As the holidays approach and home chefs prepare to roast turkey breasts for smaller gatherings, one of the first questions that arises is “Do I leave the netting on or take it off before cooking?” That plastic mesh netting often wrapped around boneless turkey breast halves can seem confusing. Should it stay or should it go?
Here, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about dealing with turkey breast netting, from why it’s there in the first place to cook time adjustments and how to remove it safely. Follow these tips for netting success and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful browned and juicy holiday turkey breast.
Why Turkey Breasts Come Wrapped in Netting
First, it helps to understand the purpose of the netting itself. Whole turkeys are rarely sold with netting, but boneless turkey breast halves commonly are. There are two key reasons the netting is applied:
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Maintain Shape – Netting keeps the irregular boneless breast half in a uniform shape for more even cooking. Without it, the breast would likely fall apart.
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Self-Basting – The netting keeps juices trapped against the meat, acting as a self-basting cooking pouch to ensure a moist, tender breast
So in short, netting aids with shape, moisture retention, and even doneness. But it’s not necessarily required to achieve a great cooked turkey breast.
Cook Time Adjustments If Leaving Net On
If you do choose to leave the netting on during cooking, be aware it will impact cook times:
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Cook 15-20 minutes longer – Netting slightly insulates the meat, meaning the breast will take longer to reach safe internal temperatures.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely on suggested cook times. Insert a digital thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
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Watch for hot spots – Netting can cause uneven hot and cool spots. Carefully monitor while cooking.
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Let rest 30 minutes – Allowing the breast to rest after cooking enables juices to redistribute evenly.
With netting left on, the breast may steam more than roast. But with adjustments to cook times and temperature monitoring, you can absolutely achieve delicious results.
Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Netting
For ideal roasting and browning, it’s best to remove the netting prior to cooking. Here are some tips for getting it off safely:
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Carefully cut netting – Use kitchen shears or sharp knife to cut along one side, leaving the other side partially attached.
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Peel back slowly – Gently peel back the netting, taking care not to tear the breast meat.
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Remove vertical strings – Clip any remaining vertical netting strings along the breast.
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Separate skin – Loosen skin from meat if it stuck together during net removal.
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Apply rubs or oil – With the breast fully exposed, you can now evenly apply seasoning rubs or oils.
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Roast uncovered – Browning and crispy skin only occurs through uncovered roasting. Discard removed netting.
Yes, removing the netting adds one more preparatory step. But the ideal texture and presentation are worth those extra minutes of effort.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Net On vs. Off
Here’s a quick comparison of the advantages of leaving the net on versus taking it off:
Pros of Leaving Netting On
- Ensures moisture retention
- Maintains shape during cooking
- Skip extra step of removing net
Pros of Removing Netting
- Ideal browning and crispy skin
- Even application of rubs/oils
- Shorter overall cook time
- Ability to monitor doneness
For most home cooks, the rewards of uncovered roasting outweigh the minor time savings of leaving the net on. But feel free to make the choice based on your own needs and cooking style.
Netting FAQs from Home Cooks
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dealing with turkey breast netting:
Should I remove the netting before brining?
Brining works effectively with the netting on or off. Just be sure to thoroughly pat the breast dry before roasting if brined with net on.
Does netting impact how much I season the breast?
No, use your normal amount of seasoning or rub even if leaving net on. But removing net allows more even coverage.
Can I reuse turkey netting between the breast and gravy?
Absolutely not! The netting is designed for single use. Safely discard it after removing.
What’s the best way to slice a breast after roasting with net?
Let the breast rest 30 minutes before slicing, then use an electric knife or very sharp chef’s knife to neatly cut thin slices.
Will the breast skin get crispy if I leave the netting on?
Unlikely. Netting prevents air circulation required for crispy browned skin. Remove net for best texture.
Can I roast two netted breasts together?
Yes, place breasts side by side in a pan, leaving ample room between. Remove nets for shorter cook time.
My Netting Removal Recommendation
After cooking plenty of turkey breasts over the years, my recommendation is generally to remove the netting prior to seasoning and roasting. The ideal level of doneness control and the superior texture and presentation outweigh the little extra effort required. However, if you’re short on time or nervous about the breast falling apart, leaving the net on can still deliver a tasty holiday feast centerpiece.
Whatever you decide, I hope these netting tips give you the confidence to achieve the perfect roast turkey breast this holiday season. Just be sure to utilize a meat thermometer for safety and allow plenty of resting time for juicy, tender meat. Feel free to contact me if you have any other turkey roasting questions! Happy holidays!
