This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a perfect holiday dish with juicy turkey packed with a tasty stuffing made of herbs, bread, and maybe some nuts or dried fruit. Yum!
It’s great for smaller gatherings or when you want to keep things simple but festive. I love how it looks on the table, and it smells amazing while it cooks. Who can resist that aroma? 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless turkey breast is the star of this dish. If you can’t find one, a whole chicken or pork tenderloin can work as substitutes, but they’ll change the cooking time and taste.
Dried Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs for the stuffing. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked rice instead for a hearty option.
Dried Cranberries/Raisins: These add a lovely sweetness. You can swap in chopped apricots or figs if you prefer a different flavor.
Nuts: Pecan and walnut add crunch and richness. Almonds or hazelnuts are great alternatives if you have nut allergies.
Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage bring brightness. If you have dried herbs, use one-third of the amount since they’re more potent.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffed Turkey Breast Stays Juicy?
Keeping your turkey breast juicy is key! Here are steps to help you succeed:
- **Butterflied Breast:** This helps it cook evenly and keeps it moist. Pound it to about ½ inch thickness for best results.
- **Season Generously:** Use salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- **Avoid Overcooking:** Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness.
- **Baste Occasionally:** Basting with pan juices keeps the turkey moist while cooking.
- **Rest After Cooking:** Letting it rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a delicious, juicy turkey breast that your guests will love!
Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Ingredients:
- 1 whole boneless turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds), butterflied
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), toasted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (more if needed)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for festive flavor)
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of preparation time and 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time. Don’t forget to let it rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking! Overall, you can have a delicious festive dinner on the table in about 2 hours.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you’re done prepping your turkey.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast:
Butterfly your turkey breast if it’s not already prepared. To do this, carefully slice it horizontally, being cautious not to cut all the way through. Once opened, cover it with plastic wrap and gently pound it to about ½ inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides well with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Stuffing:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic, and sauté until they are softened—about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the dried cranberries (or raisins), nuts, parsley, thyme, sage, cinnamon, and if you’re using it, the orange zest. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it all smells fantastic!
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the dried breadcrumbs, and stir to combine. Gradually pour in chicken broth until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Finally, stir in the beaten egg to bind everything together.
4. Stuff the Turkey:
Spread your stuffing mixture evenly over the flattened turkey breast, leaving about an inch border around the edges to make it easier to roll.
5. Roll and Tie:
Gently roll the turkey breast tightly to enclose the stuffing. Use kitchen twine to tie it at intervals along the roll, ensuring the stuffing stays inside as it cooks.
6. Roast:
Place your stuffed turkey breast seam side down on a baking tray lined with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for added flavor. Optionally, rub the outside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake:
Time to bake! Roast your turkey for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Use pan juices to baste the turkey a couple of times for extra moisture.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once it’s done, take the turkey out of the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Serve:
Finally, slice the turkey into rounds and serve it beautifully garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme. This dish goes wonderfully with your favorite gravy or cranberry sauce.
Enjoy your festive and juicy stuffed turkey breast that’s perfect for Christmas dinner!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey breast is traditional, you can also use chicken breast or pork tenderloin. Just be aware that cooking times will differ based on the meat’s thickness and type.
Can I Make the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to stuff the turkey and bake it the day you plan to serve to maintain freshness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use the microwave.
How Can I Ensure the Turkey Stays Moist?
To keep the turkey breast juicy, avoid overcooking it — use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C). Additionally, basting it occasionally with pan juices will help keep it moist while roasting.
