This recipe is perfect for a smaller gathering, serving 6 people with hearty portions. By roasting just the turkey breast, you’ll enjoy a rich, flavorful meat and plenty of drippings for a comforting gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table.
Did You Know?
Roasting just a turkey breast can save time and space in the oven while still providing that classic roasted turkey flavor. Using both the drippings and potato water to make the gravy enhances the taste with a smooth, velvety texture. A touch of Kitchen Bouquet adds a golden color that makes the gravy look even more inviting.
Yield
Serves 6
Ingredients
Turkey Breast:
4 to 5-pound bone-in turkey breast
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Mashed Potatoes:
8 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk or cream (more as needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Gravy:
Turkey drippings (from the roasted turkey breast)
1 cup potato water (reserved from the mashed potatoes)
1 to 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Roast the Turkey Breast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter, then season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Place the breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Baste every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist. Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
Reserve the drippings for the gravy.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the potato water for the gravy.
Mash potatoes with butter and milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the milk to reach your desired consistency.
Prepare the Gravy
Pour the turkey drippings into a small saucepan. If needed, skim excess fat from the top. In a separate cup, whisk 1-2 tbsp flour with 1/4 cup potato water until smooth, then slowly add this mixture to the drippings, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the remaining potato water gradually until you reach your desired thickness. For a richer color, add 1/2 tsp Kitchen Bouquet.
Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips for Perfect Gravy
If the gravy becomes lumpy, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or an immersion blender for a smooth finish. Adding liquid slowly and whisking continuously helps prevent lumps from forming.
Serve
Slice the turkey breast and serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fiber: 3g, Net Carbohydrates: 22g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 110mg, Sodium: 720mg, Sugars: 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choose a bone-in turkey breast for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Save on energy by roasting the turkey breast alongside vegetables in the same oven.
- Avoid lumps in gravy by whisking flour with a small amount of liquid before adding it to the pan.
- Add Kitchen Bouquet for a warm, appetizing gravy color.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to make potato patties for a tasty snack the next day.
- For extra creaminess, add a touch of sour cream to the mashed potatoes before serving.
- Reheat mashed potatoes with a splash of milk to keep them from drying out.
- Consider low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt intake in the gravy.
- For a holiday touch, add fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or thyme leaves as garnish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Let’s Learn About the Flavor Boosting Ingredients
Rosemary and thyme add earthy, aromatic notes to the turkey, making it taste like a true holiday feast. Using potato water in the gravy gives it an extra depth and creamy texture, while Kitchen Bouquet enhances the color, making the dish even more visually appealing. The combination of fresh herbs, savory drippings, and a golden-brown finish creates a dish that’s both flavorful and inviting.