Why Make This Recipe
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast is a wonderful way to simplify your holiday meal. This all-in-one dish allows you to cook the main course and sides simultaneously, making it a stress-free option.
With minimal cleanup and easy preparation, this recipe offers classic flavors and a beautiful presentation. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, providing the warm comfort of Thanksgiving without the hassle.
Equipment Needed for Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
To prepare this delicious sheet pan dinner, gather the following equipment:
- Large sheet pan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
What You Need to Make Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
- 1 4 pound boneless skin-on turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large carrot (chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (chopped)
- 1 shallot (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage (minced)
- 4 cups stale bread cubes (about 1”)
- ½ pound green beans
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
How to Cook Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your turkey breast by first patting it dry with paper towels. Then, rub the skin with olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sage, and rosemary. Make sure to season it well with salt and pepper all over the turkey to enhance the flavors. Place the turkey breast in the center of a large sheet pan.
While the turkey gets its prepping completed, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Place the sweet potatoes in a bowl and mix them with ¼ cup of milk, ¼ cup of light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of butter, ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and one large egg. Mash everything together until creamy. Set aside as this will roast alongside the turkey.
Now to prepare the dressing, combine the stale bread cubes, chopped carrot, celery, shallot, minced garlic, and fresh sage in a mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter and chicken stock, then mix until the bread is nicely moistened. Ready these colorful elements, and spoon the mixture out and around the turkey breast on the sheet pan.
Lastly, toss the green beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the turkey and dressing. This ensures that everything cooks evenly.
Now, it’s time to put the sheet pan in the oven. Roast for about 1 hour, checking the turkey’s internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet and gooey touch.
Once done, take the sheet pan out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the turkey, keeping it tender and juicy.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
Serving this delightful dish is as easy as it gets. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick, juicy pieces. Spoon the sweet potatoes onto each plate, ensuring some of the golden marshmallows get onto the servings.
Next, serve the dressing alongside, creating a wonderful contrast of textures. Lastly, add a generous helping of green beans, fresh and vibrant against the warm comfort of the other sides.
This feast not only looks beautiful but also celebrates the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving in a simple yet delicious way.
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
Pair your sheet pan dinner with a light salad to balance the richness of the meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing touch.
Consider serving warm rolls or homemade biscuits to soak up any leftover gravy or sweet potato mash. A classic cranberry sauce can also provide acidity, complementing the flavors wonderfully.
Don’t forget dessert! Pumpkin pie or pecan pie would be traditional and delightful ways to round off the meal.
How to Store Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cut the turkey into slices before storing to keep it tender and easy to heat.
The sweet potatoes and dressing can be kept together or separate, depending on your preference. These leftovers will stay fresh for up to three to four days in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the turkey, dressing, and sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers for future meals.
Tips to Make Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
For added flavor, marinate the turkey overnight in olive oil and herbs. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
When preparing the sweet potatoes, you can experiment with different flavors by adding maple syrup or vanilla extract. This can elevate the dish further.
If the dressing seems too dry while baking, you can splatter additional chicken stock over it to keep it moist.
Ensure even cooking on the sheet pan by spreading out each ingredient and avoiding stacking them, allowing heat to circulate properly.
Variation
For variations on this recipe, consider using chicken thighs instead of turkey breast. They cook similarly and offer a different flavor profile.
Adding apples or pears to the sweet potatoes can introduce a delicious sweetness. For a healthier option, try substituting the mini marshmallows with a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg on the sweet potatoes.
Best Time to Make Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast
This recipe shines during the Thanksgiving season, as it embodies the warmth and flavors of the holiday.
However, it is also suitable for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Even when you are short on time during weeknights, this sheet pan dinner can work wonders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is cooking the turkey at too high a temperature, leading to dry meat. Maintain a steady 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
Do not forget to rest the turkey after cooking. Skipping this step can result in tough meat, instead of juicy and tender slices.
Finally, ensure that all vegetables are cut to similar sizes to guarantee even cooking. Uneven shapes can lead to some being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Nutritional Notes
This sheet pan Thanksgiving Dinner allows you to enjoy a balanced meal full of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.
The turkey provides lean protein, while sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. Including fresh green beans adds fiber and antioxidants, making this dish wholesome.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen turkey breast?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. How can I make the turkey skin crispy?
Ensure the skin is dry before applying oil and butter. Cooking at a steady temperature will also help achieve a crispy finish.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep as you can cook everything together and have ready-to-eat meals for several days.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Breast is an easy, yet impressive way to celebrate any occasion with a festive meal. Its simplicity lies in the ability to roast the turkey and all your favorite sides on a single sheet pan.
The recipe captures the heartwarming flavors of Thanksgiving while being convenient for any day of the week, bringing family around the table with ease and joy. Enjoy this delightful dish any time you crave a little comfort or want to make meal prep simpler!
