Gravy: Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Breast with

Today we are roasting a whole turkey breast. Yes! A whole, bone-in turkey breast because a) white meat and b) because it only takes a few hours versus several hours when roasting an entire bird. Truth be told, I do love both light and dark meat. However I don’t love the time it takes to roast a whole turkey. As you’ll see, this method is crazy straightforward and will have your home smelling like the holidays in under 3 hours. Plus I’m showing you how I make the simplest gravy ever.

AND there’s still crispy turkey skin.

The perk of being a food blogger this time of year is TWO thanksgiving dinners. Note, this is not what my typical Thanksgiving plate looks like. Usually there’s a few more spoonfuls of about 4 other of side dishes, plus rolls and extra gravy. And as my mother-in-law would say; “my eyes are bigger than my stomach.” This plate 👇🏼 is a gross understatement.

Back to the turkey. Gah! Butter roasted turkey is standout and so SO moist and savory. Which isn’t the case sometimes when roasting a turkey.But trust me, the answer is (and will always be) butter.

This year, let Thanksgiving dinner can be a simple.

To cook this Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Breast Set out:

• thyme sprigs (fresh)
• sage (fresh)
• rosemary sprigs (fresh)
• kitchen string
• carrots
• celery
• onion
• whole heads of garlic
• bone-in turkey breast – Gather a 4 to 6 pounds (thawed if frozen)
• softened unsalted butter
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper.

For the gravy:

• turkey drippings
• 4 to 6 tablespoons flour
• turkey broth or stock

A Note About Thawing:

I bought my whole turkey breast frozen. When you know when you want to make it, place it (still wrapped) in a pan, like the one above, and slide it into your fridge for 3 full days to thaw. I’ve read to plan on 24 hours per 5 pounds – but mine has never thawed in 24 hours. 3 days always seems to be what works. The morning of roasting, pull it out of the fridge 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours beforehand and set it on the counter to take the chill off.

For the herb bouquet:

Bundle the fresh herbs like 4 to 6 thyme sprigs, 2 small bunches sage and 2 rosemary stems together and tie well with kitchen string.

Then cut two medium-ish heads of garlic in half horizontally.

In a deep sided roasting pan (I’m using my lasagna pan) scatter the 2 chopped carrots, celery and 1 chopped onion in an even layer.

Move your oven rack to the lowest position and preheat your oven to 325℉ (or 160℃). 

Then using paper towel, blot dry the exterior and the inside cavity of the turkey, well.

Next, use your fingers to get under the skin and pull it from the flesh.

Then rub the butter underneath the skin and then around the exterior, and inside the cavity of the turkey.

Think of it as a butter massage.

Make sure your butter is ESPECIALLY soft (not melted) otherwise the butter will not spread easily.

Then season the exterior and inside the cavity, generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the turkey breast onto the bed of vegetables and stuff the garlic halves and herbs inside the cavity.

Slide the turkey into your preheated oven and roast for 1 hour.

Keep in mind this is a turkey Breast and NOT a whole turkey. So these times will not work if using a whole turkey.

Carefully remove the turkey from the oven.

Use a turkey baster to pick up the butter/juices in the bottom of the pan and squeeze over top and inside the cavity of the turkey.

Return the turkey to the oven to roast for an additional 30 minutes. Then repeat this step twice more or until the turkey skin is deep golden, crispy and a thermometer reads 160° when inserted into the thickest part of a breast.

Look at that crispy turkey skin!

Carefully transfer the turkey breast to a carving board and cover with foil. Allow to rest for at least 20 minutes which is the dependable amount of time to make the gravy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables to a bowl and discard.

They have done their job in flavoring the pan juices.

To Make the Pan Gravy:

Next, pour the pan juices into a fat separator.

Once separated. Pour the juices into a separate measuring cup and add enough turkey stock or broth to make 4 cups. Then add only 1/4 cup of the turkey fat back to the roasting pan. Place the roasting pan on a large burner and heat to high.

Whisk in enough of the flour to make a smooth paste. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, then pour in 4 cups of broth/juices into the pan and bring to a boil while whisking often.

Once thickened, strain (if desired) and serve in a gravy boat.

All that’s left to do is slice and serve the turkey with your regular sides!

We like:

green bean casserole

corn casserole

candied sweet potatoes

these dinner rolls!

Enjoy! And if you give this Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Breast recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!