Do You Cook a Turkey Breast Up or Down in a Roaster?

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast is one of the keys to a successful Thanksgiving meal. When using a roaster oven, one of the common questions is whether to cook the turkey breast side up or side down. There are pros and cons to both methods In the end, it comes down to personal preference.

Cooking Turkey Breast Up

Cooking the turkey breast side up, with the skin on top, is the more traditional method recommended by most experts. Here are some of the benefits of this technique:

• Allows fat to drain away from the breast meat – Fat pools on top of the skin when cooked upside down, which can make the meat soggy. Cooked right side up, excess fat drips down off the breast.

• Promotes even cooking – Heat circulates better around a breast cooked upright The meat cooks evenly, without drying out

• Crispy skin – With the skin exposed directly to the heat, it’s easier to get a crispy, browned skin.

• Easier to monitor doneness – It’s simpler to insert a meat thermometer into the top of the breast to check the internal temperature.

• Easy basting – Basting the skin with juices helps it get browned and crispy. This is harder if the breast is upside down.

The USDA recommends roasting a whole turkey breast side up during the entire cooking time. Many cooks find this method reliably produces a moist, tender bird with browned skin.

Cooking Turkey Breast Down

While less common, some cooks prefer cooking a turkey breast upside down in the roaster. Reasons include:

• Moist meat – With the underside against the pan, gravity pulls moisture back into the breast meat instead of the cavity.

• Softens skin – The skin is pressed against the pan instead of exposed to dry heat, keeping it soft and flexible.

• Self bastes – Melting fat accumulates under the breast, effectively basting it from the underside as it cooks.

• Reduces need for turning – The breast rests in its own rendered fat, eliminating the need to rotate periodically.

For these reasons, breast-down can result in a very moist, tender bird. However, the skin may not get as crispy and brown. The breast also needs to be turned over near the end to finish cooking the skin.

Deciding Up or Down

When deciding whether to cook a turkey breast up or down, keep these tips in mind:

• Go up for crispy skin, down for moist meat – Choose based on your priorities. Up generally means crispier skin, while down promotes moister meat.

• Cook breast-side down longer – If cooking upside down, do so for the majority of the time, then flip briefly at the end to finish the skin.

• Prop if needed – If the breast won’t stand upright, prop it up with vegetables or crumpled foil balls in the cavity.

• Use juices for gravy either way – Pan drippings from either method can be used to make tasty gravy.

• Check temperature – Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not time. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.

• Let rest before carving – Allowing the breast to rest for 15-20 minutes after roasting redistributes juices.

So in the end, whether you choose up or down comes down to what’s important to you – crispy skin or moist meat. Both methods can produce delicious turkey breast when cooked properly in a roaster oven. Experiment to see which way you prefer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Turkey Breast in a Roaster

Cooking turkey breast in a roaster oven is a great hands-off way to prepare this holiday centerpiece. Here are answers to some common questions:

Should I brine or marinate the turkey breast first?

Brining or marinating is recommended to help keep the breast meat flavorful, moist and tender. A saltwater brine infuses flavor and moisture. Buttermilk, wine or herbs can also be used to marinate the breast up to 2 days before roasting.

What temperature should I roast the turkey breast at?

Preheat the roaster oven to 450°F. Roast the breast at 450°F for the first 30 minutes to brown the skin. Then reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting to the proper internal temperature.

How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?

Total roasting time depends on the size of the breast, but plan on approximately 20 minutes per pound. So a 5 lb breast takes about 1 1⁄2 hours at 350°F. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness.

Should I baste the turkey breast while it roasts?

Basting helps brown the skin. Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices if roasting breast-side up. Basting isn’t necessary if cooking upside down.

What temperature should the turkey breast reach before removing it from the oven?

Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The temperature will rise slightly as it rests. If overcooked, turkey breast dries out quickly.

Should I tent the turkey breast with foil while it rests?

Tenting with foil is recommended to keep the breast warm. The foil tent allows it to rest without losing too much heat before carving and serving.

Can I roast stuffing inside the breast cavity?

It’s not recommended for food safety reasons. Stuffing stuffed inside the breast cavity will increase overall cooking time. Cook stuffing separately to avoid undercooked poultry.

How long should I let the roasted turkey breast rest before I carve and serve it?

Let the breast rest at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time allows juices to be reabsorbed back into the meat.

Conclusion

There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to cooking turkey breast in a roaster oven. Cook breast-side up for crispy skin, or breast-side down for moist, tender meat infused with its own natural juices. Consider your priorities, follow basic roasting guidelines, and rely on an instant-read thermometer for the best results. With the simple roaster oven method, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey breast on your holiday table.