The Best Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe For Holiday Magic

Crafting a succulent stuffed turkey breast can elevate your holiday dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tender meat wrapped around a flavorful filling promises a memorable meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Herbs and spices dance through each slice, creating layers of delicious complexity.

Butterflying the meat allows for even cooking and maximum stuffing potential.

Simple techniques transform this classic dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior blend perfectly in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this technique for future celebrations.

Storing and Reheating Turkey Breast Leftovers

• Wrap cooled turkey breast tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Slice turkey breast before freezing. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Side Dish Ideas for Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Complement Cranberry Spritzer: Mix fresh cranberry juice with sparkling white wine or prosecco, adding a touch of orange zest to echo the dried cranberries in the stuffing.
• Pair with Herbal Chardonnay: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay with herbal undertones that will harmonize with the rosemary and thyme in the turkey's stuffing.
• Serve with Roasted Winter Vegetables: Create a colorful side of roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips seasoned with similar herbs used in the turkey to create a cohesive flavor profile.
• Match with Nutty Wild Rice Pilaf: Prepare a wild rice blend with toasted pecans or walnuts to complement the nuts in the turkey's stuffing and provide a textural contrast.

Creative Twists on Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring the stuffing remains light and flavorful.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute turkey breast with a large portobello mushroom or cauliflower steak, using a similar herb and vegetable stuffing mixture for a hearty plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Remove bread crumbs entirely and increase nuts like chopped almonds or pecans in the stuffing, creating a protein-rich, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the stuffing, giving the recipe a Greek-inspired twist with bright, tangy elements.

FAQs

• Is it necessary to butterfly the turkey breast?

If your turkey breast isn’t already thin and even, butterflying helps create a uniform thickness for better stuffing and more consistent cooking. It ensures the meat cooks evenly and allows the stuffing to spread perfectly.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the stuffing?

Absolutely! You can swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, replace nuts with seeds, or use different dried fruits like apricots or cherries. Just maintain similar proportions to keep the stuffing’s texture consistent.

• How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast to ensure it’s safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• What if I don't have kitchen twine?

No worries! You can use toothpicks or silicone cooking bands to secure the turkey roll. Just ensure the stuffing stays inside and the roll maintains its shape during roasting.

Perfectly Stuffed Turkey Breast Centerpiece

• Tackle a Gourmet Dish with Ease
• Master a restaurant-worthy recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to wow their guests.
• Nutrition-Packed Delightful Meal
• Combine multiple food groups in one dish – lean protein, vegetables, and grains create a balanced, wholesome meal packed with essential nutrients and flavors.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure
• Swap ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to different taste profiles.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep Champion
• Prepare the stuffed turkey breast in advance, refrigerate, and roast when ready, saving precious time during busy weekdays or when planning special gatherings.

Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Turkey Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein and canvas for the stuffing.

• Onions, Celery, Mushrooms: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor and texture to the stuffing.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a gentle green color to the stuffing mixture.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the stuffing ingredients and provides a classic, hearty texture.
• Dried Cranberries, Raisins: Introduces a sweet and tangy element to balance the savory stuffing.
• Nuts: Contributes a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor to the stuffing.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Classic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the turkey and stuffing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory taste of the stuffing.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help hold the stuffing ingredients together.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and rubbing on the turkey breast for a golden exterior.
• Kitchen Twine: Helps maintain the roll shape during cooking.

How to Roll and Roast Stuffed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly coating with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Onions
• Celery
• Mushrooms

Stir in spinach, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Canvas

Place the turkey breast flat on a cutting board with the skin facing down.

Carefully butterfly the breast by slicing horizontally to create an even, open surface that looks like an open book.

Step 4: Build the Delicious Filling

• Bread crumbs
• Chicken broth
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped nuts
• Beaten egg

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll

Spread the stuffing evenly across the turkey breast, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully roll the turkey into a compact log, encasing the stuffing completely.

Step 6: Secure and Season

Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at the ends and middle, ensuring it maintains its shape during cooking.

Rub the exterior with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Roast to Perfection

Place the rolled turkey breast in the prepared baking dish.

Roast in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) with a meat thermometer.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal.

Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Use a sharp knife to cut the turkey breast against the grain for tender, easy-to-chew slices that retain maximum moisture and flavor.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing food safety without drying out the meat.
• Cover the turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to prevent over-browning and keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Avoid overpacking the stuffing to prevent dense, heavy filling; aim for a light, well-distributed mixture that allows even cooking throughout the turkey breast.
• Tie the kitchen twine evenly and snugly around the turkey roll to maintain its shape, ensuring uniform cooking and a beautiful presentation when sliced.

Perfect Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Turkey Breast Roulade brings Mediterranean flavors to holiday tables with elegant rolled goodness. Herbs, garlic, and prosciutto create a delectable centerpiece that will delight guests with complex yet comforting culinary craftsmanship.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast (about 4.5 pounds / 2 kilograms)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 350F (175C), positioning a rack in the center. Arrange a baking dish with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Create the vegetable foundation by sautéing onions, celery, and mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate spinach, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. Transform the turkey breast by laying it flat on a cutting board, skin facing downward. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the meat horizontally to create an even, expanded surface.
4. Develop the stuffing mixture by combining the cooled sautéed vegetables with bread crumbs, chicken broth, dried cranberries, nuts, and a whisked egg. Blend thoroughly until ingredients are well integrated.
5. Layer the prepared stuffing across the turkey breast, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling.
6. Carefully roll the turkey breast into a compact log, ensuring the stuffing remains securely enclosed. Utilize kitchen twine to firmly secure the ends and center of the roll, maintaining its structural integrity.
7. Massage the exterior with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Position the rolled turkey breast in the prepared baking dish.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F (74C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
9. Remove from oven and allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juice redistribution. Slice carefully and serve alongside complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Customize the stuffing by swapping ingredients to match dietary preferences or seasonal availability, like using gluten-free breadcrumbs or replacing nuts with seeds.
• Control moisture by not overmixing the stuffing and ensuring vegetables are well-drained to prevent a soggy texture inside the turkey breast.
• Achieve consistent cooking by using a meat thermometer and checking multiple spots to guarantee the entire turkey breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Enhance flavor development by marinating the turkey breast in herbs and olive oil for 2-4 hours before stuffing, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse deeper taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg