If you're looking to bring the flavors of a classic deli to your home, this deli-style roast turkey recipe is perfect for you. It's simple, flavorful, and ideal for sandwiches, salads, or a hearty main course. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a deliciously seasoned turkey breast that's sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually stock paprika or garlic powder, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. These spices are essential for adding depth and flavor to the turkey, so don't skip them.

Ingredients For Deli Style Roast Turkey Recipe
Turkey breast: The main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender meat.
Olive oil: Used to coat the turkey breast, helping to keep it moist and adding a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the turkey.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the seasoning.
Garlic powder: Infuses the turkey with a subtle, savory garlic flavor.
Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and a beautiful color to the roasted turkey.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When roasting a turkey breast, ensure even cooking by placing it on a rack inside the roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the meat, promoting a more uniform roast and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Additionally, basting the turkey with its own juices halfway through cooking can enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be roasted similarly to turkey breast, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
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 offers a similar savory depth, though with 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 dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the turkey breast to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Slice the roast turkey into thin, even pieces. This makes it easier to store and use later.
- Place the sliced turkey in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out.
- Store the turkey in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for sandwiches or salads.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped turkey slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This preserves the turkey for up to 3 months.
- Label the container with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to use, thaw the frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the quality.
- Reheat the turkey slices gently in a microwave or oven. This prevents them from becoming tough or dry.
- Use the reheated turkey in your favorite sandwiches, salads, or soups. This adds a delicious, homemade touch to your meals.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the leftover turkey slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the turkey is warmed through.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
- Place the turkey slices in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the turkey is hot.
Microwave Method
- Place the turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist.
- Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through, until the turkey is heated evenly.
Sous Vide Method
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the leftover turkey in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Remove from the bag and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the turkey slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- 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 the specified temperature.
Roasting pan: Holds the turkey breast while it cooks in the oven.
Meat thermometer: Measures the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Basting brush: Applies the olive oil evenly over the turkey breast.
Measuring spoons: Measures out the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika accurately.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest the turkey breast before slicing.
Chef's knife: Slices the turkey breast after it has rested.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to tent the turkey breast while it rests to keep it warm.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for mixing the olive oil and seasonings before applying to the turkey breast.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the spices ahead of time to streamline the seasoning process.
Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the turkey reaches the perfect internal temperature without constant checking.
Opt for pre-seasoned turkey: Some stores offer pre-seasoned turkey breasts, saving you the step of seasoning.
Line the roasting pan: Use aluminum foil or a roasting bag for easy cleanup.
Resting time: While the turkey rests, prepare your sides or clean up to save time later.
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 375°F (190°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.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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