Southern Roasted Turkey Breast
This post may contain affiliate partner links. View our privacy statement HERE.
Roasting a turkey is easier than you think, especially when you size down from the whole bird to this flavorful Southern roasted turkey breast. It’s everything you love about a classic holiday turkey, just simpler and faster to make!
With a short list of ingredients and no need for flipping or constant basting, this recipe delivers a juicy, tender, and beautifully seasoned turkey breast that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations. A true soul food shortcut to Southern comfort on your holiday table.
Southern turkey breast
My Southern-style turkey breast brings together sweet brown sugar, tangy apple cider brine, and aromatic spices for a juicy, flavorful bird with perfectly crisp skin. You can use store-bought apple cider or make your own homemade batch, like I share in this recipe for an extra-special touch!
How to keep turkey breasts from drying out
The secret to a flavorful, juicy Southern bird is my signature apple cider brine. An aromatic marinade that guarantees a tender, never-dry turkey. Brining locks in moisture while the spice rub creates a crispy, golden exterior, giving you a succulent roasted turkey breast full of soul and flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
The aroma of this roasted turkey breast is simply irresistible, warm, savory, and full of soul! You’ll need a boneless turkey breast seasoned with Famous Dave’s Chicken Rub (or a similar blend, which features salt, pepper, paprika, mustard seed, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and lemon zest) and Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning for added depth. The turkey soaks up flavor from apple cider, and finishes beautifully with fresh herb sprigs, like rosemary, parsley, or thyme, for garnish.
What size turkey breast to use
A 2.5- to 3-pound turkey breast is perfect for serving 4 to 6 people once sliced. Just the right size for a smaller gathering, an easy Thanksgiving shortcut, or a weeknight feast.
Should you salt a brined turkey?
🥄 Shaunda says: Even if your store-bought turkey has been pre-brined for tenderness, don’t skip the seasoning! A sprinkle of salt—or better yet, a soulful seasoning salt—helps build those rich, layered flavors that make every bite taste like home. Because the seasoning makes every bite of turkey sing with flavor!
How to roast turkey breasts
Here’s what to expect when making this Southern roasted turkey breast:
- Rub the turkey breast all over with the seasoning, then place it meat side up in a roasting pan filled with apple cider, without the roasting rack. Since this is a smaller boneless cut, you can confidently roast it either side up without worry.
- Roast uncovered in the apple cider brine, basting halfway through.
- Remove from the oven, baste once more, slice, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Could you make this with a whole turkey, too?
Absolutely! You can use the same flavorful method for a whole bird. Check out my full Southern turkey recipe HERE for all the details.
Roast covered or uncovered?
For this Southern roasted turkey recipe, cook the turkey uncovered so the apple cider brine can deepen the flavor while keeping the meat moist. Roasting without a cover also allows the spice rub to form a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin that’s full of Southern soul.
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
Roasting a turkey breast typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the breast and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165° F. Using a thermometer is the best way to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and safe to serve.
For a faster way to juicy, flavorful turkey—ready in minutes instead of hours—check out my Instant Pot Southern turkey breast recipe HERE!
What to serve with Southern roasted turkey breasts
In the South, turkey isn’t just a Thanksgiving favorite… It’s the heart of the holiday table! And no soulful feast is complete without the perfect sides. Pair your juicy roasted turkey breast with classics like cornbread dressing, collard greens, and creamy mashed potatoes. These beloved dishes come together like family. Comforting, flavorful, and made to be shared.
Equipment
- Roasting pan with the rack removed (preferred) or a baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 ½-3 pound turkey breast boneless, thawed
- 1 tablespoon seasoning Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning, or similar
- 1 tablespoon seasoning Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, or similar
- 4 cups apple cider Store-bought, or see the notes below to get my homemade apple cider brine recipe
- 4 sprigs herbs fresh rosemary, parsley, or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Mix the Famous Dave’s seasoning and the roasted garlic & herb spice in a small bowl to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey.
- Rub and coat the turkey breast with the Southern spice rub mixture on the top and bottom.
- Pour the apple cider into the roasting pan.
- Then, place the seasoned turkey breast directly in the apple cider brine in the pan without the roasting rack.
- Baste the turkey breast by spooning the apple cider over it.
- Place the turkey in the roasting pan in the oven and roast uncovered at 325 degrees F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. (Roast for 1 hour using the Instant Pot Omni Plus Oven.)
- Halfway through, baste the bird using a large spoon to scoop the brine from the pan over the turkey breast.
- When the roasting time is finished, remove the turkey breast from the oven and baste it again.
- Place this Southern turkey breast on a serving platter to slice, add fresh rosemary sprigs (what I used), thyme, or parsley to garnish, serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!
