No Brine Turkey Breast on Masterbuilt Spit Kit

Turkey breast on the spit is one of those cooks that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple once you try it. Many people expect long prep and complicated brining but this method removes all the fuss while still delivering juicy meat and golden crispy skin. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone over to the BBQ without needing an invite. This recipe keeps things streamlined with straightforward seasoning, quick prep and a full plate of sides that cook at the same time.

The Story Behind This Cook

For this cook, we wanted a Christmas-style turkey that did not require soaking large cuts in the fridge or preparing brines the night before. With the Masterbuilt running steady and a spit kit in place, we tested a few approaches and found that skipping the brine still delivered tender, juicy results every time. A key part of that success comes from adding garlic herb butter under the skin, which keeps the meat moist and gives the outside a beautiful flavour and finish.

What makes this cook even better is how everything fits into one session. The potatoes crisp up with a few simple cuts, and the honey carrots add a sweet pop that complements the turkey perfectly. It creates the look and feel of a long-planned festive feast, even though the actual workload remains low. If you want to get ahead, you can prepare the butter and sides earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until it is time to cook.

Ingredients

Turkey

  • 2 turkey breasts, skin on
  • 4 tablespoons garlic and herb butter softened
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Raw turkey breasts on a plate with a bowl of herb butter on a wooden board.

Honey Carrots

  • 6 to 8 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Pinch of salt

Carrots, peeled potatoes, herbs and a bowl of gravy prepared on a wooden board for cooking.

Hasselback Potatoes

  • 6 small potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Spit rotisserie basket or spit kit
  • Masterbuilt smoker or other rotisserie capable BBQ
  • Small saucepan
  • Chopsticks or skewers for slicing potatoes

Masterbuilt Gravity Series

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the turkey

1. Warm the garlic and herb butter until soft. 
2. Rub the butter over the turkey breasts including the underside.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Place the breasts into your rotisserie basket or skewer them securely.

Place the breasts into your rotisserie basket or skewer them securely.

 

Step 2: Prep the honey carrots

1. Combine butter, honey, olive oil, ginger and salt in a saucepan.
2. Warm gently until melted and mixed.
3. Toss carrots through the mixture so everything is coated.

Toss the carrots through honey mixture

Step 3: Prepare the hasselback potatoes

1. Slice each potato in half.
2. Place chopsticks or skewers alongside the flat side and make small cuts across the top without cutting through the potato.
3. Mix oil, rosemary and garlic then spoon it over the potatoes.

Hands slicing a peeled potato on a wooden board with metal skewers used as cutting guides.

Step 4: Set up your cooker

1. Install your spit kit into the Masterbuilt and preheat to about 400°F (204°C).
2. Add the turkey, carrots and potatoes.
3. Spread extra garlic herb butter under the turkey and baste every ten to fifteen minutes.
4. Toss the carrots occasionally and check that the potatoes are crisping evenly.
5. Cook until the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature and everything is golden.

Meat roasting in a rotisserie basket inside a BBQ alongside foil trays of potatoes, carrots and herb butter.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Rest the turkey for several minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with the carrots and potatoes for an easy all in one meal.

Grilled turkey pieces served with hasselback potatoes and roasted carrots on a wooden board.

Tips and Tricks

  • Add a sprinkle of mild chilli flakes to the carrots if you want a soft heat.
  • Use chicken breasts if turkey is out of season.
  • If you want deeper browning on the potatoes open the cooker briefly to release moisture halfway through the cook.
  • Leftover turkey makes incredible sandwiches the next day.

Your Next Step Toward Better Backyard Feasts

If you enjoy cooking simple but impressive meals like this turkey feast you will love how much easier it becomes with the right gear behind you. Explore our range of spit kits, rotisserie accessories and Masterbuilt upgrades that help keep meals consistent and full of flavour.

Related Recipes

 

If you want to see this exact cook in action, check out the video below.

 

Author Name

by: Sasha Halabi