As Thanksgiving approaches many home cooks wonder – how long should I bake a turkey breast at 375°F? This temperature strikes a balance between cooking the breast through while still yielding a juicy interior. Read on for tips on roast times so your turkey turns out moist and delicious.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
When baking a turkey breast in the oven. several factors impact total cook time
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Weight – A lighter 2-3 lb breast may cook in only 1 – 1.5 hours while a 6-8 lb breast needs 2.25 – 3.5 hours.
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Bone-in or Boneless – Boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in.
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Temperature – 375°F is ideal but you may need a lower 325°F or higher 400°F if breast is still partially frozen.
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Stuffing – An unstuffed breast cooks faster than a stuffed one. For food safety, it’s best to cook stuffing separately.
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Oven and Pan Type – Dark metal pans heat faster while glass dishes extend time. Oven calibration differences matter too.
Roast Turkey Breast at 375°F Guidelines
For best results, rely on a meat thermometer and not just cook times. But here are general time ranges when roasting turkey breast at 375°F:
- 2-3 pounds: 1 – 1 1/2 hours
- 4-6 pounds: 1 1⁄2 – 2 1⁄2 hours
- 6-8 pounds: 2 1⁄4 – 3 1⁄2 hours
- 8-12 pounds: 2 3⁄4 – 5 hours
- 12-14 pounds: 4-6 hours
Boneless breasts fall on the lower end of those time ranges. Let the breast rest at least 15 minutes before slicing into it.
Tips for Roast Moist Turkey Breast
Follow these tips for a moist, juicy roast turkey breast at 375°F:
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Thaw the breast fully in the fridge 1-2 days before roasting.
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Roast skin-side up after searing skin-side down first. Baste with pan juices.
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Add broth to the roasting pan to keep things moist.
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Tent with foil at first then remove it later for crispy skin.
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Let rest 15+ minutes before slicing to reabsorb juices.
Doneness Temperature
Cook turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. For tender, juicy meat, remove from oven at 160°F and let the temp rise 5-10 degrees while resting. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness, avoiding overcooking.
Roasting a turkey breast at 375°F results in flavorful, tender meat when you follow recipe guidelines. Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness and adjust cook times based on size. With these turkey roasting tips, you’ll achieve the perfect holiday bird.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Is 375 too high for turkey?