The holidays just wouldn’t feel complete without a deliciously glazed honey baked turkey breast making an appearance on the table. After spending time selecting the perfect turkey breast and having it magically transformed by your local HoneyBaked specialists, you want to be sure every slice retains that same mouthwatering flavor when enjoying leftovers.
But properly warming pre-cooked turkey breast can be tricky. You want to gently reheat without drying it out or making the meat rubbery and the skin soggy. Not to worry! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide pro tips and techniques for warming honey baked turkey breast so it remains tender and full of flavor. With these easy-to-follow steps, you can relax knowing your turkey will be just as spectacular the second time around.
Proper Storage for Optimal Flavor
Before we get into the reheating methods, proper storage is critical for delicious leftovers. Here are some quick honey baked turkey breast storing tips:
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Allow the turkey breast to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Wrap the breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying.
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Place it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days
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Freeze for 2-3 months if not using right away. Thaw in the fridge before warming.
Oven Warming Method
One of the best and safest ways to gently warm honey baked turkey breast is in the oven. The ambient heat redistributes evenly without overcooking.
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Preheat your oven to 275°F. Low, even heat works best.
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Place turkey breast on a sheet pan and loosely cover with foil.
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Warm for 10 minutes per pound. For slices, heat 15-20 minutes.
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Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Microwave Warming Tips
If you’re short on time, you can quickly reheat slices of turkey breast in the microwave:
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Arrange slices on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
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Heat on 50% power in 30-60 second intervals until 165°F is reached.
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Rotate slices and rearrange midway for even cooking.
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Tent turkey with a damp paper towel to add moisture and prevent drying.
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Add a teaspoon of broth or water to slices for extra moisture.
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Allow to rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
Maintaining Crispy Skin
One of the best parts of honey baked turkey is that crispy, glazed skin. But it can quickly turn soggy when reheated. Try these tips:
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Let turkey breast sit out 20-30 minutes before warming to dry the skin.
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Rub skin with a little vegetable or olive oil before warming.
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Place slices skin-side up on a wire rack over a baking sheet for air circulation.
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Broil 3-5 minutes after warming to recrisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Preventing Dry, Stringy Meat
Without the right precautions, reheated turkey breast can easily dry out. Here are smart ways to keep it tender and juicy:
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Brush turkey with broth, pan drippings or extra glaze before warming to baste the meat.
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Include a small bowl of water or apple juice in the oven or microwave to create steam.
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Tent turkey with foil while reheating to lock in moisture and allow steam to circulate.
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Let turkey rest tented with foil 5-10 minutes after warming to redistribute juices.
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If turkey seems dry, add extra glaze or broth and reheat 2-3 minutes more.
Serving Suggestions
Once your honey baked turkey breast is perfectly warmed, it’s time to showcase it! Here are some fun serving ideas:
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Pile high on sandwiches with cranberry sauce, lettuce, and creamy mayo.
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Slice and add to fresh salads for a protein boost.
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Serve alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing.
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Dice and add to soups, casseroles, pasta, or fried rice.
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Stuff into a hollowed out bread loaf for a turkey cordon bleu twist.
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Top waffles or biscuits with slices, gravy, and eggs for breakfast.
With the right techniques, your leftover honey baked turkey breast will retain its succulent texture and signature sweet glaze. Time to savor the magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about warming up honey baked turkey breast? Here are some common FAQs answered:
How long does leftover turkey breast last refrigerated?
Properly stored, honey baked turkey breast will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to wrap it up tight.
Can you freeze leftover turkey breast?
Absolutely! Freeze it for 2-3 months wrapped in foil or an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat slices quickly?
The microwave works great for quickly reheating a few slices at a time. Use 50% power and heat in 30-second intervals.
Is sous vide or slow cooker safe for reheating?
It’s not recommended. The extended low heat can make the skin soggy and overcook the meat.
Should you cover turkey breast when reheating?
Yes, tenting it with foil helps retain moisture and prevent drying out. Uncover at the end if you want crispy skin.
How do you keep the skin from getting soggy?
Letting it air dry a bit before reheating, oiling the skin, and using a rack to allow air flow will help maintain crispiness.
Can you reheat turkey breast directly from the fridge?
It’s best to let it come to room temperature first for more even reheating. About 30 minutes on the counter.
How many times can you safely reheat turkey?
It’s best to only reheat turkey breast once. Multiple reheatings increase the risk of drying out the meat and can diminish flavor.
Warming up leftover honey baked turkey breast may seem tricky, but have no fear! With these handy tips and techniques, you can relax knowing your turkey will come out of the oven tender, juicy and full of flavor.
