Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey is definitely not the same ole turkey recipe! This fruit and turkey pairing is sweet and savory. It’s perfect for any night of the week or special occasions and holidays.
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I love cooking for Thanksgiving. Even if we plan to go to a relative’s house on the actual holiday, I will still make a full dinner with all the fixings on a different day of the week.
For years, I always made my turkey with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. I still make Rosemary-Thyme Turkey Cutlets regularly for weeknight dinners, but have upped my Thanksgiving turkey game a bit.
One of my favorite food combinations is pairing fruit with meat. Cranberry and turkey are a classic combination, and for good reason, but I wanted to do something a little different.
Strawberry and basil pair so well together and turkey is the perfect savory base.
Why This Recipe Works
- Strawberry and basil taste amazing together. Turkey pairs well with fruits and chutneys so this is the perfect combination of flavors!
- It’s different and unique, but simple to make. Sometimes change is good!
- This turkey recipe can be enjoyed any night of the week. You can also double or triple the recipe if you’re making a much larger turkey for the holidays.
How to Make Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey
Making the turkey is incredibly easy. I use a 3-pound turkey breast for this recipe. If you’re making a whole turkey I would recommend doubling or tripling the ingredients depending on the size.
Prep!
Rinse your turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
Create!
Evenly sprinkle on the salt and pepper.
Warm the strawberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thins out. This makes it much easier to spread onto the turkey.
Using a silicone brush, cover the turkey in the warm jam.
Sprinkle on the chopped fresh basil.
Roast according to the package directions or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Present!
You can warm some additional jam to drizzle onto the turkey after it is sliced and/or plated. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey
- If you are using a boneless turkey breast, as I have, be sure to leave the netting on until after it is finished roasting. The turkey may fall apart while baking if you remove it ahead of time.
- Warm the strawberry jam to make it much easier to spread evenly onto the turkey.
- Store leftover turkey in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
- At what temperature is turkey done cooking? The internal temperature of turkey should reach 165°F in the center when measured with a food thermometer.
- How long should a turkey rest before slicing? You should let your turkey rest about 20 minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to disperse more evenly.
- Can you freeze cooked turkey? Yes, absolutely! Turkey freezes and reheats very well. Be sure to freeze turkey in an air-tight container or in freezer bags without the bones. Use within 3 months for the best results.
More Turkey Recipes to Try
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Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 3 pound boneless turkey breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam * plus extra for garnish, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil * minced, plus extra for optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry.
- Place in a roasting pan or dish and sprinkle evenly with the salt and pepper.
- Warm the strawberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thins out, then spread the warm jam all over the turkey.
- Sprinkle on the basil.
- Roast for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Warm extra jam to drizzle onto the turkey after it's been plated and sprinkle on more basil, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Strawberry Basil Roasted Turkey
- If you are using a boneless turkey breast, as I have, be sure to leave the netting on until after it is finished roasting. The turkey may fall apart while baking if you remove it ahead of time.
- Warm the strawberry jam to make it much easier to spread evenly onto the turkey.
- If using a whole turkey you may need to double or triple this recipe depending on the size of your turkey. Please follow the cooking instructions for your particular turkey if different than the one I am using.
- Store leftover turkey in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published November 17, 2016. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in November 2019.
Elaine Benoit says
Ths turkey breast looks incredibly moist and delicious! I love how easy it is and adore the strawberry basil addition! I can’t wait to make it! I may not wait until Thanksgiving!
Lauren says
It works great on turkey cutlets too!
kim says
Love how easy and delicious this recipe idea sounds! I’m all about that sweet and savory!
Lauren says
Yes! Fruit with meat is always a win!
Lisa Bynum says
Oooh, that blueberry lemon jam sounds delicious! We alternate Thanksgiving in our family — one year with my in laws and one year at our house. On the year we’re going to someone else’s house, I also cook my family our own Thanksgiving dinner!
Lauren says
So funny! True foodies here!
Cindy Gordon says
What a delicious recipe! The addition of strawberry and basil are simply delicious
Lauren says
Thanks Cindy!
Dannii says
Strawberry and basil are a delicious combination. I never thought to put it in turkey. It sounds delicious.
Lauren says
Thanks Dannii!
angie says
I have a jar of this in the cabinet now I believe that I will be trying this scrumptious recipe soon
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Nallely says
this looks so delicious
jeannette Moran says
This sounds delicious, I will give it a try and also peaches and basil are another yummy mixture. I have done this on chicken. thanks so much
Thanks for sharing Jeannette
Heather Denniston says
Great idea! I love when turkey meat has that little bit of sweetness to it! Delicious!
Maggie Unzueta says
Yum! Yum! I love seeing all the turkey recipes right now. This one looks great!
Samantha K says
The flavor combinations sounds amazing! (client)
Angie Rose says
I would never think to mix these flavors, but I bet it would taste absolutely delicious. I love cooking with basil, it always adds just the right amount of flavor to make any meal delicious and I just adore strawberry. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ellie Augustin says
Oh this just screams delicious and looks pretty easy to make. Thanks so much for sharing this. Added on my bookmark!
Jessica Sheppard says
What a great idea, and a new fresh twist to the turkey. I’m gonna give the strawberry basil a try. It looks delish!
Ashley says
Oh my goodness, this looks divine! Perfect for the holidays!
xo Ashley
Ryan | A Polished Palate says
I love the idea of using strawberry and basil! It sounds so delicious!
Candice says
Sounds like a great alternative to turkey with cranberry sauce. Yum!
Mary says
This combination sounds and looks amazing! Strawberry and basil are the perfect combination! I love Smuckers products!
Sarah Jean Althouse says
I love any fruit on turkey so I’m sure i’d love this!
Candy says
Oh now this sounds amazing. Even works for leftovers.