This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is the perfect way to bring a festive and flavorful dish to your holiday table. The tender turkey breast is stuffed with a savory mixture of herbs, bread, and vegetables, all roasted to golden perfection. It’s a showstopper that’s much easier to prepare than a whole turkey, and it’s perfect for a smaller gathering or a more manageable holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Perfect for smaller gatherings or a smaller holiday feast
Packed with flavor thanks to a delicious stuffing
Juicy, tender turkey breast roasted to perfection
Easy to make but impressive enough for the holiday table

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. For the full list and measurements, check the recipe card below.

Boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds)
Bread cubes (preferably stale or toasted)
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Celery (diced)
Chicken or vegetable broth
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Dried cranberries or raisins (optional for a sweet touch)
Eggs (for binding the stuffing)
Kitchen twine (for securing the roast)

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Stuffing

In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the fresh herbs and cook for another minute to release the aromas. In a large bowl, combine the cooked veggies, bread cubes, eggs, and dried cranberries (if using). Add enough broth to moisten the mixture, but not make it soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Lay the boneless turkey breast flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly the breast, cutting it open horizontally to create a flat surface. If the turkey is uneven, gently pound it to an even thickness.

Stuff the Turkey Breast

Spoon the stuffing mixture onto the center of the flattened turkey breast. Spread it out evenly, leaving about an inch of space on all sides. Carefully roll the turkey breast up, folding in the sides as you go. Tie the roll with kitchen twine to secure the stuffing inside.

Roast the Turkey Breast

Place the stuffed turkey breast on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also baste the turkey occasionally with the pan drippings for extra moisture and flavor.

Rest and Slice

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices and make the turkey more tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice into the juicy, flavorful turkey breast and serve with your favorite sides. This makes a great centerpiece for a holiday dinner or a delicious meal any time of year!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a golden, crispy exterior, brush the turkey with butter or oil before roasting.
Add a splash of white wine to the pan for additional flavor as the turkey roasts.
For extra richness, mix some sautéed mushrooms into the stuffing.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Stuffing alternatives: Swap bread for cornbread or add cooked sausage to the stuffing mixture for a heartier dish.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes for the stuffing.
Add veggies: Stir in chopped carrots or leeks into the stuffing for more flavor and texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh cranberry sauce. For dessert, serve with a slice of pumpkin pie or apple crisp. A nice glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the rich flavors of the turkey.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the turkey slices in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 15-20 minutes. You can also use leftovers for sandwiches or wraps!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed turkey breast the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking.

Can I use a whole turkey instead of a breast?
Yes, you can use a whole turkey, but the cooking time will be longer—about 3-4 hours depending on the size. Make sure to adjust the roasting time and temperature accordingly.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag.

What’s the best way to carve the stuffed turkey breast?
Once it’s rested, remove the kitchen twine and slice the turkey crosswise into thick slices. Make sure to cut against the grain for the most tender slices.

Conclusion

The Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a flavorful and impressive dish that will be the highlight of your holiday meal. With a savory stuffing, tender turkey, and a golden roast, this recipe is perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and festive cheer this holiday season!

Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a succulent and flavorful dish, featuring a savory stuffing packed with herbs, cranberries, and other festive ingredients. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make recipe for a holiday feast that will impress your guests and bring all the seasonal flavors to the table.

Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the cubed bread, dried cranberries, nuts, fresh parsley, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the bread has absorbed the liquid and the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Turkey Breast:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the turkey breast on a cutting board. If it’s not already butterflied, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the turkey breast open, making a large pocket for the stuffing.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary.
Stuff the Turkey Breast:
1. Spoon the prepared stuffing into the pocket of the turkey breast, being careful not to overstuff it. You want the stuffing to be snug but not spilling out.
2. Once stuffed, carefully fold the turkey breast back together. You can secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Roast the Turkey Breast:
1. Place the stuffed turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Baste the turkey with its own juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist. If the skin begins to get too dark, cover it loosely with foil.
Rest and Serve:
1. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

You can make the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just stuff the turkey breast right before roasting.
For added richness, you can substitute the chicken broth with turkey broth.
Feel free to switch out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped apples for a different take on the stuffing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the stuffed turkey breast
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg