How to Cook a Butterball Turkey Breast Perfectly Every Time

Butterball Turkey Breast: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning your menu. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy main dish, look no further than the butterball turkey breast.

Butterball turkey breasts are pre-cooked and seasoned, so they’re perfect for busy cooks. Simply thaw the breast according to the package directions, then roast it in the oven until cooked through.

Butterball turkey breasts are also very versatile. You can serve them whole, or you can slice them up and use them in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.

No matter how you serve it, butterball turkey breast is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. So why not give it a try this year?

Temperature	Time	Notes
325 degrees F	2 1/2 – 3 hours	For a whole, bone-in turkey breast
350 degrees F	2 – 2 1/2 hours	For a boneless turkey breast
400 degrees F	1 1/2 – 2 hours	For a quick-cooking turkey breast

Choosing the Right Butterball Turkey Breast

When it comes to choosing the right Butterball turkey breast, there are a few factors to consider.

* Size: The size of the turkey breast you need will depend on the number of people you’re cooking for. A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 pound of turkey breast per person. However, if you’re serving children or people with smaller appetites, you may be able to get away with a little less.
* Weight: The weight of the turkey breast will also affect the cooking time. A larger turkey breast will take longer to cook than a smaller one.
* Fresh vs. frozen: Fresh turkey breasts are typically more flavorful than frozen ones, but they also tend to be more expensive. Frozen turkey breasts are a good option if you’re on a budget or if you’re planning to cook the turkey ahead of time.

Here is a table that can help you choose the right Butterball turkey breast for your needs:

| Size | Weight | Cooking Time |
|—|—|—|
| Small | 3-4 pounds | 2-2.5 hours |
| Medium | 5-6 pounds | 2.5-3 hours |
| Large | 7-8 pounds | 3-3.5 hours |
| Extra-large | 9-10 pounds | 3.5-4 hours |

Preparing the Butterball Turkey Breast

Once you’ve chosen the right Butterball turkey breast, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.

* Thawing: If you’re using a fresh turkey breast, you’ll need to thaw it before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the turkey breast in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also thaw the turkey breast in a sink full of cold water. Just make sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
* Brining: Brining is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your turkey breast. To brine the turkey breast, you’ll need to mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of each of the following spices: black peppercorns, garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Place the turkey breast in the brine and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
* Seasoning: Once the turkey breast is thawed and brined, it’s time to season it. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Here are a few tips for seasoning your turkey breast:

* Use a dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of spices that is rubbed onto the turkey breast before cooking. This is a great way to add flavor without adding a lot of moisture to the turkey.
* Marinate the turkey breast. Marinating the turkey breast in a flavorful liquid will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. You can use any type of marinade you like, but some popular options include olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine.
* Baste the turkey breast during cooking. Basting the turkey breast with melted butter or broth will help to keep it moist and flavorful.

Cooking the Butterball Turkey Breast

Now that your turkey breast is prepped, it’s time to cook it.

* Oven-cooked turkey breast: To cook a turkey breast in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast it for 20 minutes per pound. Baste the turkey breast every 30 minutes with melted butter or broth.
* Grilled turkey breast: To grill a turkey breast, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the turkey breast with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Grill the turkey breast for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Smoked turkey breast: To smoke a turkey breast, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and smoke it for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving the Butterball Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked, it’s time to serve it. You can carve the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides. Some popular sides for turkey breast include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Here are a few tips for serving your turkey breast:

* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.
* Carve

3. Cooking the Butterball Turkey Breast

There are three main methods for cooking a Butterball turkey breast: oven-roasting, deep-frying, and smoking. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Oven-roasting is the most common method for cooking a Butterball turkey breast. It is a relatively simple process, and it produces a moist and flavorful turkey. To oven-roast a Butterball turkey breast, you will need:

* A Butterball turkey breast
* A roasting pan
* A rack
* Aluminum foil
* Cooking spray
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* Bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
4. Rub the turkey breast with cooking spray.
5. Sprinkle the turkey breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
6. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
7. Roast the turkey breast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Advantages of oven-roasting:

* Oven-roasting is a relatively simple process.
* It produces a moist and flavorful turkey.
* It is a good option for people who do not have access to a deep fryer or smoker.

Disadvantages of oven-roasting:

* Oven-roasting can take a long time.
* The turkey breast may dry out if it is not cooked properly.

Deep-frying is a faster and more intense cooking method than oven-roasting. It produces a crispy, golden brown turkey breast that is perfect for people who love fried food. To deep-fry a Butterball turkey breast, you will need:

* A Butterball turkey breast
* A deep fryer
* Vegetable oil
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* Bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Cut the turkey breast into 1-inch thick pieces.
4. Season the turkey breast pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
5. Dredge the turkey breast pieces in flour.
6. Deep-fry the turkey breast pieces for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the turkey breast pieces from the deep fryer and let them drain on paper towels.

Advantages of deep-frying:

* Deep-frying is a quick and easy process.
* It produces a crispy, golden brown turkey breast.
* It is a good option for people who love fried food.

Disadvantages of deep-frying:

* Deep-frying can be dangerous if it is not done properly.
* The turkey breast may be too greasy if it is not drained properly.

Smoking is a slow and low-temperature cooking method that produces a flavorful, smoky turkey breast. To smoke a Butterball turkey breast, you will need:

* A Butterball turkey breast
* A smoker
* Wood chips
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* Bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
4. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and smoke it for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Advantages of smoking:

* Smoking is a healthy cooking method.
* It produces a flavorful, smoky turkey breast.
* It is a good option for people who want to avoid fried food.

Disadvantages of smoking:

* Smoking can be a time-consuming process.
* The turkey breast may not be as moist as a

Q: How long should I cook a Butterball turkey breast?

A: The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast depends on its weight. For a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, cook it for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a boneless, skinless turkey breast, cook it for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What temperature should I cook a Butterball turkey breast to?

A: The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How do I know when a Butterball turkey breast is done cooking?

A: There are a few ways to check if a turkey breast is done cooking. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, or you can pierce the meat with a fork and see if the juices run clear. You can also look for signs that the turkey is cooked through, such as the skin being golden brown and the meat being white and juicy.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a Butterball turkey breast?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking a Butterball turkey breast:

* Start with a thawed turkey breast. If you thaw your turkey breast in the refrigerator, it will take about 24 hours per pound. If you thaw your turkey breast in cold water, it will take about 3 hours per pound.
* Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry. This will help to remove any bacteria.
* Season the turkey breast with your favorite seasonings. You can use a dry rub, a wet brine, or a combination of the two.
* Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. This will help to keep the turkey breast moist while it cooks.
* Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound.
* Remove the aluminum foil and continue to bake the turkey breast until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a Butterball turkey breast?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a Butterball turkey breast:

* Not thawing the turkey breast completely. This can lead to uneven cooking and bacteria growth.
* Overcooking the turkey breast. This can make the meat dry and tough.
* Not using enough seasoning. This can make the turkey breast bland.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest before slicing and serving. This can cause the meat to be tough and dry.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with a Butterball turkey breast?

A: Here are a few side dishes that go well with a Butterball turkey breast:

* Mashed potatoes
* Stuffing
* Cranberry sauce
* Green bean casserole
* Sweet potato casserole
* Roasted vegetables

Q: Where can I buy a Butterball turkey breast?

A: You can buy a Butterball turkey breast at most grocery stores. You can also buy them online from Butterball’s website.

cooking a Butterball turkey breast is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in a few easy steps. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can be sure to produce a delicious and juicy turkey breast that will be the centerpiece of your next holiday meal.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when cooking a Butterball turkey breast:

* Start with a high-quality turkey breast. A good-quality turkey breast will be plump and juicy, with a evenly distributed fat content.
* Rub the turkey breast with a flavorful seasoning blend. This will help to create a flavorful and moist turkey breast.
* Cook the turkey breast to the correct internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking turkey breasts to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey breast rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

By following these tips, you can be sure to cook a delicious and juicy Butterball turkey breast that will be the star of your next holiday meal.