Turkey breast is a great faff-free festive option for smaller groups. Half a turkey breast (from one side of the bird) will serve two to four people and a whole breast will serve six. Show
As a joint, half a breast looks like a giant chicken breast or a roll tied up with string or butcher’s netting. A whole breast can be folded in half and treated in the same way. Sometimes they come bundled in strips of bacon or pancetta, or you can wrap your own following the recipes below. You can also tie the breast yourself, which will keep it neat in the oven and the skin in place to give you more even slices when you carve it. For more inspiration, see our turkey breast recipes, plus ways to use leftover turkey. When it comes to oven temperatures and timings, roast turkey breast has the same requirements as a whole roast turkey. So, at a temperature of 190C/170C fan/gas 5, you'll need to cook it for 40 mins per kilo, plus an additional 20 mins. How to cook turkey breastYou needn’t give up your favourite flavourings or skip the brining process, if that’s how you like it. Alternatively, you could wrap the turkey breast in pastry to make a wellington or cook it in a slow cooker – see our best turkey breast recipes for more ideas. A turkey breast is also a useful way of bumping up the meat on Christmas Day without resorting to buying an enormous turkey, because there's nothing that can go to waste. It makes better leftovers for sandwiches, too. In fact, because it's a lean, low-fat, cheaper cut of meat, it's becoming popular all year round, not just for Christmas. Turkey breast is readily available in strips for stir-frying, steaks and fillets for pan-frying and grilling, and in cubes for casseroles and as mince for bolognese and meatballs. See our recipes using turkey mince and turkey steak. Roast turkey breast recipeServes 4 1 large turkey breast or 1 double breast, tied into a joint
More turkey breast recipes for inspiration:Stuffed turkey breast with garlic & cheese A beautiful turkey is the glorious centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table. The skin of the turkey should be golden brown and the inside moist and tender. Yes, there are blackened turkeys and smoked turkeys and turkeys rubbed with herbs
and spices. But if you want a traditional dinner, go for a good old-fashioned roasted turkey. Read MoreRead Less 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed Salt, pepper Butter, melted 1 Remove giblet bag from turkey. Check both cavities for extra parts. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry. Rub salt and pepper to taste into neck and body cavities. 2 Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Brush with melted butter. Roast uncovered at 325 degrees 20 to 22 minutes per pound (if turkey weighs more than 16 pounds, roast 18 to 20 minutes per pound), or until thermometer reaches 165 degrees in thigh. 3 Baste with melted butter every 30 to 45 minutes. If bird is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil or cover breast with butter-soaked cheesecloth. 4 When turkey is done, remove from oven and let rest at room temperature 20 minutes.
Get our new Cooking newsletter. Your roundup of inspiring recipes and kitchen tricks. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Related RecipesLatest RecipesHow do I cook a turkey without a turkey bag?Tent with foil and roast for 2 hours (for a 10- to 12-pound turkey; add an extra 15 minutes per pound for larger birds). Remove the foil, baste with more melted butter and crank the oven to 425 degrees F. Roast for another hour or until the meat at the thigh registers 165 degrees F. Let rest while you make the gravy.
Can you roast a turkey without an oven bag?Oven bag: You can't cook a turkey in a bag without an oven bag. It's specifically designed to withstand the heat while roasting a turkey. Roasting pan: You'll want a roasting pan that's at least 2-inches deep to keep the bag safe from melting and to keep the juices from running out.
What can I use instead of oven bag?Aluminum foil. From the Reynolds Kitchens, "the taste of tender, juicy turkey, quick roasted in your oven.
Should a turkey breast be cooked covered or uncovered?Roast uncovered according to Cooking Schedule or until meat thermometer in center of breast roast reaches 170° F and in center of turkey roast reaches 175° F. For easier net removal after roasting, wrap roast in foil and let stand 10 minutes.
Is it quicker to cook a turkey in a bag or not?Plus the turkey cooks faster in an oven bag and clean up is easier! The oven bag locks in flavor and the steam in the bag bastes the turkey as it cooks.
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