The holiday season is all about creating warm memories around the table. Finding the right Christmas Dinner Recipes can feel like a big task. But it does not have to be complicated.
Today, we are sharing a recipe for a beautiful roast turkey breast. It is simple enough for beginners but tastes so good. It will look like you spent all day in the kitchen. Let’s make this holiday meal special.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to adore how straightforward this recipe is. It is one of those Holiday Dinner Recipes that delivers big flavor without a lot of stress. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver during a busy time of year.
The star of the show is the herb butter. We rub it all over the turkey and even under the skin. This little step makes the meat incredibly juicy and the skin wonderfully crisp. It fills your home with the most amazing aroma while it bakes.
And the gravy. Oh, the gravy! We make it right in the pan with all those tasty drippings. No packet mixes here. Just pure, savory goodness that tastes like home. It is what makes this a standout among Christmas Dinner Ideas Family will remember.
This recipe is also a great size. A three pound turkey breast is just right for a smaller family dinner. You get all the festive feelings of a big turkey dinner without being overwhelmed by leftovers. It is one of the best Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas you will find.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The list is simple, focusing on ingredients that bring a ton of flavor.
For the Turkey Breast
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt free garlic and herb seasoning blend
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (3 pound) turkey breast with skin
For the Gravy
- 1 teaspoon minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons half and half (Optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? We will walk through this together. It is easier than you think. Let’s make one of the most delicious Christmas Dinner Recipes ever.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Or 175 degrees C. Getting the oven temperature right from the start is important for even cooking.
Next, let’s make that amazing herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together your softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the garlic and herb blend, plus salt and pepper. Stir it all until it is well combined.
Step 2: Prepare The Turkey
Place your turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Now for the fun part. Gently use your fingers to loosen the skin from the meat. This creates a little pocket.
Take about half of that beautiful butter mixture. Rub it directly onto the turkey meat underneath the skin. Then, spread the rest over the top of the skin. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Keep the remaining butter mixture nearby. We will use it later for basting.
Step 3: Roast The Turkey Breast
Loosely tent the turkey breast with a piece of aluminum foil. This helps it cook through without the skin burning too quickly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it roast for one hour.
After an hour, carefully remove the foil. Baste the turkey with the rest of the butter mixture you saved. This will help the skin get golden brown and crispy.
Return it to the oven to cook for about 30 more minutes. You will know it is done when the juices run clear. The most reliable way to check is with an instant read thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
Step 4: Let The Turkey Rest
This step is so important. Once the turkey is cooked, move it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you slice into it.
Resting allows all those wonderful juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out. This leaves you with dry turkey. Nobody wants that. Patience is key here.
Step 5: Make The Pan Gravy
While your turkey is resting, it is gravy time. Look at all those delicious drippings in the bottom of your roasting pan. That is pure flavor. Transfer the drippings to a skillet.
Skim off any excess grease. You want to leave about one tablespoon in the skillet. Place the skillet on low heat. Add the minced shallot and cook it in the turkey drippings for about five minutes until soft.
Melt one tablespoon of butter into the skillet. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in the chicken stock and flour until it is completely smooth.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking the entire time. It will start to thicken up nicely. For an even creamier gravy, you can whisk in a couple of tablespoons of half and half. This is optional but so good.
Step 6: Slice And Serve
Your turkey is rested and your gravy is ready. Now you can slice the turkey breast against the grain. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve it hot with that amazing homemade gravy. Enjoy your wonderful meal.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Properly storing them means you can enjoy this tasty meal for days to come. It is a key part of smart Christmas Menu Ideas.
First, let the turkey cool down completely. Then, slice any remaining meat off the bone. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store the gravy in a separate airtight container.
If you want to freeze it, you can. Place the sliced turkey in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep well for about three months. The gravy can also be frozen. Thaw everything in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Leftover turkey is great for sandwiches, salads, soups, or even a quick turkey pot pie. It makes for some very Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas for the days following the holiday.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your turkey turns out wonderfully every single time. A great tip can make all the difference in Holiday Dinner Recipes.
Always pat the turkey skin dry with paper towels before you add the butter. A dry surface helps the skin get extra crispy and golden. It is a small step that yields great results.
Don’t be afraid to customize the herb butter. You can add other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. A little bit of lemon zest would also be a fresh addition. Make it your own.
A meat thermometer is your best friend. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking meat. It is the only way to be sure your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking it and drying it out.
When making the gravy, whisk constantly after adding the flour. This prevents lumps from forming. A smooth gravy is what we are aiming for. If you do get lumps, you can pour it through a fine mesh strainer.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A beautiful, juicy, and flavorful roast turkey breast that is perfect for your holiday table. This is truly one of the best Christmas Dinner Recipes for a memorable and stress free celebration.
It proves that a fantastic meal does not need to be overly complex. With a few quality ingredients and a little bit of care, you can create a centerpiece dish that your family will love. We hope this becomes a new holiday tradition for you.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you can. The turkey and herb butter are naturally gluten free. For the gravy, simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free all purpose flour blend. Use it in the same amount for thickening.
Can I Prepare The Herb Butter Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. Making the herb butter a day or two in advance is a great time saver. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before you use it.
My Gravy Is Too Thin, What Do I Do?
If your gravy is not as thick as you like, you can easily fix it. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.
What Should I Serve With This Turkey Breast?
This turkey goes well with all the classic holiday sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. These are all wonderful Christmas Menu Ideas to complete your festive meal.
Roast Turkey Breast
This recipe for roast turkey breast is wonderfully simple yet delivers big holiday flavor. Enjoy tender, juicy meat with crispy, herb-infused skin and a rich homemade pan gravy, perfect for a smaller family gathering without the fuss.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Or 175 degrees C. Getting the oven temperature right from the start is important for even cooking.
- Next, let’s make that amazing herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together your softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the garlic and herb blend, plus salt and ground black pepper. Stir it all until it is well combined.
- Place your turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Now for the fun part. Gently use your fingers to loosen the skin from the meat. This creates a little pocket.
- Take about half of that beautiful butter mixture. Rub it directly onto the turkey meat underneath the skin. Then, spread the rest over the top of the skin. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Keep the remaining butter mixture nearby. We will use it later for basting. Loosely tent the turkey breast with a piece of aluminum foil. This helps it cook through without the skin burning too quickly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it roast for one hour.
- After an hour, carefully remove the foil. Baste the turkey with the rest of the butter mixture you saved. This will help the skin get golden brown and crispy. Return it to the oven to cook for about 30 more minutes. You will know it is done when the juices run clear. The most reliable way to check is with an instant read thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
- This step is so important. Once the turkey is cooked, move it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you slice into it. Resting allows all those wonderful juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out. This leaves you with dry turkey. Nobody wants that. Patience is key here.
- While your turkey is resting, it is gravy time. Look at all those delicious drippings in the bottom of your roasting pan. That is pure flavor. Transfer the drippings to a skillet.
- Skim off any excess grease. You want to leave about one tablespoon in the skillet. Place the skillet on low heat. Add the minced shallot and cook it in the turkey drippings for about five minutes until soft.
- Melt one tablespoon of butter into the skillet. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in the chicken stock and flour until it is completely smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking the entire time. It will start to thicken up nicely. For an even creamier gravy, you can whisk in a couple of tablespoons of half and half. This is optional but so good.
- Your turkey is rested and your gravy is ready. Now you can slice the turkey breast against the grain. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve it hot with that amazing homemade gravy. Enjoy your wonderful meal.
Notes
Always pat the turkey skin dry with paper towels before you add the butter. A dry surface helps the skin get extra crispy and golden.
Don’t be afraid to customize the herb butter. You can add other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. A little bit of lemon zest would also be a fresh addition.
A meat thermometer is your best friend. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking meat. It is the only way to be sure your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking it and drying it out.
When making the gravy, whisk constantly after adding the flour. This prevents lumps from forming. A smooth gravy is what we are aiming for. If you do get lumps, you can pour it through a fine mesh strainer.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
