🍗 How to Cook a Turkey Breast (Up or Down?) + 6 Classic Sides for Thanksgiving 
By Rossi Voss | October 25, 2025
You’re not alone if you’ve ever:
- Googled “how long to cook a turkey breast in the oven” at 9 AM on Thanksgiving
- Wondered: “Do you cook turkey breast up or down?”
- Felt overwhelmed by side dishes like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce
But what if you could make the **perfect turkey breast** — juicy inside, golden outside — and pair it with **6 classic sides** from your Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or stockpot?
Today, I’m answering the top questions people are searching right now — all from my $0.99 cookbooks.
🔥 Do You Cook Turkey Breast Up or Down? The Answer
The best method: Cook turkey breast BREAST-SIDE UP.
Why?
- Even browning and crispy skin
- No flipping required (safer and easier)
- Juices flow naturally into the meat
Pro Tip: Baste every 45 minutes for extra flavor.
⏱️ How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Oven
Cooking time: ~20 minutes per pound at 325°F.
| Weight | Cook Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lb turkey breast | ~1 hour 10 mins | 165°F |
| 6 lb turkey breast | ~2 hours | 165°F |
| 7 lb turkey breast | ~2 hours 20 mins | 165°F |
| 8 lb turkey breast | ~2 hours 40 mins | 165°F |
Always use a meat thermometer! Insert into the thickest part (not touching bone).
❄️ Turkey Breast Thaw Time
- In fridge: 24 hours per 5 lbs (e.g., 3 lb = 1.5 days, 8 lb = ~4 days)
- In cold water: 30 mins per pound (change water every 30 mins)
Never thaw at room temperature.
🍽️ 6 Classic Thanksgiving Sides (One-Pot & Easy)
1. Green Bean Casserole (Air Fryer Version)
Time: 25 mins | Serves: 6
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- ½ cup fried onions
- Toss green beans, mushrooms, and onion with oil. Air fry 15 mins at 375°F.
- Mix in soup. Top with fried onions.
- Air fry 5 more mins until crispy.
📘 From: 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
Time: 60 mins | Serves: 8
- 3 large sweet potatoes, boiled & mashed
- ¼ cup butter, ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup pecans or marshmallows (topping)
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, egg, and cinnamon.
- Pour into baking dish.
- Top with pecans or marshmallows.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 mins.
3. Mashed Potatoes (Instant Pot)
Time: 30 mins | Serves: 6
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled & cubed
- ½ cup milk, ¼ cup butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Add potatoes and 1 cup water to Instant Pot. Seal → Manual 5 mins.
- Quick release. Drain.
- Mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Cranberry Sauce (5-Minute Stovetop)
Time: 10 mins | Serves: 8
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- Bring all ingredients to a boil.
- Simmer 10 mins until berries burst and thickened.
- Cool before serving.
5. Stuffing (Stockpot Version)
Time: 35 mins | Serves: 6
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 onion, celery, sautéed
- 2 cups broth
- 1 tsp sage, thyme
- Sauté onion and celery in stockpot.
- Add bread, herbs, and broth.
- Cover and simmer 20 mins, stirring occasionally.
📘 From: Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes
6. Gravy (From Pan Drippings)
Time: 15 mins | Serves: 6
- Drippings from roasted turkey
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups broth
- Salt & pepper
- Skim fat from drippings (leave ~2 tbsp).
- Whisk in flour. Cook 1 min.
- Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
- Simmer 5–10 mins until thickened.
🔪 How to Carve a Turkey Breast
- Let rest 15–20 mins after cooking.
- Place on cutting board, skin-side up.
- Use a sharp knife to slice against the grain, ¼-inch thick.
- Remove bone if needed.
📚 Related Cookbooks
More recipes for your holiday table.
📥 Download Your Free Meal Plan Printable
I’ve created a printable prep guide with:
- Timeline (1 week out → Day of)
- Shopping list
- Thawing chart
- Carving guide
— Rossi Voss
Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com