Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs – Introduction
When it comes to holiday feasts or elegant dinners, few dishes rival the classic beauty and aroma of a Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs. Golden on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and infused with the fragrant essence of sage, rosemary, and thyme — this recipe captures the timeless flavors of a traditional turkey dinner in a more manageable and approachable form.
Whether you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving, planning a weekend dinner, or simply want the comfort of roast turkey without tackling a whole bird, this recipe delivers everything you love about a holiday roast with less time and effort. The combination of an apple cider brine and a flavorful herb rub ensures the meat stays moist and aromatic throughout roasting.
The apple cider brine works wonders by infusing subtle sweetness and helping the turkey retain its juiciness. Meanwhile, the herb blend of sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic forms a savory crust that perfumes the kitchen as it roasts. The result? Slices of perfectly seasoned turkey that pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables.
For those exploring brining or turkey roasting for the first time, you’ll find this recipe both beginner-friendly and impressive enough for seasoned cooks. For more turkey inspiration, check out Serious Eats’ guide to perfect turkey roasting or Epicurious’ brining techniques.
Basic Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs Recipe
Print
Flavorful Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
Description
Make a juicy, flavorful Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs using this easy brined and oven-roasted recipe. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or small gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 8 cups apple cider, chilled
- ¾ cup salt
- ¼ cup ground allspice
- 4 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- 1 (6 lb) whole turkey breast
For Roasting the Turkey Breast
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (usually from 1 lemon)
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock (plus more for basting)
- 1 cup white wine
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine:
In a large pot, combine apple cider, salt, allspice, bay leaves, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until salt dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely. - Brine the Turkey:
Submerge the turkey breast in the cooled brine, cover, and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. If needed, use a heavy plate to keep it submerged. - Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse briefly, and pat completely dry with paper towels. - Make the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix garlic, dry mustard, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir until it forms a paste. - Season the Turkey:
Rub the herb mixture evenly under and over the turkey skin, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor. - Roasting Setup:
Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the stock and white wine into the pan to create a moist cooking environment. - Roast the Turkey:
Roast uncovered for about 1¾ to 2¼ hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra moisture and color. - Rest Before Carving:
Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. - Serve:
Carve into slices and serve warm with your favorite side dishes — mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a simple pan gravy made from the drippings.
Notes
Brine overnight for the juiciest results — 8–12 hours is ideal.
Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
Rub herbs under the skin for deeper flavor and crispier texture.
Add stock or wine to the pan while roasting to create flavorful drippings.
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
1. Use an Apple Cider Brine for Maximum Moisture
The apple cider in the brine adds subtle sweetness that balances the salt, while natural acids tenderize the meat. Always let the brine cool before submerging the turkey to prevent partial cooking.
2. Rub Herbs Under the Skin
Carefully lift the turkey skin and spread the herb mixture underneath to ensure flavor penetrates deeply. This step keeps the meat moist and the skin crisp.
3. Add Aromatics to the Roasting Pan
Place onion slices, celery, and lemon wedges under the rack to add aroma and enhance the flavor of the pan juices — a trick professional chefs swear by.
4. Baste Strategically
Baste every 30 minutes to maintain a golden crust. Use the pan juices or additional stock and wine mixture for consistent flavor without drying out the meat.
5. Let the Turkey Rest
This step is non-negotiable. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, succulent slices. Cutting too early can cause dryness.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
1. Refrigeration
Store leftover turkey slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the drippings or a little stock to prevent dryness during reheating.
2. Freezing
Freeze cooked turkey in sealed bags for up to 3 months. Wrap portions in foil and place them inside freezer-safe containers for best results.
3. Reheating
Warm turkey in a covered dish with a splash of stock at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the meat.
4. Make-Ahead Option
You can brine and season the turkey the night before, then roast it fresh the next day. This makes it ideal for holidays when oven time is limited.
5. Using Leftovers
Turn leftovers into turkey sandwiches, soups, or salads. Combine with cranberry sauce or aioli for a next-day gourmet meal.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
1. Low-Sodium Adaptation
Reduce the salt in the brine to ½ cup and skip additional salt in the rub. Herbs and citrus still bring plenty of flavor.
2. Alcohol-Free Version
Replace white wine with an equal amount of apple cider or stock for a rich, non-alcoholic alternative.
3. Dairy-Free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free — just ensure your stock is free from added butter or milk.
4. Herb Variations
Try swapping rosemary and thyme for tarragon and parsley for a lighter, more spring-inspired flavor.
5. Gluten-Free
The recipe is naturally gluten-free; just confirm that your stock and wine (if used) are certified gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
Yes. Boneless turkey breast cooks faster — about 20 minutes per pound. Tie it with kitchen twine for even roasting.
2. Do I need to brine the turkey?
Brining isn’t mandatory but highly recommended for juicy, flavorful meat. It helps even lean turkey breast retain moisture.
3. Can I roast this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook on low for 5–6 hours with 1 cup of stock and your herb rub for tender, fall-apart turkey.
4. How do I get crispy skin?
Roast uncovered and baste sparingly near the end. You can also increase oven temperature to 425°F for the last 10 minutes.
5. What can I serve with roast turkey breast?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and cranberry relish for a balanced holiday spread.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts on Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs
This Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs recipe is a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and tradition. By brining the turkey in apple cider and seasoning it generously with fresh herbs, you get the kind of succulent, aromatic roast that turns any dinner into a special occasion.
Perfect for smaller gatherings, it captures all the nostalgia and comfort of a full Thanksgiving roast without the stress of handling an entire bird. The result is tender, juicy slices infused with garlic and herbs, surrounded by a crisp golden skin that looks as good as it tastes.
From weeknight dinners to festive tables, this recipe offers flexibility and elegance. Whether served with rich gravy and classic sides or paired with lighter accompaniments like roasted vegetables and salad, it never fails to impress.
So gather your herbs, prep the brine, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of roasting turkey. This Roast Turkey Breast with Herbs will quickly become your go-to recipe for every celebration — big or small.