This deli-style roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who crave the taste of a classic deli turkey but want to make it at home. It's simple, flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of spices and the roasting technique ensures a juicy and delicious turkey breast every time.
If you don't usually cook with turkey breast, you might need to visit your local supermarket to find it. Make sure to get a fresh or thawed one, as frozen will require additional time to defrost. Olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are common pantry staples, but double-check your supplies to ensure you have enough.

Ingredients For Deli Style Roast Turkey Recipe
Turkey breast: The main protein for this dish, providing a lean and flavorful meat.
Olive oil: Used to coat the turkey breast, helping the spices adhere and keeping the meat moist.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the turkey.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Infuses the turkey with a subtle, savory garlic taste.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful color to the turkey skin.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your turkey breast remains juicy and flavorful, consider brining it before roasting. A simple brine solution of water, salt, and a touch of sugar can work wonders. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine for about 4-6 hours in the refrigerator. This process helps the meat retain moisture and enhances its natural flavors. After brining, pat the turkey dry before applying the olive oil and seasonings to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean meat that can provide a similar texture and flavor profile when roasted.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different, more subtle taste.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can offer a similar savory depth, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky depth of flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How To Store / Freeze Your Roast Turkey
- Allow the turkey breast to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Slice the roast turkey into thin, even pieces. This makes it easier to store and use for sandwiches or salads later.
- Place the sliced turkey in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. For extra protection, you can also use a zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Store the turkey in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.
- To freeze, lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents. Frozen turkey can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, place the frozen turkey slices in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to overheat.
- Reheat the turkey slices gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the leftover turkey in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the turkey is warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the skin crisp up.
Stovetop Method: Slice the turkey into thin pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Add the turkey slices and a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the skillet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is heated through.
Microwave Method: Place the turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap the steam. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through, until the turkey is hot.
Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the leftover turkey in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the turkey is warmed through.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the turkey is hot and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the turkey breast at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Roasting pan: Holds the turkey breast while it cooks in the oven, allowing for even heat distribution.
Aluminum foil: Covers the turkey breast to keep it moist during the initial cooking phase.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the turkey breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Basting brush: Used to apply olive oil evenly over the turkey breast.
Measuring spoons: Measures out the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika accurately.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for resting and slicing the turkey breast.
Chef's knife: Used to slice the turkey breast after it has rested.
Tongs: Helps to handle the turkey breast without piercing it, preserving its juices.
Serving platter: Holds the sliced turkey breast for serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix seasonings ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the turkey breast reaches the perfect internal temperature without guesswork.
Preheat the oven: Make sure the oven is fully preheated to save cooking time.
Resting time: Use the resting period to prepare side dishes or clean up the kitchen.
Slice thinly: Thin slices of roast turkey cool faster and are easier to serve.

Deli Style Roast Turkey Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole Turkey Breast about 3-4 pounds
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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