The Best Stuffed Turkey Breast for Your Holiday Dinner

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy flavorful turkey without cooking a whole bird, stuffed turkey breast is a great choice.

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A stuffed turkey breast is a boneless cut that you fill with herbs, cheese, vegetables, or sausage, then roast for a moist and tasty meal that usually takes less time to cook. This makes it perfect for smaller gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Stuffed turkey breast gives you a lot of room to get creative with fillings, from creamy cheese and mushrooms to savory sausage and herbs.

It also keeps the turkey tender and juicy, which can be hard to achieve with plain white meat. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or just want something special, this dish brings great flavor and looks impressive on the table.

How To Make Stuffed Turkey Breast

Making stuffed turkey breast involves choosing the right ingredients, following clear preparation steps, and picking a stuffing that fits your taste. You’ll prepare the turkey so it cooks evenly and stays juicy while filled with flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients

For the turkey:

1 large boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2–3 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika

For the stuffing:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small apple, peeled and diced (optional, for sweetness)
1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
1 cup breadcrumbs (or cooked wild rice for a gluten-free option)
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ cup chicken or turkey broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Butterfly the turkey breast by slicing it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it like a book and place plastic wrap over it. Pound it gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.

Prepare the stuffing by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add apple, spinach, breadcrumbs, dried fruit, nuts, sage, and rosemary. Pour in the broth a little at a time until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Related Recipe: Easy Homemade Cornbread from Scratch

Spread the stuffing evenly over the turkey breast, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Carefully roll the turkey up, starting from one long side, and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks. Brush the outside with olive oil or melted butter.

Place the stuffed turkey breast seam-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast for about 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If it browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Serve with pan drippings, gravy, or a light cranberry sauce on the side.

Stuffing Options

There are many choices for stuffing to match your preferences. A classic mix includes bread crumbs, sautéed onions, celery, and herbs.

You can also try sausage with apples and cranberries. This adds sweet and savory flavors that pair well with turkey.

For a lighter option, use wild rice or quinoa with mushrooms and fresh herbs.

Cheese and spinach create a creamy filling, while nuts and dried fruits add texture and sweetness.

Pick a stuffing based on what flavors you like and how fancy or simple you want the dish to be.

Cooking And Serving Tips

To get the best results, you’ll want to focus on the right roasting methods, how to carve your stuffed turkey breast properly, and ideas for serving that bring out its flavors. Each step helps you serve a juicy, tasty dish that looks great on the table.

Roasting Techniques

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the outside and season with salt and pepper to add flavor and help brown the skin.

Roast the breast until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check this. Tent the turkey with foil if it browns too quickly.

Let the turkey rest for 10 to 15 minutes after roasting. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist when you cut it.

Carving Instructions

Place the rested stuffed turkey breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife for clean slices. Start by trimming away any twine or toothpicks if you used them to hold the stuffing inside.

Slice the breast against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers to keep the meat tender. Aim for slices about ½ inch thick.

Cut through both the turkey meat and the stuffing in each slice to give you a balanced bite. Arrange the slices on a platter so the stuffing shows nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stuffed turkey breast with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce to complement the savory flavors.

You can add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary on top for color and extra aroma. Warm gravy also goes well with this dish.

Pair the meal with a white wine such as Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to balance the flavors without overpowering them.

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