Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a turkey breast recipe that’s bursting with flavor but still irresistibly juicy, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe. I absolutely love how the garlic and fresh herbs meld with buttery richness to create a roast that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a special weekend dinner, this recipe never fails to impress—and I can’t wait to share all my tips with you so you nail it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but they work in perfect harmony. The key is fresh herbs and good quality butter, which bring a richness and brightness that elevate simple turkey breast to restaurant-level delicious.

• Turkey breast: Opt for a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast—it stays juicier and the bones add flavor during roasting.
• Salt: Both kosher and table salt work, but kosher salt gives a slightly better seasoning and crust.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that subtle kick and aroma.
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley): Fresh is key here; dried won’t give the same vibrant flavor or aroma.
• Garlic bulbs: You’ll need smashed cloves for the roasting bed and minced garlic for the butter mixture—both add layers of garlicky goodness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential so you can mix it well with herbs and garlic and spread it under the skin easily.

Variations

The beauty of this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is how versatile it is—once you’ve got the basics down, it’s easy to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. I love experimenting, and you can too!

• Herb swaps: Sometimes I swap out sage for oregano or tarragon for a twist that’s equally fragrant and tasty.
• Lemon zest addition: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the butter brightens the flavors beautifully and adds a subtle citrus zing.
• Spicy kick: For a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes in the butter mixture—my family loves this mild spice addition.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a vegan butter substitute and fresh herbs to keep the same flavor profile without dairy.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Turkey to Room Temperature

First things first, take your turkey breast out of the fridge about 45 minutes before cooking. This little step is something I learned the hard way—it helps the turkey cook evenly and results in a tender, juicy bird. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, 30 minutes is fine to prevent it from sitting too long.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and place the rack in the lower middle position. I always set it lower here so the turkey roasts nicely without the top burning and still gets that beautiful golden skin we all love.

Step 3: Prepare Your Herb and Garlic Bed

Lay the smashed garlic cloves and fresh herb bunch right in the center of your roasting pan. This is where the magic starts. These aromatics infuse the turkey from underneath while it roasts—trust me, it makes a big flavor difference!

Step 4: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter

Mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I always taste a tiny bit—if you want to, you can add a pinch more salt or herbs to suit your preferences. This mixture is what you’ll smear under the skin to get that intense flavor baked right into the meat.

Step 5: Loosen the Skin and Add Butter

Loosening the skin is the trickiest but most rewarding step! Use a teaspoon upside down to gently loosen the thin skin from the turkey’s flesh—don’t worry if it feels delicate, take your time here. Then, using your hands, spread about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter under the skin on the top half. It’s a little messy but so worth it. You’ll see how the butter bastes the meat from the inside while roasting.

Step 6: Butter the Underside and Skin

Flip the turkey breast over and smear more butter onto the underside—reserve about two tablespoons for the skin itself. Once you place the turkey on the herb and garlic bed, skin side up, spread the remaining butter on the skin just lightly. You want just enough to encourage browning but not so much that the butter or herbs will burn.

Step 7: Roast and Rest

Place the pan in your preheated oven and roast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 65°C (149°F) if you want it juicy and medium-done. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—I started using one and it changed my turkey forever. After roasting, rest the turkey for at least 15 minutes before carving to lock in all those beautiful juices.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh parsley and thyme leaves over the carved turkey for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens things up beautifully—especially if you added lemon zest to the butter. I also love drizzling a little of the buttery pan sauce over the slices right before serving for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are silky mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips, and buttery green beans tossed with slivered almonds. For a festive feel, cranberry sauce is wonderful alongside to cut through the richness. You’ll find the flavor pairing truly elevates the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the turkey breast into beautiful medallions and arrange them over a bed of mixed roasted vegetables or wild rice pilaf on a large platter. Adding a few whole rosemary sprigs and lemon slices around the edges not only looks stunning but adds subtle fragrance to the table. Trust me—guests notice these details!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to slice leftover turkey breast and store it in an airtight container with a little spoonful of that garlic herb butter melted into the bottom to keep everything moist. Stored in the fridge, it stays great for about 3-4 days. This way, every time I reheat it, it tastes almost like fresh.

Freezing

Whenever I have extra, I slice the turkey and freeze it flat in freezer bags with a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat turkey breast leftovers is wrapped loosely in foil and warmed gently in a low oven (around 150°C / 300°F) until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or a little extra garlic herb butter before reheating keeps it from drying out. Microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method yields juicier results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s simple, foolproof, and the flavors are just incredible. I love how you get that restaurant-worthy crisp skin while the meat inside stays tender and juicy thanks to that herb butter magic. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your repertoire too—perfect for making any meal feel a little more special. So grab that turkey breast and get ready to impress your family and friends with a roast you’ll be proud of!

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