Baking a frozen turkey breast can seem daunting, but with some simple tips, you can make it an easy and delicious process. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake a juicy, flavorful turkey breast straight from the freezer.
Why Bake a Frozen Turkey Breast?
There are several advantages to baking a frozen turkey breast rather than thawing it first
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Convenience – No need to remember to thaw the turkey 1-3 days in advance You can just pop it right into the oven frozen
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Food Safety – Less risk of bacteria growth by going straight from freezer to oven. Thawing can allow bacteria to multiply if not done properly.
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Moistness – The frozen state helps lock in moisture and prevent the turkey from drying out.
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Flavor – Frozen turkey absorbs seasonings and marinades better for more flavorful meat.
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Time Savings – Cooks faster than thawing first. Gets dinner on the table more quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof baked frozen turkey breast:
1. Choose Your Turkey
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Boneless turkey breast is easiest to work with.
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Allow 1 pound per person. A 2-3 pound breast works well for a small gathering.
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Opt for pre-seasoned or brined turkey for the most flavor and juiciness.
2. Prepare the Turkey
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Keep frozen until ready to cook.
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Remove any giblets or neck from cavities.
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Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Turkey (Optional)
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For flavored turkey, rub with olive oil and seasonings of choice.
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Try garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, sage.
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Refrigerate 30 mins – 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
4. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place frozen turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
5. Calculate Roasting Time
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Plan for 18-20 minutes per pound.
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A 2 lb breast takes 35-40 mins, 3 lbs takes 55-60 mins.
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For stuffed breast, add 15 mins to total time.
6. Roast the Turkey
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Roast at 325°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Tent with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
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Check temperature at thickest part with a meat thermometer.
7. Let Turkey Rest
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Remove turkey from oven and let rest 15 minutes.
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This allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.
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Slice turkey and serve warm. Enjoy!
Turkey Roasting Times
For easy reference, here are estimated roasting times for frozen turkey breast:
| Turkey Breast Weight | Roasting Time at 325°F |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 18-20 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 35-40 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 55-60 minutes |
| 4 pounds | 1 hour 15 mins |
| 5 pounds | 1 hour 30 mins |
*Add 15 minutes if stuffing the breast cavity.
Top Tips for Juicy Turkey
Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful baked frozen turkey breast:
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Brine the turkey – Soaking in a saltwater brine imparts moisture and seasoning.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer – Don’t rely on roasting times alone. Cook to a safe internal temp of 165°F.
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Roast breast-side up – Allows juices to baste the breast meat for tenderness.
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Let rest before slicing – Gives time for juices to absorb back into the meat.
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Carve across the grain – Slicing against the muscle fibers makes turkey more tender.
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Make gravy from drippings – Delicious way to incorporate flavors from pan juices.
Common Frozen Turkey Breast Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking frozen turkey breast:
Can you bake a turkey breast still frozen?
Yes, turkey can go straight from freezer to oven without thawing first. Just allow 50% more roasting time.
Should you brine a frozen turkey breast?
Brining is highly recommended for the most flavorful, juicy meat. Thaw just until water can penetrate the turkey, then brine 12-24 hrs.
What temp should frozen turkey breast be cooked to?
Cook frozen turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast.
How long does a frozen 5 lb turkey breast take to cook?
A frozen 5 lb turkey breast will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at 325°F oven temperature.
Can you stuff a frozen turkey breast?
Yes, it’s fine to stuff a frozen turkey breast as long as you add 15 minutes per pound to the cooking time. Cook to 165°F.
Should I tent turkey breast with foil while cooking?
Tenting with foil halfway through prevents over-browning. Remove foil at end for crispy skin.
Enjoy Delicious Baked Turkey Breast
Follow this handy guide for baking success with frozen turkey breast every time. With proper roasting times, temperatures, and resting, you’ll get tender, juicy meat ready to slice and serve. Let the oven do the hard work while you enjoy time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
Watch Now: How to Cook a Frozen Turkey Without Thawing It
If you want to skip to the part where we tell you what to do, scroll down to where it says “how to cook a frozen turkey.”
You can come back and read the rest later, once the bird is in the oven and youre drinking a glass of wine.
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Is It Safe to Cook a Frozen Turkey?
The good news is, you CAN cook a turkey thats still frozen. In fact, a study by an MIT-educated food safety consultant describes how it can be done in accordance with the FDA Food Code.
Indeed, from a certain standpoint, its a safer method, since a frozen turkey wont drip salmonella-laden juices all over your sink and countertop.
Moreover, the breast, which is the most prone to overcooking and drying out, cooks more slowly when it starts off frozen, so your white meat may turn out juicier than usual.
On the other hand, you wont be able to brine the turkey, or season it with your famous spice rub. Stuffing it will also be problematic.
Remember though, and this is important: At this point, you are looking to salvage your Thanksgiving. Whatever hopes and dreams you nurtured for the accolades this turkey would earn (So flavorful! Juiciest one ever!) must now give way to cold, hard reality.
Youll have a turkey, and itll be fully cooked. It will probably not win turkey of the year. But when you pull this off (and you will), you will have reason to be proud.
After all, anyone can cook a turkey when nothing goes wrong. Its overcoming adversity that makes what youre about to accomplish so special. Ready? Lets go.