Perfect Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potatoes

Perfect Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potatoes is the cozy, one-pan meal you didn’t know your weeknight or holiday table needed. Juicy, herb-crusted turkey breast roasts to golden perfection alongside caramelized sweet potatoes and a tangy cranberry topping. With just one skillet and under 90 minutes start to finish, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a small family or planning an intimate celebration, this turkey recipe combines rustic comfort and vibrant seasonal ingredients in a satisfying, foolproof way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• ✅ Roasts in one pan – less cleanup, more flavor
• ✅ Ready in just over an hour
• ✅ Juicy, flavorful turkey with crispy skin and fresh herbs
• ✅ Naturally sweet and savory – thanks to sweet potatoes & cranberries
• ✅ Perfect for small gatherings or weeknight dinners

Ingredients

Herb Mixture:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1½ tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon

Turkey & Vegetables:

• 3 lb split bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cranberry Topping:

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and garlic.
• Pat turkey dry (especially if brined), season with salt and pepper.
• Rub herb mixture all over the turkey breast, under and over the skin.

2. Sear the Turkey

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (12-inch) over medium heat.
• Place turkey breast skin-side down. Sear for 5 minutes, flip, and sear other side for 5 minutes.
• Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Cook Sweet Potatoes

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
• Add cubed sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes.
• Deglaze with wine or broth, scraping browned bits. Simmer for 3 more minutes.

4. Add Cranberry Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix cranberries, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice.
• Nestle turkey back into the skillet with the potatoes.
• Spoon cranberry mix over potatoes and around the turkey.

5. Roast and Finish

• Roast uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until internal temp hits 160°F (it will rise to 165°F while resting).
• Remove skillet, tent with foil, and let rest 10–15 minutes.
• Slice and serve with sweet potatoes and cranberry pan juices.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 23 minutes
• Cook Time: 47 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Medium
• Calories: ~2750 total (~685 per serving)

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip the thermometer: Pull turkey at 160°F and rest—juiciness guaranteed
• Crispy skin bonus: Rub herbs under the skin and sear well before roasting
• Swap turkey: Use chicken thighs for smaller servings, adjust cook time
• Switch sweet potatoes: Butternut squash or red potatoes work well
• Use broth instead of wine for a milder flavor
• Add orange zest instead of lemon for a sweeter citrus twist

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Sear turkey, prep everything, and refrigerate the skillet. Roast when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm turkey slices covered in foil in a 325°F oven. Reheat sweet potatoes in a skillet or microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions up to 3 months. Sweet potatoes may soften slightly, but taste remains great.

Do I need fresh cranberries?
Nope. Frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw.

Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potatoes

Juicy herb-roasted turkey breast paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and a sweet-tart cranberry glaze. All made in one pan for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 23 minutes mins

Cook Time 47 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 670

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Herb Mixture:**
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• – 1½ tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• – 2 garlic cloves minced
• – Zest of 1 lemon
• **Turkey & Potatoes:**
• – 3 lb split turkey breast bone-in, skin-on
• – ½ tsp kosher salt
• – ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• – 2 sweet potatoes cubed
• – 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
• – Juice of 1 lemon
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• **Cranberry Topping:**
• – 1½ cups fresh/frozen cranberries
• – 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• – 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Equipment

• – Oven-safe 12-inch skillet
• – Instant-read thermometer
• – Small mixing bowls
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Mix herb rub: olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, garlic. Rub all over turkey.
3. Sear turkey skin-side down for 5 mins per side. Remove from skillet.
4. In same pan, cook sweet potatoes 5 mins. Add broth, scrape pan, simmer 3 mins.
5. Mix cranberries, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice. Spoon around potatoes.
6. Return turkey to skillet. Roast 30–35 mins to 160°F internal temp.
7. Let rest 10–15 mins under foil. Slice and serve.

Notes

– Use dried herbs if needed (halve amounts)
– Chicken works as a substitute—adjust time
– Freeze leftovers up to 3 months
– Great with green beans or crusty bread

Conclusion

This Perfect Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potatoes recipe brings together juicy meat, caramelized edges, and tangy sweetness in one easy-to-love dish. Whether it’s a midweek dinner or a relaxed holiday main course, you’ll love the flavor, simplicity, and comfort it offers. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for any season.