Roasted Turkey Breast is a classic centerpiece that delivers all the comfort of a traditional roast without the complexity of cooking a whole bird. Juicy, herb-seasoned turkey is roasted until golden and tender, then paired with crisp green beans, savory bacon, hearty stuffing, and a bright cranberry sauce. This balanced plate offers rich flavor, seasonal warmth, and elegant presentation, making it perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or intimate gatherings where quality matters more than quantity.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Turkey
- 1.5 kg (3–3.5 lb) turkey breast, skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Green Beans & Bacon
- 300 g fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Stuffing (Optional but Recommended)
- 1 cup prepared bread stuffing
- ½ cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
To Serve
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Method
- Prepare the turkey
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil or butter. Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika. - Roast the turkey
Place the turkey breast on a roasting tray, skin-side up. Roast uncovered for 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Baste once or twice during cooking for added moisture. - Rest the meat
Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This ensures juicy, tender meat. - Prepare the green beans
Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain. Wrap with bacon and lightly sear in a pan with olive oil until the bacon is crisp and beans are tender. - Make the stuffing
In a pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft. Add sausage and stuffing. Cook gently until heated through and lightly crisped. - Slice and plate
Slice the turkey breast thickly. Arrange on a plate with green beans, stuffing, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables
- Pair with a light gravy or pan jus
- Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or celebratory meals
Chef’s Tips
- Always rest turkey before slicing to prevent dryness
- Cooking skin-on keeps the meat moist
- Use a thermometer for perfect doneness
- Cranberry sauce adds essential acidity to balance richness
- Leftover turkey is excellent for sandwiches or salads
