Roast Turkey Breast In A Bag Recipe

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Using a cooking bag for your turkey means that it won't dry out and all the flavors are kept in. It's perfect for white meat like the turkey breast which often can end up dry and flavorless.

serves/makes:

ready in:

2-5 hrs

9 reviews
6 comments

ingredients

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
5 pounds bone-in turkey breast
salt
ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
3 bay leaves

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Dust the inside of a large (14-by-20-inch) oven bag with flour.

Rinse turkey under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. Season the breast all over with salt and pepper.

Rub butter over the skin side, then place the breast skin side down. Place onion quarters and bay leaves in the breast cavity.

Place the turkey breast in the oven bag. Gather the bag loosely around the turkey, allowing room for heat to circulate. Secure the bag with its nylon tie. Cut six 1-inch slits in the top of the bag. Place the bag in a 13-by-9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.

Bake the turkey until it is deep golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let the turkey rest in the bag for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a platter to slice.

Remove and discard the bay leaves and onion quarters. Reserve the pan juices. Strain them for making gravy, if desired, or freeze them for making turkey soup.

recipe tips

Use a high-quality oven bag to prevent leaks or bursts during cooking.

Season the turkey generously.

Place the turkey breast correctly in the bag for even cooking.

Cut slits in the bag to allow steam to escape.

Let the turkey rest before slicing for juicier meat.

Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegetables.

Experiment with different seasonings on the turkey.

Remember, always check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Do not rely on a pop-up timer if your turkey breast comes with one.

common recipe questions

Can I use a boneless turkey breast?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but the cooking time will be shorter.

Is it necessary to use flour in the oven bag?

The flour helps prevent the bag from bursting and thickens the juices for gravy.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The turkey breast is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F.

Can I make this recipe without an oven bag?

While the bag helps keep the turkey moist, you can roast it in a covered roasting pan as an alternative.

How should I store leftover turkey?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use the pan juices for anything?

The pan juices are perfect for making gravy or can be used as a base for turkey soup.

Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?

You can season and butter the turkey breast ahead, but it's best roasted on the day of serving.

Can I stuff the turkey breast?

Stuffing is not recommended with this method as it can affect cooking times and temperature distribution.

nutrition data

290 calories, 14 grams fat, 1 grams carbohydrates, 37 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.

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OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST

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reviews & comments

Cookinsmyfun REVIEW:
November 22, 2022

Most important for juicey white meat is marinating overnight in seasoned buttermilk (which you can make yourself at home), then cook it in bag. We have also left the butter for coating all sides of breast for mayonnaise... super moist and flavorful, you will love how tender AND juicey it is!
Stevetramutolo November 7, 2021

I'm trying today
Thimbelina November 22, 2020

I want to cook a 4 1/2 lb turkey breast and two drumsticks. Can I cook them this way at the same time?
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  Yes, that should work fine.
Verotic REVIEW:
January 21, 2020

This is the only way I cook turkey, whether it be whole or just a turkey breast. I also make slits in the turkey meat and stuff the slits with garlic and bacon, like you do a beef roast. I also rub with Kitchen Bouquet. Great flavor!
Debbie REVIEW:
November 28, 2019

Omg.....I evan stuffed the cavity with stuffing. Soooooo good. Thanks for the recipe
Guest Foodie December 25, 2018

Very helpful will give it a try
Sarah REVIEW:
November 22, 2018

It's also great with the Cajun injector
Anne November 21, 2018

How long to roast a turkey breast in a bag?
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  The cook time is specified in the directions. Ultimately it will depend on how your oven cooks and the size and temperature of the turkey breast at the start. Always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
Dave REVIEW:
March 26, 2017

The only way to go 👍
Anita REVIEW:
December 5, 2016

PERFECT! I didn't do Thanksgiving at my home this year, so I missed out on my favorite - turkey sammiches ;-) I added a carrot & a celery stalk with the onion for flavor. I also added fresh thyme & rosemary from my garden, and just a dash of dried sage along with the salt & pepper, & rubbed it under the skin with the butter. Thank you sooo much for sharing your recipe!PS: I've always roasted my whole turkey, as well as a breast with the breast side down, because my mom told me to years ago. And it really does make it juicer!
Denise November 23, 2016

I'm nervous about using cooking bags for the two 6 lb already seasoned breasts. Help!
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  I'm not sure what you need help with. Just follow the directions and dinner will turn out great!
di November 17, 2016

so why do you cook it skin side down, instead of up???
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  This makes the turkey juicier.
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
October 28, 2016

Along with the onion I also also added carrots and celery around sides of the turkey to help flavor the juices with a quarter cup of chicken stock
Linda M. REVIEW:
October 28, 2014

Turkey Breast... Receipt was great, more than I thought it would be.. it tasted like the whole turkey.. made up some mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetable (carrots and parsnips cut like fries).. m.m. good.
Wanda REVIEW:
October 25, 2013

This is the only way I cook turkey now. IT's never dry and has more flavor. And its easier to get the juices for gravy.

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Roast Turkey Breast In A Bag Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)