How Long Should You Bake a Butterball Turkey Breast? A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free turkey option, Butterball’s oven-baked turkey breasts are an excellent choice. These fully cooked turkey breasts offer a rich flavor, easy preparation, and a shorter cooking time compared to cooking a whole turkey. But how long should you bake a Butterball turkey breast? In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to ensure a perfectly cooked and juicy turkey breast every time.

Understanding Butterball Turkey Breasts

Before we dive into the cooking times, let’s first understand what Butterball turkey breasts are. These turkey breasts are fully cooked, which means they have already been roasted and just need to be reheated before serving. This convenient option saves you time and effort, as you don’t have to worry about thawing or cooking the turkey from scratch.

Butterball offers a variety of turkey breast sizes, ranging from 2.5 pounds to 9 pounds, making them suitable for small gatherings or larger family dinners. They are also a great option for those who prefer white meat or want to avoid the hassle of cooking a whole turkey.

How Long to Bake a Butterball Turkey Breast

The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast depends on its size and the desired level of doneness. According to Butterball’s website, here are the recommended cooking instructions for their fully cooked oven-baked turkey breasts:

Conventional Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the turkey breast from the wrapper and place it skin-side up on a flat roasting rack in a 2-inch open roasting pan. Do not add water to the pan.
3. Brush or spray the skin with vegetable oil.
4. Place the turkey breast in the preheated oven and heat until warm.
5. The cooking time can range from 3/4 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the turkey breast.
6. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey breast is fully reheated when the thermometer reads 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
7. Once the desired temperature is reached, carve and serve the turkey breast immediately.

It’s important to note that these cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on your oven and the specific size of your turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Breast Cooking

To ensure your Butterball turkey breast turns out perfectly cooked and juicy, here are some additional tips:

• Let the turkey breast rest for 10-20 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Baste the turkey breast with the pan juices or melted butter every 30 minutes during cooking to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
• Consider covering the turkey breast loosely with foil if the skin starts to brown too quickly.
• If you prefer a crispy skin, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• For added flavor, you can rub the turkey breast with your favorite dry seasoning blend or marinade before cooking.

By following these guidelines and cooking times, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked Butterball turkey breast every time.