Cinnamon Rubbed Roasted Turkey Breast
This has been one of those months that has been fast and slow at the same time. I feel a little bit like November has been here forever but when I write down the date I'm not sure how it got away from me so quickly. The leaves on our trees here are almost completely gone and we have gotten used to the annoying clanging of our old furnace, like we do every year, as it revs up, runs for a while and then turns off with a loud bang in our tiny house. Some of our neighbors have begun hanging their Christmas lights already. This is something I'm not used to seeing before Thanksgiving, but the holiday is so late in the month this year that I guess people just couldn't wait. That's OK with me since this time of year gets so brown and dull around Denver. The mountains are gorgeous, of course, but we need all the help we can get down here to make things look festive. I may not have all my holiday decorations hanging, but at least my house smells like the season. After making this cinnamon rubbed roasted turkey breast, it really felt like the holiday season around here.
I've never been in charge of making the turkey for Thanksgiving. My dad took care of that as a kid and my husband typically tackles that challenge for us now. But this year, since we are spending the holiday as just our family of three in Crested Butte, I decided it was time to at least try my hand at roasting a turkey breast.
Here's the truth: it's easy. So very, very easy.
I took inspiration from one of my favorite Greek dishes, chicken stewed in cinnamon, garlic and white wine, for this cinnamon rub. I love how the cinnamon adds a touch of unique flavor without compromising the flavor of the turkey itself. Plus, it makes the house smell incredible. There's a little mingling of dessert-type of scents from the cinnamon with the savory smell of that crispy turkey skin everyone runs to taste before the turkey makes it to the dinner table.
After reading several recipes, I also learned that putting some water in the bottom of the roasting pan not only prevents smoking during cooking, it also helps keep a good amount of moisture in the meat. And one last, very important tip that we follow with a whole turkey as well as with this turkey breast recipe: start cooking the bird at a very high temperature for about 10-15 minutes before reducing the heat and letting the bird roast. This helps crisp the skin in the beginning without burning it later on.
So, what are you all doing with your turkeys for Thanksgiving this year? If you're cooking an entire bird, you can still use this cinnamon rub- just triple my recipe to make sure you can cover the whole thing.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! I'm so thankful for those of you that come back here time and time again to read my ramblings, make my food, and support me in this crazy food blogging life. Love and blessings to you all!
Cinnamon Rubbed Roasted Turkey Breast
Makes 6 servings
prep time: 10 minutes
cooking time: 45-55 minutes
total time: 55-65 minutes
- One 3-4 pound turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and spray a roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of water into the roasting pan.
Rub the turkey with the canola oil. Combine the cinnamon, kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the skin side of the turkey breast and place, skin side up, in the roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for 10 minutes and reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast for 45-55 minutes (longer for a heavier turkey breast) until the thickest part of the meat registers at 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Carve and serve!
