What Is a Turkey Butterfly?

A turkey butterfly is a boneless turkey breast joint. It is made from the breast meat of the turkey, prepared so it cooks evenly and carves easily.

If you want turkey for Christmas dinner but do not want the size, bones or carving hassle of a whole bird, a turkey butterfly is a brilliant option. You get the best bit for many people — the white breast meat — in a much easier joint to cook and serve.

It is especially popular with smaller households, families who prefer breast meat, or anyone who wants a simpler Christmas turkey without giving up the main event.

What part of the turkey is a butterfly?

A turkey butterfly is taken from the breast of the turkey. The breast meat is removed from the bone, then prepared into a joint that can be roasted and sliced.

Because it is boneless, it is much easier to carve than a whole turkey. You do not have to work around the carcass, legs, wings or bones. Once cooked and rested, you can simply slice through the joint and serve.

That makes it a very practical choice if you want turkey on the table without the stress that sometimes comes with cooking a whole bird.

Is a turkey butterfly boneless?

Yes, a turkey butterfly is boneless.

This is one of the main reasons people choose it. A whole turkey looks impressive, but not everyone wants to deal with bones, carving, leftover dark meat or a huge carcass afterwards.

A boneless turkey butterfly gives you a neater joint, easier cooking and much simpler carving. It is also easier to portion, which is useful if you are planning Christmas dinner around a smaller group.

Turkey butterfly vs turkey crown

A turkey butterfly and a turkey crown are similar, but they are not quite the same thing.

A turkey crown is usually the breast section of the bird still on the bone. It normally includes both breasts attached to the breastbone, with the legs and wings removed.

A turkey butterfly is boneless turkey breast meat, prepared as a roasting joint. It is easier to carve, usually cooks more quickly, and is ideal if you want the breast meat without the bone.

In simple terms: a turkey crown is usually breast meat on the bone, while a turkey butterfly is boneless turkey breast.

Why choose a turkey butterfly?

A turkey butterfly is a good choice if you want Christmas turkey to feel simpler.

It gives you:

• Boneless turkey breast meat
• Easy carving
• Quicker cooking than a whole turkey
• Less waste if your family mainly eats breast meat
• A neater joint for smaller Christmas dinners
• Simple slicing for leftovers and sandwiches

For many families, it is the most practical way to serve turkey at Christmas. You still get proper roast turkey, but without the size and faff of a full bird.

Does a turkey butterfly taste like normal turkey?

Yes, a turkey butterfly tastes like turkey breast, because that is exactly what it is.

The flavour is mild, lean and traditional. Because breast meat is naturally leaner than darker leg meat, it is important not to overcook it. Good preparation, correct timings and proper resting all help keep the turkey moist.

If you are worried about turkey drying out, you can use butter, bacon, stuffing, herbs or a simple baste to add flavour and moisture during cooking.

How do you cook a turkey butterfly?

A turkey butterfly is usually roasted in the oven. Because it is boneless, it is generally easier and quicker to cook than a whole turkey.

The key is to cook it until it is safely cooked through, then rest it before carving. Resting helps the juices settle back through the meat and makes the turkey easier to slice.

For full timings and step-by-step guidance, read our guide on how to cook a turkey butterfly.

How many people does a turkey butterfly feed?

That depends on the size of the joint and how generous you want to be.

As a rough guide, allow around 250g to 300g per person for a main Christmas dinner portion, especially if you want leftovers. If you are serving lots of sides, stuffing, pigs in blankets and other meats, you may need slightly less.

One of the advantages of a turkey butterfly is that it is easier to match the joint size to the number of people you are feeding, especially compared with buying a whole turkey.

Is a turkey butterfly good for Christmas?

Yes, a turkey butterfly is excellent for Christmas.

It is particularly useful if you want a simpler Christmas dinner, are cooking for fewer people, or know your family mainly eats white turkey meat.

It also makes leftovers easier. Once cooked and cooled, turkey butterfly slices well for sandwiches, salads, curries, pies, soups and Boxing Day plates.

FAQs

What is a turkey butterfly?

A turkey butterfly is a boneless turkey breast joint. It is made from turkey breast meat and prepared as an easy-to-cook roasting joint.

Is turkey butterfly the same as turkey breast?

A turkey butterfly is made from turkey breast meat, but it is prepared as a roasting joint. It is usually boneless and easier to carve than a whole bird or crown.

Is a turkey butterfly better than a turkey crown?

It depends what you want. A turkey butterfly is boneless and easy to carve, while a turkey crown is usually breast meat still on the bone. If you want simple cooking and carving, a butterfly is a great choice.

Does turkey butterfly have bones?

No, a turkey butterfly is boneless. That is one of the main reasons it is popular for Christmas and smaller roast dinners.

Can you stuff a turkey butterfly?

Some turkey butterflies can be stuffed or rolled with stuffing, depending on how they are prepared. If buying one already prepared, check the product details and cooking instructions.

How do you keep turkey butterfly moist?

Avoid overcooking it, rest it before carving, and consider using butter, bacon, herbs or a simple baste during cooking. Resting is especially important with lean turkey breast meat.