As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, the aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey breast can truly make a house feel like a home. Oven roasting a turkey breast, with its golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, brings a festive flair to any meal, particularly during the holiday season or special family dinners. This recipe for an oven-roasted turkey breast incorporates a delicious glaze of butter, apple juice, and thyme, offering layers of flavor that enhance the natural succulence of the turkey.
Crafting the Perfect Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
This turkey breast recipe is not only a guarantee of comfort and joy but also a testament to the simplicity and elegance of home cooking. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing a special meal for your family, the subtle sweetness of the apple juice combined with the savory richness of the butter creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes this dish irresistible.
Preparation Details:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: About 2.5 hours
- Servings: 6 to 8
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Delight your guests with this beautifully roasted turkey breast, a centerpiece that promises to elevate your meal with its impeccable taste and presentation.
Ingredients:
- 3 pound turkey breast (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dry thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan.
- Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer so the tip is in the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone.
- Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, apple juice, thyme, salt, paprika, and garlic. Brush the turkey with half of this butter mixture after the first hour of roasting.
- Continue to roast for another 30 minutes, then brush with the remaining butter mixture.
- Roast the turkey for about 1 more hour or until the meat thermometer reads 180ºF and the juices run clear.
- Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This makes it easier to slice and locks in the juices.
- Meanwhile, prepare the gravy. Pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup and skim off the fat. Add enough water to the drippings to measure 2 cups.
- Bring the mixture to a boil in a 1-quart saucepan. Combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the boiling drippings. Boil and stir for 1 minute until thickened.
- Serve the turkey with the freshly prepared gravy.
This oven-roasted turkey breast, with its flavorful crust and succulent interior, is sure to be the highlight of your meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender textures that only a lovingly prepared turkey can deliver.