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October 27, 2024
If you’re planning to cook a delicious butterball turkey breast in the oven, you may be wondering just how long it will take. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and the temperature you choose to cook it at.
As a general rule, you can expect to cook a butterball turkey breast in the oven for about 20 minutes per pound. However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey breast has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, and brush it with melted butter or oil for added flavor and moisture. Cover the turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven, allowing about 20 minutes of cooking time per pound. Remember to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
Once the turkey breast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a moist and flavorful turkey breast that is ready to be served.
How to Cook a Butterball Turkey Breast in the Oven
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in the oven is a great way to enjoy a delicious and juicy turkey without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. By following these simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked Butterball turkey breast that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the Butterball turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, with the skin side facing up.
4. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Cooking:
1. Calculate the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey breast. As a general rule, cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kilogram) in a 325°F (165°C) oven.
2. Tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil to prevent the skin from burning. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
3. Cook the turkey breast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
4. Baste the turkey breast with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier turkey breast.
Serving:
1. Carve the Butterball turkey breast into thin slices.
2. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
3. Enjoy your delicious and moist Butterball turkey breast!
| Weight of Turkey Breast | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) | 50 minutes |
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 1 hour and 40 minutes |
| 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
Turkey Preparation
Before cooking your Butterball turkey breast in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the turkey to ensure a delicious and safe meal. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked turkey:
1. Thaw the turkey breast: If your turkey breast is frozen, it is crucial to thaw it before cooking. Place the turkey breast in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
2. Remove the packaging: Take the turkey breast out of its packaging and discard any wrapping or plastic. Make sure to remove the neck and giblets from the cavity, if they are included.
3. Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the turkey breast under cold water to remove any excess brine or juices. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin when cooked.
4. Seasoning: Preheat the oven to the desired temperature. Rub the turkey breast with your choice of seasoning, such as salt, pepper, and herbs. Make sure to season both the inside and outside of the turkey breast.
5. Trussing (optional): Trussing the turkey breast with butcher’s twine can help maintain its shape and promote even cooking. If you prefer not to truss, you can simply skip this step.
6. Preparing the roasting pan: Place the turkey breast on a rack inside a roasting pan. This allows for even air circulation and helps prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. Add a small amount of liquid, such as chicken broth or water, to the bottom of the pan to prevent the drippings from burning.
Butterball, Frozen Boneless Turkey Breast Roast with Gravy Packet, 3lbs.
Amazon.com
7. Cooking time and temperature: Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific turkey breast size. As a general guideline, cook the turkey breast in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
8. Basting (optional): To add extra flavor and moisture, baste the turkey breast with pan drippings or melted butter every 30 minutes during cooking.
9. Resting and carving: Once the turkey breast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey breast.
By following these steps, you can confidently prepare a Butterball turkey breast in the oven that will be the star of your Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
Oven Temperature
When cooking a Butterball turkey breast in the oven, the recommended oven temperature is 325°F (162.8°C). This temperature ensures that the turkey breast cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.
Butterball, Frozen Young Turkey, 8-10 lbs.
Amazon.com
Preheating the Oven
Before placing the turkey breast in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature of 325°F (162.8°C). This allows the oven to reach the desired heat level before cooking begins.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast in the oven depends on the size of the turkey breast. As a general guideline, a thawed turkey breast weighing 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg) will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to cook at 325°F (162.8°C). It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
For a stuffed Butterball turkey breast, the cooking time may be slightly longer. It is recommended to add an additional 30 minutes of cooking time per pound of stuffing.
Tent the Turkey Breast
While cooking the Butterball turkey breast in the oven, it is advisable to tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil for the first hour of cooking. This helps to prevent the skin from becoming too brown or burning while the turkey breast is cooking.
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cooking Time (Thawed) |
|---|---|
| 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg) | 1.5-2 hours |
| 6-8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg) | 2-2.5 hours |
| 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg) | 2.5-3 hours |
| 12+ pounds (5.4+ kg) | 3-3.5 hours |
Note: These cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on individual oven characteristics and the specific turkey breast being cooked. It is always important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) before consuming.
Butterball, Frozen Young Turkey, 12-14 lbs.
Amazon.com
Cooking Time
When cooking a Butterball turkey breast in the oven, it is important to follow the correct cooking time to ensure a delicious and moist turkey. The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the turkey breast:
If the turkey breast weighs 3 to 7 pounds:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cook the turkey breast uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for the turkey breast to be fully cooked.
If the turkey breast weighs 7 to 9 pounds:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cook the turkey breast uncovered for 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for the turkey breast to be fully cooked.
Remember to let the turkey breast rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
It is always a good idea to double-check the cooking time and internal temperature with a reliable recipe or Butterball’s official recommendations for the best results. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Butterball turkey breast!
Basting the Turkey
To ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey, basting is an essential step in the cooking process. Basting involves periodically brushing or spooning the turkey with its own juices or a basting liquid to keep the meat moist. Here are some tips on how to baste your Butterball turkey breast:
1. Preparing the Basting Liquid
You can create a simple basting liquid by combining melted butter, vegetable oil, broth, or pan drippings with herbs and spices of your choice. This mixture adds flavor and helps to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
2. Basting Schedule
Start basting your turkey breast about 45 minutes into the cooking process. Then, consistently baste every 30 minutes or so throughout the remaining cooking time. This regular basting will ensure that the turkey stays moist and takes on the flavors of the basting liquid.
3. How to Baste
Using a basting brush, gently brush the basting liquid over the turkey breast, making sure to cover the entire surface. If you don’t have a basting brush, you can also spoon the liquid over the turkey. Be careful not to disturb the cooking process by opening the oven for too long while basting.
4. Basting Techniques
You can experiment with different basting techniques to achieve the desired level of browning and flavor. Some people prefer to baste more frequently, while others may choose to baste less often. Additionally, you can incorporate the pan drippings into your basting liquid for added richness.
Remember, basting is a personal preference and may not be necessary for everyone. Some chefs argue that basting can cause the turkey skin to become soggy, so consider your desired outcome when deciding whether or not to baste your Butterball turkey breast.
Q&A
How long do I need to cook a butterball turkey breast in the oven?
You will need to cook a butterball turkey breast in the oven for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
What temperature should I set the oven to when cooking a butterball turkey breast?
You should set the oven to a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking a butterball turkey breast.
Do I need to cover the turkey breast while cooking it in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil while cooking it in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
How do I know if the butterball turkey breast is cooked thoroughly?
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should reach a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked.
Can I baste the butterball turkey breast while it’s cooking in the oven?
Yes, you can baste the butterball turkey breast with its own juices or with melted butter to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. Just be careful not to open the oven door too frequently to maintain a consistent temperature.
How long should I cook a butterball turkey breast in the oven?
The cooking time for a butterball turkey breast in the oven can vary depending on its weight. As a general guideline, you can cook it at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 20 minutes per pound. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.