Introduction

Roasted Turkey Breast with Homemade Gravy is a classic, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or special occasions. A juicy, golden turkey breast is roasted to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, while a rich, flavorful gravy made from the pan drippings ties the meal together beautifully. This dish is a lighter alternative to roasting a whole turkey, yet it delivers all the flavors and elegance of a festive meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it produces a tender, juicy turkey breast with crispy skin and deeply flavorful homemade gravy. The combination of herbs, garlic, and butter enhances the natural flavor of the turkey without overpowering it. The gravy, made from the pan drippings, is rich, savory, and comforting, perfect for pouring over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. It’s a recipe that feels festive but is easy enough to make any time you want a comforting roast dinner.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it allows you to enjoy a holiday-quality roast without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. The homemade gravy elevates the meal, making it feel luxurious and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this roasted turkey breast is flavorful, moist, and easy to carve. Its aroma fills the kitchen, and its presentation impresses any guest.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on size)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 400–450 per serving (including gravy)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Classic Comfort Food

Course: Main Course / Roast

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast:

3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp paprika
1 medium onion, quartered
2–3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth

For the Homemade Gravy:

Pan drippings from roasted turkey
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or turkey broth (or as needed)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub turkey breast with olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
Place turkey breast on a roasting pan with onions and garlic, and add broth to the pan.
Roast uncovered 1 hour 15–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove turkey, tent with foil, and let rest 15 minutes.
Make gravy with pan drippings: whisk in flour, add broth, and cook until thickened.
Slice turkey and serve with homemade gravy.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the surface. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
Prepare Roasting Pan: Place quartered onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth into the pan to keep the meat moist. Place turkey breast on top.
Roast Turkey: Roast uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.
Rest Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist roast.
Prepare Gravy: Pour pan drippings into a saucepan, reserving about 2 tbsp fat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice & Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with homemade gravy.

How to Serve

Serve slices of turkey breast with pan gravy over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or a side of cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Let the turkey rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
Basting with pan juices during roasting adds flavor and keeps meat moist.
Reserve extra pan drippings for more flavorful gravy.

Variations

Herb Butter: Rub turkey with herb-infused butter (sage, rosemary, thyme) under the skin.
Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon slices to the roasting pan for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Version: Add paprika, cayenne, or crushed red pepper to the seasoning rub.
Stuffed Option: Stuff turkey breast with a sage and bread stuffing for extra flavor.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey and gravy in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked turkey slices and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

Roasting pan with rack
Meat thermometer
Saucepan for gravy
Wooden spoon or whisk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use boneless turkey breast?
A: Yes, adjust cooking time slightly, usually 10–15 minutes less.

Q2: How do I keep turkey moist?
A: Baste with pan juices during roasting and let rest before slicing.

Q3: Can I make gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, make gravy while turkey rests or prepare a day ahead; reheat gently before serving.

Q4: Can I roast turkey breast with vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the roasting pan for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Roasted Turkey Breast with Homemade Gravy is a classic, comforting, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The tender, juicy turkey, aromatic herbs, and rich pan gravy create a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Easy to prepare and impressive on the table, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a holiday feast in a manageable portion. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and paired with luscious gravy, making it a must-try for family dinners, celebrations, or special weekend meals.