As the holidays approach, many of us start thinking about what turkey option to choose for those big family feasts. And when it comes to buying an uncooked turkey breast at an affordable price, Costco can’t be beat. As avid Costco shoppers ourselves, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about Costco’s selection of uncooked turkey breasts.
An Overview of Costco’s Turkey Breast Options
Costco offers a wide variety of uncooked turkey breast options from well-known brands like Jennie-O and Kirkland Signature Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer
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Jennie-O Turkey Breast Roast This is Costco’s most popular turkey breast option. These boneless, skinless turkey breast roasts weigh around 11 pounds on average. They come pre-seasoned with a tasty blend of herbs and spices.
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Kirkland Signature Whole Turkey: For a full turkey experience, go for one of Costco’s Kirkland Signature whole turkeys. These birds can weigh anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds.
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Butterball Turkey Breast: You can also find Butterball turkey breasts at Costco in a range of sizes. They offer both boneless and bone-in varieties.
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Organic Turkey Breast: Costco has a selection of organic and free-range turkey breasts from brands like Willie Bird.
Why Choose Costco for Your Turkey Breast?
There are a few key reasons why Costco turkey breasts are worth buying:
Unbeatable Prices
Due to their massive buying power, Costco is able to offer turkey breasts at incredibly low prices compared to most grocery stores. Their Jennie-O turkey breast roasts cost just $1.69 per pound on average. That’s a serious bargain for a high-quality bird!
Consistent Quality
The turkey breasts sold at Costco consistently earn high marks for their juiciness, tenderness, and flavor. The Jennie-O roast, for example, is noted for being both flavorful and tender.
Convenience
Shopping at Costco means you can grab everything for your holiday meal in one trip. From the turkey breast to the cranberry sauce and pie, it’s all there!
How to Cook a Costco Turkey Breast
Cooking up a tasty Costco turkey breast is easy. Here are some basic tips:
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Thaw completely: Make sure to thaw the turkey breast fully in the refrigerator before cooking. This takes 1-2 days depending on the size.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan for oven cooking.
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Calculate cook time: Figure about 15 minutes per pound. An 11 lb Jennie-O breast will take around 2 3⁄4 hours to cook.
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Check temperature: Cook until the breast reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
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Season simply: A basic rub of oil, salt, and pepper is all you need. Add herbs or spices for more flavor.
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Try other cooking methods: You can also smoke, grill, or even slow cook a turkey breast for delicious results.
Handy Turkey Breast Cooking Times
Use these general guidelines for how long your Costco turkey breast will need to cook:
| Turkey Breast Weight | Approximate Cook Time at 325°F |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1 1⁄4 hours |
| 8 lbs | 2 hours |
| 10 lbs | 2 1⁄2 hours |
| 11 lbs | 2 3⁄4 hours |
| 12 lbs | 3 hours |
Cooking times may vary a bit based on the shape and thickness of each breast. Checking the temperature is the best way to confirm doneness.
Costco Turkey Breast Storage Tips
Properly storing your Costco turkey breast is important for both freshness and food safety. Here are some storage tips:
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Store uncooked turkey breast in original packaging in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
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For longer fridge storage up to 5 days, rewrap the breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Uncooked breast can be frozen for up to 1 year. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bags.
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Leftover cooked breast keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Slice breast and store in airtight containers.
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Turkey breast can be frozen for 2-3 months after cooking. Portion into freezer bags or containers.
Following safe storage guidelines will ensure your Costco turkey breast stays fresh and ready to enjoy!
Handy Turkey Breast FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking Costco turkey breasts:
Q: What’s the best way to thaw a frozen breast?
A: Thaw frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs. of turkey.
Q: Can I cook a turkey breast from fully frozen?
A: Yes, but it will take at least 50% longer. Thaw first for best results.
Q: Is it safe to cook turkey breast at 325°F?
A: Yes, 325°F is within the safe cooking temp range of 325-350°F for poultry.
Q: Can I use an instant read thermometer?
A: Absolutely! Instant read thermometers are a great way to test breast doneness.
Q: How long does cooked turkey breast last?
A: Cooked turkey breast lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and 2-3 months in the freezer.
Satisfy Your Crew with Costco’s Turkey Breast
