Mary Berry Turkey Crown Recipe

Mary Berry Turkey Crown is the perfect centrepiece for Christmas, Sunday roasts, and special gatherings when you want a beautifully cooked turkey without dealing with a whole bird. A turkey crown cooks faster, stays juicy with the right preparation, and produces tender slices that pair wonderfully with roast potatoes, stuffing, and classic gravy.

The flavour is mild, the texture is soft, and the cooking method is straightforward—making it an excellent choice for both small and large families. With a buttery herb topping and steady roasting, this turkey crown delivers a golden, festive finish every time.

What Is Mary Berry’s Turkey Crown?

Mary Berry Turkey Crown is the breast portion of a turkey left on the bone and roasted with butter, herbs, and seasoning. It cooks more evenly than a full turkey, remains juicy, and is ideal for gatherings where white meat is preferred.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Kedgeree Risotto
• Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce
• Mary Berry Christmas Kedgeree

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Cooks faster than a whole turkey – Saves time and reduces stress during holiday meals.
• Beautifully tender slices – The crown stays moist when properly basted.
• Easier to carve – Perfect for anyone who wants a simple roast.
• Flavour-packed – Herb butter adds richness and festive aroma.
• Reliable for gatherings – Consistent results even for beginners.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• 1 turkey crown (2–3kg)
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, halved
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: streaky bacon rashers for covering

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large roasting tin – Holds the crown securely and catches juices for gravy.
• Basting spoon or brush – Helps keep the meat moist while roasting.
• Meat thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked turkey every time.
• Foil sheet – Stops the skin from browning too quickly.
• Sharp carving knife – For clean, even slices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Turkey Crown

Step 1 — Prepare the turkey crown

Remove the turkey crown from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry with kitchen paper for crispier skin.

Step 2 — Make the herb butter

Mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.

Step 3 — Coat the crown

Gently loosen the skin and spread some herb butter underneath. Cover the top with remaining butter. Rub olive oil over the skin for extra crispness.

Step 4 — Add optional bacon

Lay streaky bacon strips over the crown if you want a richer, juicier result.

Step 5 — Roast the turkey

Place the crown in a roasting tin. Roast at 180°C (160°C fan). For a 2–3kg crown, this usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your oven.

Step 6 — Baste regularly

Every 30 minutes, spoon the juices over the crown to keep it moist.

Step 7 — Check for doneness

Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 75°C. If using bacon, remove it 20 minutes before the end to crisp the skin.

Step 8 — Rest before carving

Rest the crown for 20 minutes under foil to keep it juicy and tender.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Skin burning too quickly – Covering loosely with foil protected the crown.
• Dry slices – Increasing basting frequency kept the meat moist.
• Under-seasoning – Adding herbs and lemon brightened the flavour.
• Uneven cooking – Using a thermometer ensured the perfect finish.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter coating.
• Use fresh herbs generously and reduce salt.
• Skip bacon to reduce fat.
• Serve with steamed vegetables instead of heavy sides.
• Choose a smaller, organic turkey crown for leaner meat.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• Swap thyme with sage or parsley for a softer herbal note.
• Replace garlic with shallots for milder flavour.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for sweetness.
• Try flavoured butter such as chilli–herb or smoked paprika.
• Replace olive oil with rapeseed oil for a neutral taste.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• Crispy roast potatoes – Classic and always popular.
• Buttered green beans – Adds colour and freshness.
• Yorkshire puddings – Perfect for soaking up gravy.
• Homemade cranberry sauce – Sweet-tart balance for turkey.
• Stuffing balls – Completes the roast experience.

Expert Tips to Make a Perfect Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• Let the meat rest – Keeps juices locked in for softer slices.
• Use a thermometer – Eliminates guesswork and prevents dryness.
• Apply butter under the skin – Helps deliver deeper flavour.
• Cover early, uncover later – Gives tender meat with crisp skin.
• Choose good-quality poultry – Results improve noticeably with fresh turkey.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Turkey Crown

• Add herb-crusted topping – Mix breadcrumbs, herbs, and butter for a toasted finish.
• Roast with vegetables underneath – Carrots, onions, and potatoes absorb rich juices.
• Glaze with honey–mustard – Adds sweetness and colour.
• Use spiced butter – Add paprika, garlic powder, or cumin.
• Create a citrus-roast version – Add lemon and orange slices to the roasting tin.

Storing Mary Berry’s Turkey Crown the Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3 days.
• Freeze-carved slices for up to 2 months.
• Store separately from gravy to maintain texture.
• Wrap tightly to prevent drying out.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Turkey Crown (If Needed)

• Warm slices in the oven at 160°C, covered with foil.
• Microwave with a splash of stock to avoid dryness.
• Reheat only once for the best texture and safety.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Fibre: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

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FAQs

How do I keep a turkey crown moist while roasting?

The key is to spread butter under the skin, baste the crown every 30 minutes, and cover it loosely with foil if it browns too quickly. Resting the turkey for 20 minutes after roasting also helps retain moisture.

What temperature should a turkey crown be when fully cooked?

A turkey crown is safely cooked when the thickest part of the breast reaches 75°C on a meat thermometer. Checking the temperature ensures juicy meat without overcooking.

Should I cover a turkey crown during cooking?

Yes, cover it loosely with foil for the first part of cooking to prevent the skin from burning. Remove the foil for the final 20–30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Turkey Crown is a reliable, flavourful, and beautifully simple centrepiece for festive meals and Sunday roasts. With its juicy texture, crisp skin, and aromatic herb butter, it delivers crowd-pleasing results without the complexity of cooking a whole turkey.