Mary Berry’s Turkey Crown recipe is a simple yet elegant way to prepare a moist and flavorful turkey for special occasions. A turkey crown, which is the breast of the turkey left on the bone, is perfect for smaller gatherings and ensures even cooking. This recipe enhances the turkey’s natural flavors with a delicious herb butter and achieves a beautifully golden, crispy skin.
What is Mary Berry Turkey Crown?
A turkey crown is a whole turkey without the legs and wings, making it quicker to cook and easier to carve. Mary Berry’s recipe uses a herb butter infused with garlic and lemon, basted over the turkey for a succulent and aromatic main course.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Ideal for Smaller Gatherings: Perfect for feeding a few people with minimal leftovers.
- Moist and Flavorful: Herb butter ensures tender meat and delicious flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Cooks faster than a whole turkey.
- Classic Presentation: A golden turkey crown is a beautiful centerpiece.
- Pairs Well with Traditional Sides: Complements classic holiday dishes perfectly.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Turkey Crown
For the turkey
- Turkey Crown (2-3kg): Serves 6-8 people, adjust size for your needs.
- Butter (100g, softened): Adds flavor and keeps the turkey moist.
- Fresh Thyme (2 tsp): For a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary (2 tsp, finely chopped): Adds a classic savory touch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the turkey with rich flavor.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Brighten the dish with a citrusy note.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For Roasting
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps crisp up the skin.
- Onion (1, quartered): Adds flavor to the roasting tray.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): Enhances the juices.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds depth to the roasting flavors.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (250ml): Prevents dryness and creates a base for gravy.
Equipment Needed
- Roasting tray
- Small bowl for herb butter
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Turkey Crown
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the rack in the center.
Step 2: Prepare the herb butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the turkey crown
Place the turkey crown on a roasting tray. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat using your fingers, being cautious not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and the remaining butter over the top. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and season with additional salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add vegetables to the tray
Scatter the onion, carrot, and celery around the turkey in the roasting tray. Pour the stock into the tray to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the turkey crown
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 20 minutes per kilogram, plus an additional 20 minutes. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the tray to keep it moist.
Step 6: Check for doneness
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Step 7: Rest the turkey
Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 8: Serve
Carve the turkey into slices and serve warm with your favorite sides.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Turkey Crown
- Roast Potatoes: Crispy and golden, they’re a must-have holiday side.
- Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- Stuffing: A classic accompaniment to any turkey dish.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Gravy: Made from the roasting juices for a rich flavor.
- Yorkshire Puddings: A delightful addition to any roast dinner.
- Buttered Rolls: Great for soaking up the gravy.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Turkey Crown
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfect cooking without overcooking.
- Rest the Turkey: Allowing it to rest keeps the meat juicy.
- Baste Regularly: Keeps the meat moist and enhances flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Herb Butter: It’s the key to a flavorful and succulent turkey.
- Use Homemade Stock: Enhances the roasting juices for better gravy.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Turkey Crown
- Add Bacon: Layer streaky bacon over the crown for extra flavor and moisture.
- Spice It Up: Rub paprika or smoked chili powder onto the skin for a bold twist.
- Citrus Infusion: Use orange zest instead of lemon for a sweeter flavor.
- Glazed Finish: Brush honey or maple syrup over the turkey in the last 10 minutes for a caramelized glaze.
- Garlic Butter Only: Simplify by using just garlic butter for a classic flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Turkey Crown
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Wrap slices tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Gently: Warm slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) with a little stock to retain moisture.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
How do I keep a turkey crown moist while cooking?
To keep a turkey crown moist, baste it regularly with the juices from the roasting tray. Using a herb butter under the skin and adding stock to the tray also helps retain moisture.
Can I prepare the herb butter turkey crown in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey crown by applying the herb butter under and over the skin up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered it, and bring it to room temperature before roasting.
What temperature should a turkey crown be cooked to?
The internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey crown should reach 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How long should I rest the turkey crown before carving?
Rest the turkey crown for 20-30 minutes after roasting. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy slices.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Turkey Crown is a beautifully simple recipe that ensures a succulent, flavorful turkey every time. With its golden skin and tender meat, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive meal.
Try this recipe and enjoy a holiday classic made with ease and elegance!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
- Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
- Hairy Bikers Turkey and Ham Pie
- Nigella Leftover Chicken Pie
Mary Berry Turkey Crown Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 100
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
A turkey crown is a whole turkey without the legs and wings, making it quicker to cook and easier to carve. Mary Berry’s recipe uses a herb butter infused with garlic and lemon, basted over the turkey for a succulent and aromatic main course.
Ingredients
For the turkey
- Turkey Crown (2-3kg): Serves 6-8 people, adjust size for your needs.
- Butter (100g, softened): Adds flavor and keeps the turkey moist.
- Fresh Thyme (2 tsp): For a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary (2 tsp, finely chopped): Adds a classic savory touch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the turkey with rich flavor.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Brighten the dish with a citrusy note.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For Roasting
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps crisp up the skin.
- Onion (1, quartered): Adds flavor to the roasting tray.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): Enhances the juices.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds depth to the roasting flavors.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (250ml): Prevents dryness and creates a base for gravy.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the rack in the center.
Step 2: Prepare the herb butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the turkey crown
Place the turkey crown on a roasting tray. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat using your fingers, being cautious not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and the remaining butter over the top. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and season with additional salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add vegetables to the tray
Scatter the onion, carrot, and celery around the turkey in the roasting tray. Pour the stock into the tray to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the turkey crown
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 20 minutes per kilogram, plus an additional 20 minutes. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the tray to keep it moist.
Step 6: Check for doneness
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Step 7: Rest the turkey
Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 8: Serve
Carve the turkey into slices and serve warm with your favorite sides.
