Herb-Infused Roast Turkey Delight
Experience the rich flavors of the season with this Herb-Infused Roast Turkey Delight. This recipe ensures a tender, juicy turkey that is perfectly seasoned with butter, thyme, garlic, and a hint of apple or white wine. Ideal for family gatherings or festive occasions, this turkey will be the star of your dinner table. The combination of fresh herbs and savory spices creates an unforgettable aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a cherished recipe for years to come. Follow this easy yet impressive method for a mouthwatering turkey that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole turkey breast
4 1/2-5 lbs (Thawed if frozen)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Dry white wine or apple juice
1/4 cup (None)
Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme leaves
2 tablespoons or 1 1/2 teaspoons (Chopped (fresh) or dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (None)
Garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (None)
Cold water
2 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey breast skin side up on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, ensuring it does not touch the bone.
2
Roast the turkey uncovered for approximately 1 hour, allowing the first stages of cooking to set the juices.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, wine (or apple juice), chopped thyme, salt, paprika, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful basting sauce.
4
After one hour of roasting, brush half of the butter mixture over the turkey, ensuring even coverage. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 30 minutes.
5
Once the 30 minutes is up, brush the remaining butter mixture over the turkey. Continue roasting for about 1 hour longer or until the meat thermometer reads 180°F (82°C) and the juices run clear when the center is cut.
6
After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier slicing.
7
Meanwhile, pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup and skim off any excess fat. If necessary, add water to the drippings to reach a total of 2 cups.
8
In a 1-quart saucepan, heat the drippings to boiling. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, then stir this mixture into the boiling drippings. Boil and stir for 1 minute to thicken the gravy.
9
Serve the carved turkey with the homemade gravy alongside.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herb-Infused Roast Turkey Delight?
It is a tender, juicy poultry dish seasoned with butter, thyme, garlic, and a hint of apple or white wine, perfect for festive occasions.
What size turkey breast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a whole turkey breast weighing between 4 1/2 and 5 lbs.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for roasting the turkey.
How should the turkey be placed in the roasting pan?
Place the turkey breast skin side up on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan.
Where should the meat thermometer be inserted?
Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast, ensuring it does not touch the bone.
Should the turkey be covered while roasting?
No, the recipe specifies to roast the turkey uncovered.
How long is the initial roasting period before basting?
The turkey should roast for approximately 1 hour before the first application of the basting sauce.
What ingredients make up the flavorful basting sauce?
The sauce consists of melted butter, dry white wine (or apple juice), chopped thyme, salt, paprika, and minced garlic.
When do I apply the first half of the butter mixture?
Brush half of the mixture over the turkey after it has roasted for the first hour.
When should the remaining butter mixture be applied?
The remaining mixture should be brushed on after the turkey has roasted for an additional 30 minutes following the first basting.
What is the final internal temperature target for the turkey?
The turkey is done when the meat thermometer reads 180°F (82°C).
How do I ensure the juices are clear?
You can check by cutting into the center; if the juices run clear, the turkey is ready.
How long should the turkey rest after roasting?
Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
How do I prepare the pan drippings for gravy?
Pour the drippings into a measuring cup, skim off excess fat, and add water if needed to reach a total of 2 cups.
What is used to thicken the homemade gravy?
A mixture of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water is used as a thickener.
How long should the gravy be boiled?
Boil and stir the gravy for 1 minute after adding the cornstarch mixture to ensure it thickens.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
Is it okay to use apple juice instead of white wine?
Yes, 1/4 cup of apple juice can be used as a substitute for dry white wine.
How much thyme is needed?
You can use 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be finely chopped or minced before being added to the butter mixture.
What preparation is needed if the turkey is frozen?
The turkey breast must be completely thawed before beginning the recipe.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include roast turkey, herbed turkey, holiday meal, thanksgiving turkey, comfort food, and easy cooking.
How much salt is used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Does the recipe use paprika?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of paprika is included in the basting mixture for color and flavor.
What equipment is needed for the gravy?
You will need a measuring cup, a 1-quart saucepan, and a small bowl for the cornstarch slurry.
What is the approximate total roasting time?
The total roasting time is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes (1 hour initially, 30 minutes after first basting, and about 1 hour after final basting).
Is this turkey suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is explicitly tagged as a Thanksgiving turkey and a holiday meal.
Why is the cornstarch mixed with cold water first?
Mixing cornstarch with cold water creates a smooth slurry that prevents lumps from forming when added to the hot drippings.