There’s something irresistibly soothing about the ritual of a turkey breast dinner with those familiar side dishes. I remember one chilly evening when I was halfway distracted by a phone call, the turkey roasting away and filling the kitchen with a warm, herb-scented aroma. The mashed potatoes were bubbling gently on the stove, and I kept sneaking tastes of the cranberry sauce, slightly tart but perfectly balanced. The green beans toasted with almonds added a subtle crunch that broke through the softness on the plate. It wasn’t perfect—some potatoes were a little lumpier than planned, and I might have left the turkey in the oven a few minutes longer than usual—but that’s exactly what made it feel homey and real. It was the kind of meal where every bite invited you to pause, breathe, and just enjoy.
- Comforting and familiar, great for those evenings when you want something that feels like a warm hug.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no complicated techniques, just straightforward deliciousness.
- The cranberry sauce adds a fresh pop that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
- Leftovers store well, but honestly, this dinner tastes best fresh—especially the green beans.
If you’re feeling a bit daunted about timing, don’t worry too much. The turkey’s forgiving, and the sides can be prepped in chunks. This meal invites a laid-back approach that suits a range of skill levels. Plus, there’s something satisfying about the leftover cranberry sauce that keeps the fridge smelling seasonal for days afterward.
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Turkey Breast Dinner with Classic Side Dishes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A complete turkey breast dinner featuring a perfectly roasted turkey breast paired with traditional side dishes: creamy mashed potatoes, savory green bean almondine, and homemade cranberry sauce. This meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
1 (4-pound) boneless skin-on turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for potatoes)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for potatoes)
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for green beans)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for green beans)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for green beans)
12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the turkey breast.
In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the turkey breast.
Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, skin side up.
Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices.
Remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
While the turkey roasts, prepare the mashed potatoes: place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Keep warm.
For the green bean almondine: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
For the cranberry sauce: in a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
To serve, slice the rested turkey breast and plate with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, a serving of green bean almondine, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Don’t sweat the equipment too much—most kitchens have everything you need to pull this off. I usually roast on a rack to keep that skin crisp, but if you don’t have one, just improvise and keep an eye on the turkey’s juices. Serving it family-style, with everyone scooping their own portions, adds to the relaxed vibe. For a twist, I’ve tried swapping green beans for asparagus or adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans instead of almonds. Sometimes I toss in a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes, but that’s just me experimenting. It’s kitchen comfort food with room to play.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the cranberry sauce a day or two early; it actually tastes better after sitting. The mashed potatoes and green beans are best fresh but can be warmed gently the next day. Turkey slices reheat well if covered.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries? Frozen works fine, just thaw before cooking. It might take a little longer to thicken up, so keep an eye on the sauce.
How do I know when the turkey is done? A meat thermometer is your friend here. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have one, pierce the turkey and check that the juices run clear, but that’s less exact.
Ready to bring a little cozy warmth to your table? This turkey breast dinner with classic sides is waiting for you to give it a try.