Cooking a rolled turkey breast roast may seem intimidating but it’s actually quite easy and rewarding! A boneless turkey breast roast makes for a perfect smaller holiday meal when you don’t want to deal with roasting a whole bird. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make a juicy and delicious rolled turkey breast roast.
Overview
A rolled turkey breast roast involves seasoning a boneless, skinless turkey breast, rolling it up, and roasting it in the oven. The process includes:
- Thawing the turkey breast if frozen
- Mixing an herb butter
- Loosening the skin and rubbing the herb butter underneath
- Rolling up the turkey breast
- Tying it with twine to hold its shape
- Roasting in the oven until cooked through
The result is a moist flavorful turkey breast that can be the star of a holiday meal!
Ingredients
For a basic rolled turkey breast roast, you’ll need:
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (2-3 lbs)
- 4-5 tablespoons of softened butter
- 2-3 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
- Kitchen twine
Make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed if frozen. An easy herb butter can be made by mixing the softened butter with the garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start by loosening up the skin on the turkey breast. Carefully work your fingers underneath to separate the skin from the meat. Be gentle so you don’t tear the skin.
Once loosened, rub the herb butter all over the underside of the skin. Get it evenly distributed over the meat. You can also rub any excess butter on the outside of the skin.
Season the turkey all over with salt and pepper. Then carefully roll up the breast lengthwise, making sure to remove any bones first if present. Tie kitchen twine around the breast to hold its rolled shape.
Roast the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rolled turkey breast seam side down in a roasting pan or dish.
Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F on a meat thermometer. For a 3 pound breast, this is about 60-75 minutes.
Once cooked through, remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise a bit more as it rests.
Remove the twine and slice the turkey into 1/2 inch slices. Make sure to slice across the grain for tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
The roasted turkey breast is extremely versatile. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
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For Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, slice and serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, and classic holiday sides.
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Use sliced leftovers for sandwiches, in salads, or over greens.
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Dice or shred the turkey to use in soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and more.
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Enjoy cold slices simply with cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer.
No matter how you serve it up, this rolled turkey breast is sure to be a hit!
Variations
There are lots of ways to add more flavor to your rolled turkey breast:
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Use flavored butter – try honey butter, chipotle lime butter, or sun-dried tomato basil butter.
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Stuff the breast with cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes before rolling.
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Rub the skin with a spice blend before roasting, like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.
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Drizzle the roasted turkey with a glaze in the last 15 minutes, like cranberry, citrus, or brown sugar glazes.
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For crispy skin, let the roast cool slightly after cooking, then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.
Turkey Roasting Tips
Follow these tips for a tender, juicy rolled turkey breast roast:
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Always let the roast rest before slicing, at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness – aim for 160-165°F.
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Roast the turkey breast uncovered so the skin gets nicely browned.
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Rubbing butter under the skin helps keep the breast meat tender and moist.
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Tying the roast helps it cook evenly and hold its shape for neat, easy slicing.
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Slice against the grain of the meat for the most tender texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook a 2 pound turkey breast?
For a 2 pound boneless turkey breast, roast at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
Can I stuff the turkey breast like a whole turkey?
Yes, you can carefully loosen the skin and stuff aromatics like lemon, herbs, garlic, or onions under the skin before rolling and roasting.
Should I brine the turkey breast before cooking?
Brining is optional but can help keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water and submerge the breast for 1-2 hours before roasting.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey breast?
Slice the cooked turkey and place in a baking dish with a little chicken or turkey broth. Cover and reheat at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast roast?
It’s best to fully thaw turkey in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. If short on time, place still frozen breast in cold water for 2-3 hours to quick thaw before roasting.
What if my roast is too pink after cooking?
If it’s slightly underdone, tent foil over the breast and let sit for 5-10 minutes more to allow the temperature to rise and finish cooking.
Conclusion
A rolled turkey breast roast is a simple, fool-proof alternative to roasting a whole turkey for the holidays or any time you’re craving turkey. With just a flavorful herb butter under the skin and a quick roast in the oven, you can make a tender, juicy turkey breast that will impress your guests. Feel free to get creative with different herb rubs, glazes, and stuffings tucked under the skin. Slice into this beautifully bronzed roast and enjoy!
