How to Cook a Juicy, Perfectly Roasted 7-Lb Turkey Breast

Cooking a 7-pound Turkey Breast

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking a turkey. If you’re planning on cooking a 7-pound turkey breast, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of cooking a 7-pound turkey breast, from brining to roasting. We’ll also provide tips on how to make sure your turkey is cooked to perfection.

So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete novice, read on for everything you need to know about cooking a 7-pound turkey breast.

Step	Temperature	Time
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).	325 degrees F (165 degrees C)	3-4 hours
Rub turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.	325 degrees F (165 degrees C)	3-4 hours
Place turkey breast in a roasting pan and cover with foil.	325 degrees F (165 degrees C)	3-4 hours
Remove foil and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).	325 degrees F (165 degrees C)	30 minutes
Let turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving.		15 minutes

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

When it comes to choosing a turkey breast for your holiday meal, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Size

The first thing you need to decide is how big of a turkey breast you need. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. So, if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, you’ll need a 10-pound turkey breast.

Of course, you may not need a whole turkey breast. If you’re only cooking for a few people, you can opt for a smaller breast. You can also buy a boneless, skinless turkey breast, which will cook faster and be easier to carve.

Type of turkey breast

There are two main types of turkey breasts: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless turkey breasts are easier to cook, but they can be a little dry.

Fresh vs. frozen

You can buy turkey breasts fresh or frozen. Fresh turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also have a shorter shelf life. Frozen turkey breasts are more convenient, but they can be a little bland.

Other considerations

When choosing a turkey breast, you may also want to consider the following factors:

* The price
* The brand
* The country of origin
* The USDA grade

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best turkey breast for your holiday meal.

Preparing the Turkey Breast

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

Thawing

If you’re using a frozen turkey breast, you’ll need to thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw a turkey breast is to place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. You can also thaw a turkey breast in the microwave, but be sure to cook it immediately after thawing.

Marinating

Marinating a turkey breast can help to add flavor and moisture. You can marinate your turkey breast in a variety of different marinades, such as:

* A simple brine of salt, water, and sugar
* A citrus marinade made with lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, or a combination of these juices
* A herb marinade made with fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano
* A wine marinade made with red wine, white wine, or a combination of these wines

Marinating your turkey breast for 24-48 hours will give it the best flavor.

Brining

Brining a turkey breast is another way to add flavor and moisture. Brining involves soaking the turkey breast in a salt water solution. This helps to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful.

To brine a turkey breast, you’ll need:

* 1 gallon of water
* 1 cup of salt
* 1/2 cup of sugar
* A few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage

To make the brine, combine the water, salt, sugar, and herbs in a large pot. Bring the brine to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the brine from the heat and let it cool completely.

Once the brine has cooled, place the turkey breast in a large bowl or container. Pour the brine over the turkey breast, making sure that it is completely submerged. Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

After brining, the turkey breast will be very flavorful and juicy.

Cooking the Turkey Breast

Once your turkey breast is thawed and prepared, it’s time to cook it.

Oven-baked turkey breast

Oven-baked turkey breast is the most common way to cook a turkey breast. To cook a turkey breast in the oven, you’ll need:

* A roasting pan
* A meat thermometer
* A cooking spray

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and coat it with cooking spray. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper, to taste.

Roast the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roast turkey breast with vegetables

You can also cook a turkey breast with vegetables. To do this, place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and surround it with vegetables, such as

Cooking the Turkey Breast

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

Oven Roasting

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

* A 7-pound turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
4. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast it for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving it.

Smoking

Smoking is a great way to add flavor to a turkey breast. It is also a relatively low-maintenance method of cooking, as you do not have to constantly check on the turkey. To smoke a turkey breast, you will need:

* A 7-pound turkey breast
* 1 cup wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
4. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and smoke it for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving it.

Grilling

Grilling is a great way to cook a turkey breast if you want a crispy skin. It is also a quick and easy method of cooking, as the turkey breast does not need to cook for as long as it does when it is roasted or smoked. To grill a turkey breast, you will need:

* A 7-pound turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
4. Place the turkey breast on the grill and cook it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving it.

Carving and Serving the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked, it is time to carve it and serve it. To carve a turkey breast, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A carving board
* A platter

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey breast on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the turkey breast in half lengthwise.
3. Cut each half of the turkey breast into thin slices.
4. Arrange the slices of turkey breast on a platter.
5. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

Cooking a turkey breast is a simple task that can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. By choosing the right cooking method and taking care to cook the turkey breast properly, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.

Q: How long should I cook a 7 lb turkey breast?

A: A 7 lb turkey breast will take approximately 2 1/2 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

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

Q: What is the best way to cook a turkey breast?

A: There are many different ways to cook a turkey breast, but some of the most popular methods include roasting, baking, and frying.

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

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

* Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.
* Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and cook for 2 1/2 hours, or 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 turkey breast?

A: Some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast include:

* Not cooking the turkey breast long enough.
* Overcooking the turkey breast.
* Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest before slicing and serving.

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

A: Some side dishes that go well with turkey breast include:

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

Q: How do I store leftover turkey breast?

A: Leftover turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat leftover turkey breast?

A: To reheat leftover turkey breast, you can:

* Microwave it on high for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
* Bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* Frying it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

cooking a 7 lb turkey breast is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your turkey breast is cooked to perfection and is juicy and flavorful.

Here are the key takeaways:

* Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
* Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and cook for 1 hour per pound.
* Cover the turkey breast with foil and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy 7 lb turkey breast that will be the star of your holiday meal.