable, delicious centerpiece.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (3 to 3.2 kg / 6.6 to 7.0 lbs)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 2 fl oz) good olive oil
• ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) dry white wine
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 tsps dry mustard
• 1½ tsps kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsps freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Herb Infusion: Create a vibrant marinade by whisking extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dry mustard, chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to develop a robust, aromatic mixture.
2. Turkey Preparation: Position turkey breast on a roasting rack, skin-side up. Carefully separate skin from meat and generously apply half the herbal mixture underneath, then massage remaining seasoning over the entire exterior surface.
3. Roasting Setup: Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Pour white wine into roasting pan bottom to ensure moisture and create rich pan juices. Place seasoned turkey in oven, roasting for 1½ to 1¾ hours.
4. Temperature Monitoring: Keep watch over turkey’s browning process. If skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Use instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest section.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove turkey from oven and cover with foil for 15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice into elegant portions and serve with collected pan juices, ensuring a succulent and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Herb Infusion Technique: Blend herbs and oil thoroughly to maximize flavor penetration, allowing ingredients to marry for more intense taste profile.
• Skin Preparation Trick: Gently separate skin from meat without tearing, creating a perfect pocket for herb mixture to enhance moisture and seasoning.
• Temperature Monitoring: Use instant-read thermometer precisely at thickest part of breast to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow turkey to rest covered for exactly 15 minutes, which redistributes internal juices, ensuring succulent and tender meat slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg