Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

This Boneless Turkey Breast Roast is perfect for a cozy dinner or a small gathering and is packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. The Butterball turkey breast is seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices, then baked to juicy, succulent perfection.

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Since this dish is boneless, it’s easy to slice and serve, making it a great option for busy weeknights or holiday meals.

What is a Turkey Breast Roast

It’s a cut of turkey that is taken from the breast of the bird. It includes boneless, skinless pieces of turkey breast that have been shaped and tied to create a uniform shape for even cooking. These are a popular option for holiday meals and other special occasions because they are easier to carve than a whole turkey and can be cooked faster. They are also perfect for smaller spreads and groups.

Bone-in vs Boneless Turkey

Bone-in turkey is generally more juicy and flavorful than boneless turkey because the bones help to retain moisture and add flavor during cooking. The bones also help to insulate the meat, which slows down the cooking process and allows the turkey to cook more evenly.

With proper preparation and cooking techniques noted in this recipe, boneless turkey can also be moist and delicious.

Here are more key differences:

• Cooking Time: Boneless turkey cooks faster than bone-in turkey because bones take longer to heat up than meat.
• Carving: Carving a bone-in turkey can be more challenging because bones can make it harder to remove meat cleanly. A boneless turkey is easier to carve because it is a uniform shape.
• Cost: Boneless turkey tends to be more expensive because it requires more processing to remove the bones.
• Nutritional Value: Boneless is generally lower in calories and fat because it has most have had the skin removed.

Where to Buy It

Most grocery stores will carry it, especially during the holiday season. Look for it in the meat section (fresh or frozen) or ask the butcher if they have any available. I usually find the Butterball brand at most stores.

Do You Remove the Net from the Turkey?

You do not need to remove the netting before cooking. The netting is there to help hold the turkey together while it is cooking, and it will not affect the taste of the turkey. Some people believe that the netting helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy.

Once the turkey is cooked, you can remove the netting (I use scissors or a knife) and discard it.

Spices and Seasoning

I use a combination of poultry seasoning, smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine), onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Here are some additional options:

• Sage: This is a classic herb for turkey that adds a warm, earthy flavor. You can use fresh or dried sage.
• Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, piney flavor that can be used sparingly to add depth.
• Cumin: Has a warm, earthy flavor that can add a slightly spicy kick.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the turkey that can be adjusted to your preference.
• Cajun Seasoning
• Creole Seasoning
• Lemon Pepper

How to Make Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pat the turkey breast dry.
2. Place the roast on a parchment paper lined sheet pan or in a roasting pan or baking dish, keeping the netting on.
3. Sprinkle the spices all over the turkey breast and rub them into the meat. Cut the butter into small slices and place the slices over the seasoned turkey.
4. Bake.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest.
6. To serve, carefully remove the netting from the turkey breast and discard it. Slice the turkey breast and serve.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

A standard 3 pound turkey will take around an hour or more to cook. It will usually take around 20 minutes per pound of turkey. Mine took around an hour and 15 minutes.

How to Tell When it’s Done

You will need to use a meat thermometer. Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.

Crispy Skin

This recipe produces amazing skin. If you want it more crisp, once the turkey has finished roasting, adjust the oven to broil and broil the turkey for a few minutes until the skin crisps to your liking.

Resting

When a turkey breast is cooked, the heat causes the juices inside the meat to move away from the center of the roast towards the outside. This can result in a dry, tough piece of meat if it is cut immediately after being taken out of the oven.

By letting it rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking, you allow the juices to redistribute back into the meat, resulting in a more evenly moist and tender roast. This also allows the temperature to even out, so the meat is not too hot when you start carving it.

How to Carve

1. Use scissors or a knife to cut the netting away and remove it.
2. Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal cut through the breast meat starting at the top and working your way down. Try to keep the slices as even as possible.
3. Arrange the sliced turkey breast on a platter and serve.

Gravy

While the turkey breast is resting, it’s a good time to make the gravy. You can use the juices that have collected in the bottom of the roasting pan to make a flavorful gravy to accompany the turkey. Check out my Turkey Gravy From Drippings and Yellow Gravy recipes.

Freezer Tips

Cut the turkey into smaller pieces or portions that are the appropriate size for your needs. This will make it easier to store and defrost later on.

Wrap the turkey in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss. You can also place it in freezer-safe plastic bags or containers.

You can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Southern Collard Greens
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Roasted Okra
Thanksgiving Chicken
Eye of Round Roast Beef

More Turkey Recipes

Smothered Turkey Wings
Smothered Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Turkey Wings
Juicy Spatchcock Turkey
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Baked Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cornish Hens
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast

If you want to make this in a slow cooker, check out our Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast.