Succulent and aromatic, this Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter & Roasted Tomatoes is a perfect alternative to a whole bird—ideal for smaller holiday gatherings, elegant Sunday dinners, or a flavorful weeknight roast. Infused with a rich garlic-herb butter and paired with blistered cherry tomatoes, this dish is a beautiful blend of classic comfort and fresh, vibrant flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is straightforward and delivers exceptional results with minimal fuss. The herb-garlic butter ensures every bite of the turkey breast is moist, flavorful, and golden-brown, while the roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat. It’s an excellent choice for a holiday centerpiece without the hassle of roasting an entire turkey, and the combination of fresh herbs and citrus makes it feel both seasonal and light.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole boneless turkey breast (2½ to 3 lbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a roasting pan with a rack or line with foil for easier cleanup. - Prepare Garlic Herb Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until well blended. - Season the Turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin without tearing it, and rub half of the herb butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the surface of the turkey. - Roast the Turkey:
Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on the rack in your roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). - Roast the Tomatoes:
While the turkey roasts, toss the cherry tomato halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. During the last 20–25 minutes of roasting time, scatter the tomatoes around the turkey in the pan along with a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme. They’ll roast beautifully in the pan juices. - Rest and Serve:
Once the turkey is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the roasted tomatoes and a spoonful of the flavorful pan drippings.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45–60 minutes
Resting time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Add White Wine: Pour ¼ cup of white wine or chicken broth into the roasting pan before baking for extra moisture and flavor in the drippings.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a hint of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Add a few orange slices to the pan for a deeper citrus profile.
- Stuffed Version: Butterfly the turkey breast and stuff it with spinach, cheese, or breadcrumb-herb stuffing before roasting.
- Tomato Swap: Use grape tomatoes or a medley of colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze turkey breast in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of broth or pan drippings to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium heat, covered.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes, bone-in breasts can be used but may require additional cooking time (up to 1 hour 15 minutes). Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Do I need to brine the turkey breast first?
Brining is optional. This recipe provides enough flavor and moisture through the garlic butter. However, a simple overnight brine can add extra juiciness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare and season the turkey breast up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and roast it just before serving.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid cutting into it before resting, as this can release juices.
Can I roast vegetables with the turkey?
Yes. Carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added to the pan along with the tomatoes during the final 20–30 minutes of roasting.
What should I serve with this turkey breast?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure any sides served are dairy-free as well.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead: use one-third the amount (e.g., 1 tsp dried rosemary instead of 1 tbsp fresh).
Why add tomatoes during the last 20 minutes?
This prevents overcooking. Adding them too early may cause them to burst or become mushy before the turkey is done.
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Yes, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan, add a bit of flour or cornstarch and broth, and simmer until thickened for a delicious herb-infused gravy.
Conclusion
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter & Roasted Tomatoes is a flavorful, elegant dish that transforms a humble cut of turkey into a show-stopping main course. With its crispy skin, juicy interior, and herbaceous garlic butter, it’s sure to become a favorite for holidays or any time you want a satisfying roasted meal without the effort of a whole bird. Serve it with your favorite sides and savor the rich, aromatic flavors in every bite.
PrintHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter & Roasted Tomatoes
Succulent, juicy turkey breast roasted in garlic herb butter and served with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. This Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast makes a perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or cozy Sunday dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 whole boneless turkey breast (2½ to 3 lbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for tomatoes)
- A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme (for tomatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to form a herb butter mixture.
- Pat turkey breast dry. Gently loosen the skin and rub half the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter over the entire surface of the turkey.
- Place the turkey breast on a rack or directly into a roasting pan.
- Roast uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- While the turkey roasts, toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herb sprigs.
- Add the tomatoes to the roasting pan during the last 20–25 minutes of cooking time.
- Remove turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with the roasted tomatoes and spoon pan drippings over the top.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked turkey.
- Letting the turkey rest helps retain its juices when sliced.
- This recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a light salad.
- You can prepare the herb butter ahead and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with tomatoes
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg