How do you cook a turkey breast?

Answer 1

I had great success with the recipe and preparation instructions on this web page: http://www.starksilvercreek.com/2008/11/Thanksgiving-turkey-recipe-the-secret-to-a-juicy-tender-bird-is-the-clay-pot.html . However, I deviated in one way, which is I used the temp and time recommended on this web page: http://www.recipegoldmine.com/meatturkey/clay-pot-turkey.html . The first recipe is straight-forward and simpler, but it calls for a lower temp of 325 degrees. I ended up using the higher temp of 400 degrees and cooking time of 2 hours called for by the second recipe. My thinking was that clay pot cooking generally calls for higher temperatures. Anyway, I cooked a 6 lb whole turkey breast for 2 hours starting in a cold oven set to 400 degrees. 25 minutes before the 2 hours was up, it was just shy of the temp the turkey should be at. I drained (for the gravy) and then cooked uncovered until the turkey was at temp. I don't think I did the full remaining 25 minutes - more like 10 minutes. So I was short of the full 2 hours. It came out perfect - it's the best turkey we've had! The clay pot I use is a romertopf model 111 which is just big enough (height-wise) for a 6 lb whole turkey breast. I imagine I could go a little bit heavier if I was getting the same size turkey with wings and legs. Good luck!