Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Turkey Recipes Herbed Turkey Breast 3.6 (52) 1 Review By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 29, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Servings: 8 Dressed up, this diminutive cut of turkey breast is no less iconic than a whole roast turkey. For the best flavor and texture, brine your turkey breast for six hours. Fresh flat-leaf parsley, sage, oregano, and rosemary bring lots of earthy, aromatic flavor. Ingredients For the Turkey 4 quarts (16 cups) cold water Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper ½ cup sugar 1 turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds), bone in, skin on, excess fat trimmed 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 ½ ounces (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons softened, 1 tablespoon melted 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary For the Vegetables 4 medium shallots, halved 4 medium carrots, 1 inch green top attached, halved lengthwise 4 small turnips, peeled and halved 1 ½ pounds assorted small potatoes, scrubbed, halved or quartered 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper Directions Make the turkey: Combine water, 3/4 cup salt, and the sugar in a large stockpot, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add turkey, weighting it with a plate to submerge if necessary. Cover, and refrigerate for 6 hours. Remove turkey from brine. Pat dry with paper towels, then let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Mash garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt with the side of a large knife until a paste forms. Transfer to a small bowl, and add softened butter and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Using a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently separate turkey skin from breast meat, being careful not to tear the skin. Spread herb-butter mixture evenly under skin, then smooth down to remove trapped air. Brush turkey with melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Make the vegetables: Preheat oven to 425 degrees with rack in lowest position. Place all of the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Top with a rack. Place turkey on rack, skin side up, and roast for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees. Continue roasting, rotating sheet halfway through, and basting turkey with pan juices and tossing vegetables occasionally, until breast is golden brown and the thickest part of the turkey registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour. Transfer vegetables to a platter and turkey to a cutting board, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. To carve the turkey breast: Slice each side along bone, then cut into slices at least 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a serving platter. Cook's Notes Brine the turkey breast a day in advance. Pat it dry, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Rate it Print