Sliced herb and Parmesan crusted turkey breast on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges

Herb and Parmesan Crusted Turkey

by

Juicy, crispy & full of flavor

This Herb and Parmesan Crusted Turkey is everything you love about a classic roast tender, juicy meat with a golden, flavorful crust that’s impossible to resist. Coated in a blend of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispiness and savoriness. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Emma’s Cake Studio favorite guarantees a perfectly cooked turkey with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for everyday cooking!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on cut size)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

For the Turkey

  • 3–4 pounds boneless turkey breast (or turkey tenderloins)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Herb Parmesan Crust

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (to moisten the crust)

Optional Garnish

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh herbs for serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Roasting pan or baking dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking brush or spoon
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp knife for slicing

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the turkey:
    Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil or melted butter, then season with salt and pepper. 🦃
  3. Make the crust mixture:
    In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix until crumbly and fragrant.
  4. Coat the turkey:
    Press the herb and cheese mixture evenly onto the top and sides of the turkey breast, pressing gently so it adheres.
  5. Roast:
    Place turkey in the oven and roast uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (Tent with foil if the crust browns too quickly.)
  6. Rest & serve:
    Let turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges and extra herbs for that picture-perfect finish!

Pro Tips

  • Crispier crust: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra golden crunch.
  • Moist meat: Always let the turkey rest before slicing it keeps the juices locked in.
  • Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard to the crust mix for a deeper flavor.
  • Meal prep magic: Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, wraps, or salads!

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 serving41042g6g23g1g1g