Hey, foodies! Welcome back to the kitchen. Today’s culinary adventure takes us to Sprouts market, where I contemplated the hefty price tag of deli turkey meat.
Fear not, I stumbled upon an economical solution – a fresh turkey breast 1/2 turkey breast at just $3.99 a pound. Join me as we turn this budget-friendly cut into a delectable sandwich centerpiece.
With a trusty old meat thermometer in hand, a toaster oven as our culinary canvas, and a sprinkle of kitchen wisdom, we’ll discover just how easy and rewarding it is to cook your own 1/2 turkey breast in oven.
Highlights:
- Save money by cooking a fresh turkey breast half at home, priced at just $3.99 per pound.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness to achieve a juicy and flavorful result with minimal cooking effort.
- Utilize your toaster oven for this recipe, set it to 450°F, and place the turkey on the lower rack for optimal browning and moisture retention.
- For a delightful homemade meal, create a delicious sandwich with sliced turkey, fresh talero rolls, mayonnaise, homegrown tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
How Long to Cook 1/2 Turkey Breast in Oven?
Cook a 2.7-pound half turkey breast in a preheated 450°F toaster oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing for a juicy and flavorful result.
How to Cook 1/2 Turkey Breast in Oven
To cook a 2.7-pound 1/2 turkey breast in a oven, preheat to 450°F, insert a meat thermometer, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F—approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing for a juicy and flavorful sandwich.
Turkey Breast in Oven Recipe
So, let's get the oven preheated, the thermometer inserted, and our taste buds ready for a feast!
Ingredients
- 1 half turkey breast (approximately 2.7 pounds, bone-in, skin-on)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh talero rolls (or your favorite bread)
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh homegrown tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- Meat thermometer
- Foil (for covering during resting)
- Knife (for slicing)
- Cutting board
- Spatula (for sandwich assembly)
- Optional: Seasoning tools (salt and pepper shakers)
Instructions
- Let's dive into the Step-by-step guide!
Step 1: Purchase and Prep
- Head to your local market and grab a fresh turkey breast half. At $3.99 a pound, it's a wallet-friendly option.
- Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly. Consider seasoning the outside if you desire, but remember that the skin might be removed later.
Step 2: Use a Meat Thermometer
- Ensure you have a reliable meat thermometer. The blogger recommends an old one indicating 185°F for poultry.
- However, the current USDA recommendation is 165°F. You can find a newer version on Amazon for around $10.35.
Step 3: Insert the Thermometer
- Stick the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. This ensures an accurate temperature reading.
Step 4: Preheat and Cook
- Preheat your toaster oven to 450°F.
- Place the turkey breast on the lower oven rack to prevent the top from drying out.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The duration may vary, so rely on the thermometer rather than a fixed time.
Step 5: Rest and Cover
- Once the turkey reaches 160°F, remove it from the oven and cover it with foil. The temperature will continue to rise, reaching the desired 165°F during the resting period.
Step 6: Slice and Assemble
- Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes. Slice it thinly, considering it's destined for sandwiches.
- Grab your fresh Telera rolls and spread mayonnaise on both sides.
- Layer sliced turkey onto the roll and add fresh homegrown tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
Step 7: Season and Enjoy
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then assemble your sandwich. The result is a mouthwatering creation that rivals any deli sandwich.
How Long to Cook 5 1/2 Lb Turkey Breast in Oven?
For a 5 1/2 lb turkey breast, follow the general rule of 15 to 20 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. This would roughly take around 1 hour and 22 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
How Long to Cook a 7 1/2 Pound Turkey Breast in the Oven?
For a 7 1/2 lb turkey breast, apply the general rule of 20 minutes per pound. Expect the cooking time to be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes for an unstuffed turkey. If stuffed, add an extra 30 minutes, bringing the total to around 3 hours.
Final Thoughts
The turkey breast turns out beautifully juicy and browned, requiring minimal effort. Consider investing in a modern, fluorescent green number display meat thermometer from Amazon for an improved cooking experience.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a simple and juicy adventure in home cooking. Our 2.7-pound turkey breast half, cooked to a perfect 165°F, has transformed into a mouthwatering masterpiece ready to elevate your sandwich game.
With minimal effort and a cost-friendly approach, you’ve witnessed the magic of turning a humble cut into a delicious, homemade delight.
This recipe proves that you can make a turkey sandwich that tastes as well as it does at the deli, regardless of your level of competence in the kitchen.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, happy cooking, and may your sandwiches be forever stacked with flavor!
Hello! I’m Paula Deen, a mother who loves to create memories in the kitchen. As a kitchen enthusiast, I love to do experiment with different kitchenware for daily recipes. This is my blog, where I’ll share my experience, knowledge, and reviews on various kitchenware and appliances.