How Long Should I Cook This Turkey?

July 30, 2011 12:55 PM

I need help with a cooking question ASAP. It has to do with roasting times. Thanks.

I should be able to find this on Google. After a quick search, I didn't find what I was looking for.

I am making this recipe tonight for a small dinner party: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herb-roasted-turkey-breast-recipe/index.html

I don't have a whole bone-in turkey breast. Instead I have two fresh bone-in turkey breast halves weighing a little over 3 lbs. each. Should I still cook for 1.5 hours or adjust cooking time because it is not a whole turkey breast?

I feel like this should be common sense but I have no idea.

Thanks for any help.

posted by Fairchild to Food & Drink (11 answers total)

Cook until they are done. Use a thermometer and cook to about 160. Pull them out and let them rest. If you haven't, brine them as well as it will help with flavor. I understand you are cooking tonight, but even a little brining now will help with moistness and flavor.
posted by TheBones at 1:00 PM on July 30, 2011

It should take less time. I'd check it after an hour with a thermometer.
posted by Dmenet at 1:01 PM on July 30, 2011

I am not an expert, but I would say start keeping an eye on it after 1/2 the roasting time. Odds are it will take ~2/3 the roasting time.

Do you have a meat thermometer? That's really the tell. Some say pull it out around 160 and let it rest. Others say 155 (for a whole turkey).
posted by kestrel251 at 1:02 PM on July 30, 2011

And no, 1.5 hours sounds like too long, but you didn't say how heavy they were or what temperature you are cooking them at and the link that you posted doesn't work.
posted by TheBones at 1:02 PM on July 30, 2011

Response by poster: sorry about the link.

here is the proper link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herb-roasted-turkey-breast-recipe/index.html

I have a meat thermometer but I have misplaced it. I need to find it.

Thanks all.
posted by Fairchild at 1:10 PM on July 30, 2011

Response by poster: I know where my thermometer is. At my sister's house. My husband loaned it to her and she never brought it back.
posted by Fairchild at 1:12 PM on July 30, 2011

Response by poster: I'm going to get it. Thanks again.
posted by Fairchild at 1:14 PM on July 30, 2011

Please don't go by time, go by temperature and you will be fine every single time. Just make sure you put the thermometer into the deepest part of the breast without touching the bone.
posted by TheBones at 1:26 PM on July 30, 2011

And for a breast, you could cook until around 155 and pull it out so that it isn't completely dried out. Brining, as I said above, will also really help with flavor and moistness.
posted by TheBones at 1:27 PM on July 30, 2011

Response by poster: Thanks, guys! I have the thermometer. Sister lives in next neighborhood over. Kid rode bike over there to get it. All is well. Now I have to time it so it comes out at 630. Clueless.
posted by Fairchild at 1:52 PM on July 30, 2011

The turkey needs to rest after it comes out of the oven for at least 15 minutes.
posted by TheBones at 1:59 PM on July 30, 2011