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Savory Roasted Garlic Herb Butter Turkey Breast

savory roasted garlic herb butter turkey breast - featured image
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A flavorful and moist turkey breast roasted with garlic herb butter, perfect for small gatherings. This recipe features a crispy skin and juicy meat infused with fresh herbs and roasted garlic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed (roasted whole cloves mashed into butter for extra depth)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced roasted garlic (or raw if preferred), chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp better.
  4. Loosen the skin carefully by sliding your fingers under the skin starting at the thicker end, separating it gently from the meat without tearing.
  5. Rub olive oil lightly over the skin surface to help the butter adhere.
  6. Spread the garlic herb butter generously under the skin, massaging it evenly over the meat. Reserve a tablespoon to spread on top of the skin for extra browning.
  7. Place the turkey breast on the roasting rack skin-side up. Spread the remaining butter on the skin.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Check after 40 minutes — if the skin is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest, tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise to the safe 165°F (74°C) while resting.
  10. Slice and serve by carving the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices.

Notes

Roast garlic cloves separately to mellow their flavor before mixing into butter. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pat skin dry and rub olive oil before applying butter for crispier skin. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly. Rest turkey after roasting to redistribute juices. Herb butter can be prepared a day ahead to meld flavors. Adjust roasting time about 20 minutes per pound. Save pan drippings for a quick pan sauce by deglazing with white wine and chicken broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, roasted turkey, garlic herb butter, small gatherings, holiday recipe, savory turkey, roasted garlic, fresh herbs

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/savory-roasted-garlic-herb-butter-turkey-breast-recipe-for-small-gatherings/