If you’re looking for a show-stopper roast that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright comforting, then this Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the garlic and fresh herbs mingle with the tender turkey and the subtle zing of white wine – it’s like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find this recipe is both easy to follow and just bursting with flavor. Keep reading and I’ll share all my best tips so your roast comes out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Herb-Infused Flavor: Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme create a beautifully aromatic crust that elevates simple turkey breast.
- Juicy, Tender Meat: Roasting with white wine and under-the-skin herb paste keeps the breast incredibly moist.
- Simple Prep: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to impress everyone at the table.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays, and leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches or salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe plays a starring role. You’ll want fresh herbs for that vibrant, unmistakable flavor, good quality olive oil for richness, and dry white wine to add subtle acidity that helps keep the turkey juicy.
- Whole bone-in turkey breast: Opt for a 6 ½ to 7-pound breast for perfect portioning and even cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely chopped; roasted garlic is a game-changer here.
- Fresh rosemary leaves: Chop them finely to release the oils and aroma.
- Fresh sage leaves: Fresh is best here for that earthy depth.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds subtle citrus and floral notes that balance the richness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: For a gentle kick and warmth.
- Olive oil: Helps the herbs bind and creates a gorgeously crisp skin.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens and balances the herbal aromatics.
- Dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or similar; used in roasting pan for moisture and flavor.
Variations
I really encourage you to make this recipe your own! Sometimes I tweak the herbs based on the season, or swap the white wine for a fruity apple cider if I don’t have wine on hand. You’ll find that slight adjustments can add your own twist while keeping the essence.
- Herb swap: When fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried but reduce the amount by half to avoid overpowering.
- Wine alternatives: White grape juice with a splash of white vinegar works when you want something non-alcoholic but similar in acidity.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the herb paste for a hint of warmth.
- Dairy twist: For creamier flavor, brush softened butter mixed with garlic and herbs under the skin instead of olive oil.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Herb Paste
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F — this lower temperature is key to cooking the breast gently and evenly without drying it out. While the oven warms, combine the chopped garlic, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice into a fragrant paste. Here’s a trick I discovered: use your fingertips to loosen the skin carefully from the meat without tearing it, then spread half the herb paste directly under the skin—this infuses flavor right into the turkey breast itself. Spread the remaining herb paste evenly over the skin for a beautiful, flavorful crust.
Step 2: Roast with White Wine for Juiciness
Place the turkey breast skin side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Pour the dry white wine into the bottom of the pan to add moisture and create savory pan juices. Roast for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, keeping a close eye on the skin’s color. If the skin starts browning too quickly, just tent it loosely with foil—it’s a little tip I picked up that helps avoid burnt spots while still achieving golden crispiness. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; once it hits 165°F, your turkey is done.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Don’t rush this part! Tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for juicy, tender slices that hold their shape. When you carve, spoon the flavorful pan juices over each serving – that simple finishing touch takes the dish from great to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe
- Loosen the Skin Gently: Use your fingers carefully to avoid tearing the skin when applying the herb paste underneath for maximum flavor.
- Choose the Right Wine: A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity without overpowering, enhancing juiciness and aroma.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the only foolproof way I’ve found to avoid overcooking and drying out the breast.
- Rest Before Slicing: Resting locks in the juices, so don’t skip this step even if you’re eager to serve.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this turkey with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a rustic look. A squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of your roasted pan juices really brings everything together on the plate – trust me, it’s a little trick that guests always notice.
Side Dishes
My favorite side dishes with this Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, and a crisp autumn apple salad. The balance of creamy, crisp, and tangy sides complements the rich, herbaceous turkey beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a holiday table or dinner party, serve the turkey breast whole on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and a scattering of roasted garlic cloves. Alternatively, slice it thickly and layer the meat over a bed of wilted spinach or wild rice pilaf for an elegant presentation that’s as tasty as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. One trick I learned is to keep a little bit of the pan juices stored separately and spoon some over when reheating – it keeps the meat from getting dry and adds that fresh roasted flavor back.
Freezing
This turkey breast freezes surprisingly well. I slice it before freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place them in freezer bags. When you thaw slowly in the fridge overnight, the texture stays just right without being mushy.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, I recommend warming slices covered in foil at 300°F for about 15 minutes, with a splash of pan gravy or broth to keep moisture. Microwave works too, but keep it short and covered to preserve juiciness.
FAQs
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Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a boneless turkey breast, though cooking time will be shorter—a good rule is about 20 minutes per pound. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to 165°F to avoid overcooking.
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What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will still work. Use about half the amount specified for fresh herbs, as they’re more concentrated. It won’t be quite as aromatic, but still delicious.
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Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the herb paste and apply it to the turkey breast the night before, then refrigerate it covered. This allows flavors to deepen and also makes roasting day easy and stress-free.
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How do I avoid dry turkey breast?
Cooking at a lower temperature and monitoring the internal temperature carefully are key. Also, spreading the herb paste under the skin and roasting with white wine help retain moisture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Roasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe feels like sharing a little family tradition. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and brings everyone to the table with happy hearts. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded why simple, fresh ingredients done right make all the difference. I hope you’ll try it soon and see just how satisfying and tasty a turkey breast roast can be — it might just become your new favorite go-to. Happy roasting!
PrintRoasted Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with White Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic roasted turkey breast recipe features a flavorful herb and garlic paste that penetrates the meat while roasting, resulting in juicy, tender turkey with a beautifully crispy skin. Perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion, it combines fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine for an aromatic, savory roast.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 whole bone-in turkey breast, 6 ½ to 7 pounds
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and allow it to fully heat before placing the turkey inside.
- Prepare the turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up on a rack inside a roasting pan to ensure even cooking and air circulation beneath the meat.
- Make the herb garlic paste: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a flavorful paste.
- Apply the paste: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Smear half of the herb paste directly onto the meat beneath the skin for deep seasoning. Then evenly spread the remaining paste over the skin’s surface for a flavorful crust.
- Add wine to pan: Pour 1 cup of dry white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan; this will keep the meat moist and add additional flavor while roasting.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Monitor the turkey’s skin; if it begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Roast until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure doneness.
- Rest the turkey: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
- Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness; overcooking can dry out the turkey breast.
- Letting the turkey rest after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used but reduce the quantities by half due to their stronger flavor.
- White wine in the pan adds moisture and subtle flavor, but you can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- For even cooking, bring the turkey breast to room temperature before roasting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g cooked turkey breast)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg