Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

The Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe Ever Made

Crafting the perfect Christmas stuffed turkey breast requires creativity and a dash of culinary magic.

Juicy meat paired with savory fillings promises a memorable holiday centerpiece.

Festive aromas will dance through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Tender layers of flavor combine to create a stunning main course that impresses without complexity.

Seasonal herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of traditional and innovative cooking techniques.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next celebration.

What to Eat With Stuffed Turkey Breast

  • Festive Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau that complements the rich turkey and cranberry flavors without overpowering the delicate meat.
  • Crisp Herbal Beverage Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with herbal undertones that will highlight the sage and parsley notes in the stuffing while providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Companion: Opt for a dry champagne or prosecco to cut through the richness of the butter and nuts, creating a balanced and celebratory dining experience that adds brightness to each bite.
  • Craft Beer Harmony: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or a light amber ale that offers subtle spice notes matching the herbs and provides a smooth, malty background to the robust turkey flavors.

Stuffed Turkey Breast in Holiday Styles

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing: Replace bread cubes with gluten-free cornbread or quinoa, ensuring the recipe remains safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Swap turkey breast with a large portobello mushroom or firm tofu, using the same spice blend and stuffing technique for a plant-based main course.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread cubes, incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffing that reduces carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Option: Substitute butter with olive oil, use dairy-free chicken broth, and enhance the flavor profile with additional fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to maintain moisture and taste for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

  • Is stuffing the turkey breast difficult?

Stuffing a turkey breast is simple. Carefully cut a pocket in the breast, fill with prepared stuffing, and secure with twine or toothpicks. Just be gentle and don’t overfill to prevent spilling.

  • Can I use different nuts in the stuffing?

Absolutely! Replace the original nuts with alternatives like pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Choose nuts that complement the cranberry and herbs for added flavor and texture.

  • Do I need any special kitchen tools?

You’ll need a sharp knife for butterflying, a skillet for preparing stuffing, a roasting pan, and optional kitchen twine or toothpicks. Basic kitchen equipment works perfectly for this recipe.

  • How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This ensures the meat is safely cooked and remains juicy.

Stuffed Turkey Breast Makes Christmas Dinner Easy and Impressive

  • Quick Holiday Masterpiece: Craft a festive turkey breast that impresses without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Deliver a restaurant-quality meal that delights family and guests with its beautiful presentation and rich, traditional holiday flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Stuffed Christmas Turkey Breast Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Poultry:
  • Turkey Breast: Main protein with space for delicious stuffing, choose a high-quality, fresh boneless breast for best results.
Bread Base:
  • Bread Cubes, Dried Cranberries, Nuts: Classic stuffing mixture with sweet and crunchy elements, preferably day-old bread for better absorption.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: Classic flavor base that provides depth and aroma, fresh ingredients recommended.
  • Fresh Parsley, Dried Sage, Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Herb blend that adds traditional holiday flavor and complexity.
Seasoning and Liquid Elements:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Moisture provider that helps bind stuffing and keeps turkey juicy.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and prevents turkey from drying out.
Additional Components:
  • Butter: Adds richness to stuffing and helps sauté vegetables.
  • Kitchen Twine or Toothpicks: Helpful for securing stuffed turkey breast during cooking.

Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Holiday Roast Steps

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Stuffing

Start by heating a large skillet over medium flame.

Sauté your aromatic ingredients:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced celery
  • Minced garlic

Cook these ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Toss in additional flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Cubed bread
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chopped nuts
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried sage
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gradually pour chicken broth, stirring until the bread soaks up the liquid.

The stuffing should feel moist but not wet.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Breast

Warm your oven to 375°F.

Carefully butterfly the turkey breast, creating a spacious pocket for the stuffing.

Massage the meat with olive oil and generously season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Rosemary

Step 3: Fill and Secure Turkey

Gently spoon the prepared stuffing into the turkey breast pocket.

Ensure it’s snug but not overflowing.

Carefully fold the meat back together, using kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep it intact.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the stuffed turkey breast in a roasting pan.

Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Every 20 minutes, baste the turkey with its own juices to maintain moisture.

If the skin browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 5: Rest and Present

After removing from the oven, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and succulent.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve to your delighted guests.

Easy Holiday Tips for Stuffed Turkey Breast

  • Add chicken broth gradually to control moisture, ensuring stuffing stays moist but not wet – perfect consistency is key for delicious results.
  • Use a sharp knife and slice turkey breast carefully, creating an even pocket that allows stuffing to distribute evenly without tearing the meat.
  • Baste turkey every 20 minutes with pan juices to maintain moisture and create a golden, crispy skin that locks in delicious flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring turkey reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary directly in stuffing for enhanced aromatic flavors that complement the turkey's natural taste.

Best Way to Store Stuffed Turkey Breast

  • Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • For quick reheating, place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
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Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast delivers holiday magic on a single plate, blending traditional flavors with elegant presentation. Succulent meat wrapped around savory herbs and aromatic spices promises a memorable meal that will delight holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 boneless turkey breast (about 34 pounds)

Herbs and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Stuffing Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread)
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Transform the stuffing base by gently sautéing diced onions, celery, and minced garlic in melted butter until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
  2. Incorporate cubed bread, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts into the vegetable mixture, creating a rich and textured foundation for the stuffing.
  3. Sprinkle fresh parsley, dried sage, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile, ensuring a harmonious blend of herbaceous and savory notes.
  4. Introduce chicken broth gradually, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid while maintaining a moist but not soggy consistency. Set the stuffing aside to cool and meld flavors.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a culinary canvas for the festive turkey breast.
  6. Carefully butterfly the turkey breast, creating a generous pocket for the stuffing, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor infusion.
  7. Massage the turkey with olive oil, then generously coat with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary.
  8. Delicately spoon the prepared stuffing into the turkey’s pocket, taking care not to overfill, which could compromise the delicate balance of meat and filling.
  9. Secure the stuffed turkey breast by gently folding it back together, using kitchen twine or toothpicks to maintain its elegant shape.
  10. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, allowing it to develop a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent interior.
  11. Periodically baste the turkey with its own rich juices, ensuring moisture and preventing the skin from becoming too dark. If necessary, loosely tent with foil.
  12. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F, signaling a perfectly cooked holiday centerpiece.
  13. Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring each slice remains tender and flavorful.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley and present a stunning, festive dish that promises to delight holiday guests.

Notes

  • Select bone-in turkey breast with skin for maximum moisture and flavor retention during roasting.
  • Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma and prevent sogginess in the stuffing.
  • Use day-old bread for stuffing to absorb liquids better and create a more cohesive texture.
  • Keep stuffing ingredients finely chopped to ensure even distribution and consistent flavor in each bite.
  • Avoid overstuffing to prevent uneven cooking and potential food safety risks.
  • Check internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer for precise doneness.
  • Allow turkey to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
  • Consider gluten-free bread alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the stuffing’s aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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