How Long To Cook A Turkey Breast Roast: An Ultimate Guide
Turkey has always been the centerpiece of many festive occasions. It’s a versatile and nutritious protein source that we can’t help but prepare for every birthday, holiday, or special event. If you’re a fan of poultry, it’s only natural you’d want to know how to cook it perfectly. Turkey breast roast, in particular, is a popular cut that is easy to cook and delicious. But the crucial question is, how long to cook a turkey breast roast?
We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about cooking a turkey breast roast. From the ingredients, the proper cooking method, to how long to cook your turkey breast roast, you’ll learn everything you need to cook your perfect turkey dinner. You can also find helpful answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this guide.
Ingredients Needed for Turkey Breast Roast
Before we dive into the cooking process, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for cooking a turkey breast roast.
- 4-pound turkey breast roast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Method of Cooking Turkey Breast Roast
Choosing the right method for cooking your turkey breast roast is essential. Different cooking options yield different results. The following are the most common ways to cook a turkey breast roast:
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting is the most common method of cooking turkey breast roast. It’s relatively easy and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Rub the turkey breast roast with melted butter and sprinkle the herb seasoning mixture all over it.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast roast in a roasting pan with the skin side facing up.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the roast, using a meat thermometer. Be sure not to touch the bone with the meat thermometer as this may give an inaccurate reading.
- Remove the foil from the pan and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the skin becomes crispy and golden-brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Method
Slow cooker method is another way to cook a turkey breast roast. It takes more time, but it’s an excellent option if you want to have a juicy and tender turkey roast. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the turkey breast roast with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and garlic powder as described earlier.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast roast in a slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast roast is 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Make sure to insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the turkey breast roast, without touching the bone.
- Remove the slow cooker lid and let the turkey breast roast rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Grilling
Grilling your turkey breast roast is an excellent option if you want that smoky flavor. It’s an easy method, but you’ll need to monitor the turkey breast roast closely to avoid overcooking. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the turkey breast roast with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and garlic powder as described earlier.
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the turkey from sticking to the grates.
- Place the turkey breast roast on the grill and cook for 15 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C), using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the turkey breast roast from the grill and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
How Long to Cook A Turkey Breast Roast?
The cooking time for turkey breast roast depends on the size of the turkey breast roast and the cooking method you’ve chosen. The following table provides an estimate of how long it takes to cook a turkey breast roast using different cooking methods:
| Cooking Method | Weight | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-roasting | 4 lbs | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Slow cooker | 4 lbs | 6-7 hours on low heat |
| Grilling | 4 lbs | 15 minutes on each side |
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature, as it’s the only way to determine if a turkey roast has been cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F (75°C).
FAQs
1. Can I cook a turkey breast roast from frozen?
We do not advise cooking a turkey breast roast from frozen as it’s not safe. For best results, thaw the turkey breast roast in the fridge for a few days before cooking.
2. Should I stuff my turkey breast roast?
As a general rule, it is not recommended to stuff a turkey when making a turkey breast roast. Instead, you can serve your turkey breast roast with your favorite stuffing on the side.
3. How do I store leftover turkey breast roast?
Let the turkey breast roast cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to four days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the leftover turkey breast roast for up to three months.
4. Can I use a bone-in turkey breast roast?
Yes, you can use a bone-in turkey breast roast. However, it may take a little longer to cook than a boneless turkey breast roast.
5. What type of gravy goes well with turkey breast roast?
A classic turkey gravy would go well with your turkey breast roast. You can also try a cranberry sauce or any of your favorite gravies.
Conclusion
Cooking a turkey breast roast may seem intimidating at first, but as you’ve learned, it’s a straightforward process. With proper seasoning, the right cooking method, and the ideal internal temperature, you can prepare a delicious and juicy turkey breast roast. By following our guide, you can now confidently answer the question, “How long to cook a turkey breast roast?” Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and give the turkey enough resting time before serving. We hope this guide has been helpful, and you have a fantastic time enjoying your turkey breast roast.