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 3–4 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
- 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.
- Incorporate cubed bread, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts into the vegetable mixture, creating a rich and textured foundation for the stuffing.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley, dried sage, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile, ensuring a harmonious blend of herbaceous and savory notes.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a culinary canvas for the festive turkey breast.
- Carefully butterfly the turkey breast, creating a generous pocket for the stuffing, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor infusion.
- Massage the turkey with olive oil, then generously coat with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- 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.
- Secure the stuffed turkey breast by gently folding it back together, using kitchen twine or toothpicks to maintain its elegant shape.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, allowing it to develop a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent interior.
- 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.
- Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F, signaling a perfectly cooked holiday centerpiece.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring each slice remains tender and flavorful.
- 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