How to Cook a Perfect 5 Pound Turkey Breast

Cooking a 5 pound turkey breast may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with some simple tips. With proper preparation and cooking you’ll end up with a juicy flavorful turkey breast to serve at your next holiday meal or dinner party.

Ingredients

• 5 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Prep the Turkey Breast

• Take the turkey breast out of the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove the giblets from the cavity.

• Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

• Meanwhile, make a compound butter by mixing together the olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano and minced garlic. Blend thoroughly to form a paste.

• Loosen the skin from the turkey breast meat gently with your fingers without totally detaching it Spread some of the compound butter evenly under the skin directly onto the meat.

• Rub the remaining compound butter all over the top of the skin. Getting some under and on top of the skin ensures maximum moisture and flavor

Roast the Turkey Breast

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.

• Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan or broiler pan. The rack elevates the turkey above the pan so the heat can circulate all around.

• Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. For a 5 pound breast, this will take roughly 75 minutes.

• Basting is not necessary and can lead to uneven cooking, so avoid opening the oven during the roast time.

Let It Rest

• When the breast reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. The internal temperature will continue rising as it rests.

• Tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.

• Once rested, the turkey breast is ready to carve into slices. Serve warm with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and gravy.

Gravy Time

An easy turkey gravy will take your roasted breast to the next level. Here’s a simple gravy recipe using the pan drippings:

• Drain excess fat from the roasting pan, reserving around 1⁄4 cup drippings. Discard remaining fat.

• Make a slurry by whisking together 1⁄4 cup drippings, 1⁄4 cup flour, and 1 cup chicken or turkey broth.

• Pour slurry into pan over medium heat. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from pan and whisking constantly until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.

• Season gravy to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm over sliced turkey breast.

Cooking Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness. Turkey needs to reach 165°F.

• Letting the breast rest after cooking is crucial for tender, juicy meat.

• Basting is unnecessary and leads to inconsistent cooking.

• Roast at a steady 325°F oven temperature. High heat causes dryness.

• Cutting into the breast right away will cause the juices to run out. Let it rest first.

• Stuff herbs, citrus, or aromatics inside the cavity while roasting for extra flavor.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftover roasted turkey breast is versatile for easy meals throughout the week. Here are some creative ideas:

• Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, and wraps

• Dice for turkey chili or soup

• Shred for casseroles or turkey tetrazzini

• Pair with BBQ sauce for sliders or flatbreads

• Make turkey pot pie with peas, carrots and gravy

• Use in breakfast scrambles, omelets or hash

• Toss with pasta and pesto or alfredo sauce

• Make turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing

So next time you need an easy protein to feed a smaller gathering, turn to a simple 5 pound roasted turkey breast. With these handy tips, you’ll gain confidence cooking this lean and tasty centerpiece. Just be sure to have plenty of sides on hand to satisfy the whole crowd. Enjoy your own little Thanksgiving-inspired feast any time of year!