The Easiest Barefoot Contessa Herb-roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Herb-roasted turkey breast makes poultry exciting again, infusing each bite with garden-fresh flavor.

A mix of thyme, rosemary, and garlic enhances the meat without overpowering its natural taste.

Roasting helps achieve a crisp skin and juicy interior that feels special but not fussy.

It’s an ideal option for small holiday gatherings or cozy weekend dinners.

The aroma alone will draw everyone into the kitchen with anticipation.

You’ll want to add this to your regular rotation.

Why Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Shines

• Burst of Herbal Elegance: Dive into a symphony of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme that transforms an ordinary turkey breast into a gourmet masterpiece, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions with minimal ingredients and techniques, ensuring a perfectly roasted turkey every single time.
• Moisture-Locked Deliciousness: The clever technique of rubbing herb paste both under and over the skin, combined with white wine in the pan, guarantees an incredibly juicy and tender turkey breast that melts in your mouth with rich, aromatic goodness.

Must-Have Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Turkey Breast: Lean, tender cut perfect for roasting, best when bone-in for added flavor and moisture retention.

• Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herbs that provide robust, earthy flavor profile to the turkey.
• Garlic: Adds depth and pungent undertone to the herb mixture.
• Dry Mustard: Introduces subtle tangy and sharp notes to the seasoning.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps create a delicious crust.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complements other seasonings.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute herbs evenly and promotes golden, crispy skin.
• Dry White Wine: Creates moisture in the roasting pan and adds subtle complexity to pan juices.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps tenderize the meat.

Simple Guide to Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Gently heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Select a roasting pan with a sturdy rack to elevate the turkey breast.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh sage
• Fresh thyme
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dry mustard
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking them into a fragrant herb paste.

Step 3: Massage The Turkey

Generously coat the turkey breast with the herb mixture. Gently lift the skin and spread additional seasoning directly onto the meat for deeper flavor penetration. Pour white wine into the roasting pan’s bottom.

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1½ to 1¾ hours. Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer – you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C). If the skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Let It Rest And Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven. Cover with foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring tender meat. Slice and serve with pan drippings for an extra burst of flavor.

Pointers for the Best Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey

• Maximize Herb Infusion: Gently massage the herb mixture under the skin to ensure deep, even flavor penetration throughout the meat.
• Prevent Drying Out: Baste the turkey breast periodically during roasting to keep the meat incredibly moist and tender.
• Smart Thermometer Placement: Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone contact for an accurate temperature reading.
• Elevate Herb Quality: Select organic, locally grown herbs when possible to boost the overall taste and aroma of your roasted turkey breast.
• Carving Pro Tip: Use a sharp, long knife and slice against the grain to create perfect, tender meat portions that look professional and taste delicious.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Freeze Strategically: Seal herb-roasted turkey breast in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain maximum flavor. Remove excess air completely to preserve moisture and texture for up to 4 months. Label bags with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigerator Revival: Slice turkey before storing to create quick grab-and-go portions. Store in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent moisture loss and absorb other refrigerator odors. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Reheating Precision: Transform leftover turkey into moist, delectable slices by using a steaming method. Pour a small amount of chicken broth into a covered baking dish, arrange turkey slices, and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.

Variations on Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace rosemary and sage with oregano and marjoram, adding crumbled feta cheese on top after roasting for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Southwestern Style: Swap herbs with chipotle powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Use tequila instead of white wine for a bold, spicy southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Turkey: Incorporate minced ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil into the seasoning mixture. Replace white wine with rice wine and garnish with chopped green onions for an authentic Asian taste experience.
• Citrus Herb Infusion: Add orange zest to the herb blend, use orange juice instead of lemon juice, and include fresh orange segments in the roasting pan to create a bright, zesty flavor profile.

Wrapping Up Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Herb-roasted turkey breast emerges as culinary poetry, blending Ina Garten’s signature sophistication with rustic Mediterranean charm.

Mediterranean herbs dance across succulent meat, creating symphonic flavor profiles that whisper gourmet expertise.

Complex seasonings intertwine with tender turkey, promising memorable dining experiences for discerning palates.

White wine’s subtle essence elevates each tender slice, transforming weeknight dinners into elegant celebrations.

Grand yet approachable, this recipe bridges home cooking with professional technique.

Passionate cooks will discover pure magic nestled between rosemary, sage, and thyme—sharing this masterpiece becomes an irresistible invitation for kitchen adventurers to connect, engage, and savor culinary excellence.

Barefoot Contessa Herb-roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s herb-roasted turkey breast brings Mediterranean flavors to your holiday table with elegant simplicity. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic infuse tender meat, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece you will savor with pure culinary delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (approximately 3 to 3.2 kilograms / 6.6 to 7.0 pounds)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Liquid and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) good olive oil
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) dry white wine

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the herb-infused seasoning by blending extra virgin olive oil, freshly minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, robust dry mustard, finely chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Incorporate kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a fragrant aromatic paste.
2. Position the turkey breast on a sturdy roasting rack, ensuring the skin faces upward. Gently loosen the skin and apply half of the herbal mixture directly onto the meat, then generously massage the remaining seasoning across the exterior surface.
3. Heat the oven to 160°C (325°F), creating an ideal roasting environment. Pour dry white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan, which will help maintain moisture and develop rich pan juices.
4. Carefully slide the seasoned turkey into the preheated oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 1½ to 1¾ hours. Monitor the browning process; if the skin darkens too quickly, drape a loose aluminum foil tent over the breast to prevent burning.
5. Verify doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F), indicating the turkey is perfectly cooked.
6. Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest, covered with foil, for 15 minutes. This resting period enables the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
7. Carve the turkey into elegant slices and serve immediately, accompanied by the flavorful pan juices for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Keep the turkey moist by basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings or melted butter during roasting.
• Elevate flavor by stuffing herb sprigs and citrus slices inside the turkey cavity for subtle, fragrant infusion.
• Choose a high-quality turkey from a local farm or butcher for better texture and more robust taste.
• Prepare the herb butter mixture the night before to allow flavors to intensify and blend thoroughly.
• Pat the turkey skin completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior during roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg