For lots of us, Christmas dinner is all about the turkey. Furthermore, even though a delicious golden roast turkey makes a magnificent centerpiece, depending on how many people you need to feed, a whole turkey can leave you with an enormous amount of leftovers.
For advice on choosing the ideal size to guarantee that nothing is wasted, consult our Guide to Christmas Turkeys.
If, like us, you look forward to the leftovers more than the main course, then by all means, try these inventive ways to use leftover turkey! On the other hand, if you’re on a budget or trying to reduce food waste at Christmas dinner, a turkey crown is a great option that’s just as worthy as the whole bird!
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. However, the idea of cooking a whole turkey can be intimidating and stressful for a lot of people. That’s where the easy roast turkey crown comes in!.
A boneless, rolled turkey breast is called a turkey crown, and it cooks much more quickly than a whole turkey. It can feed anywhere from six to ten people, making it an excellent choice for smaller gatherings as well.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook a turkey crown, from choosing the right size to achieving perfectly cooked, juicy meat. So, let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Size Turkey Crown
Selecting the appropriate size turkey crown for your needs is the first step. Generally speaking, it’s best to purchase 250–333 grams of turkey crown per person. So, for example, a 2kg turkey crown will feed 6-8 adults.
However, it’s important to remember that most people tend to overestimate how much food they need So, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and buy a slightly smaller turkey crown You can always use the leftovers for delicious turkey sandwiches or salads the next day!
Cooking Your Turkey Crown
Once you’ve chosen your turkey crown, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 180C / 160C fan / gas mark 4 / 350F.
- Remove your turkey crown from the fridge about an hour before you are going to cook it. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the turkey and sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of salt and about 20 good grindings of black pepper. Rub the oil, salt, and pepper all over the bird and place it, breast side up, in a roasting tray.
- Cover the turkey crown in foil and roast for 60 minutes. The foil will help keep the breast meat juicy and stop the skin browning too soon and burning before the meat is cooked.
- After 60 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven and remove the foil. Baste the turkey with the juices you find at the bottom of the tin. Put the turkey back in the oven, uncovered this time, for a further 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, turn the oven up to 220C / 200C fan / gas mark 7 / 425F, remove the turkey from the oven and baste with the juices. Return the turkey back to the oven for a further 30 minutes. Cooking the turkey at a higher temperature will help the turkey skin to brown and crisp up. 220C is also the perfect temperature for roast potatoes, meaning you can start your roasties now and they will be ready when the turkey has rested for 30 minutes.
- After the final 30 minutes (the turkey will have cooked for a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes), remove the turkey from the oven and check it is done. Stick a small sharp knife in the fattest part of the turkey crown, and the juices should run clear and the meat should be white. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be 74C (165F).
- Transfer the turkey crown to a clean roasting tin (or similar). Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes, covered loosely in foil. It will not get cold and the meat will taste much nicer.
Tips for Cooking a Perfect Turkey Crown
Here are a few additional tips to help you cook the perfect turkey crown:
- Make sure your turkey crown is fully defrosted before you start cooking it.
- Don’t overcook your turkey crown. The meat should be white and juicy, not dry and tough.
- Rest your turkey crown for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey crown. This is the most accurate way to ensure that it is cooked through.
What to Serve with Your Turkey Crown
There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving your turkey crown. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing
Cooking a turkey crown is a great way to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Christmas feast. By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure to cook a perfect turkey crown that will impress your family and friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and buy a turkey crown today!
How to cook a turkey crown
- On Christmas Day, take your turkey crown out of the refrigerator one hour before baking. Adjust the oven temperature to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Season the crown with black pepper and sea salt.
- In general, a standard bird should be cooked for 35 to 40 minutes per kilogram, and a higher-welfare bird that is stuffed should be cooked for 25 to 30 minutes. Thus, roast a 3 kg crown for 1 hour and 30 minutes, baste frequently with the tray’s delectable juices.
To find out more about the ideal cooking time for a turkey, see our recommendations and timings.
How to prepare a turkey crown
- You can finish all of this work on Christmas Eve and be ready for the big day. Search for the giblets bag inside the main cavity; if it’s there, save it! Take the bag out and set it on a large roasting tray with a trivet filled with roughly chopped vegetables (woody herbs, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic work well). This will result in the most amazing, inexpensive gravy!.
- Fill the neck cavity to your desired level, taking care not to pack it in too firmly. You can use homemade or store-bought stuffing. Pull the turkey back over and place it on top of the vegetable/giblet trivet after tucking the skin under the bird.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the crown and work it into the meat. After that, place kitchen foil over the tray and chill it for the whole night.
How to cook a turkey crown
FAQ
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