This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a festive delight! Filled with a tasty mix of herbs, bread, and spices, it’s sure to impress your guests. Delicious and juicy, each slice is a holiday treat!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of turkey cooking? I just love slicing into it and seeing all those colorful stuffing bits. It’s perfect for sharing around the dinner table with loved ones!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A butterflied turkey breast, around 3-4 pounds, works best for even cooking and stuffing. If you’re looking for a smaller portion or feeding fewer people, you can use chicken breasts instead. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Breadcrumbs: Rustic bread crumbs add texture and flavor. You can substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version or fine bread crumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to check for seasoning!
Dried Apricots: They add a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have them, try raisins or cranberries for a similar texture and taste. You can also use fresh fruit; just reduce the liquid a bit in your stuffing.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add nice crunch and flavor. Feel free to leave them out if there are nut allergies, or replace with sunflower seeds for a similar bite without the allergens.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage bring vibrant flavor. If you only have dried herbs, use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get My Turkey Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to a juicy turkey breast lies in proper preparation and cooking techniques. Start by butterflying the turkey breast to allow for even cooking and to make stuffing easier. Cooking it at a steady temperature is crucial, so invest in a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — 165°F (75°C) is a must.
- Resting Time: Always let your turkey rest for at least 15 minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice more flavorful and moist. Tent it loosely with foil while it rests.
- Stuffing Moisture: The stuffing should be moist but not overly soggy. Gradually add broth and mix until just combined. It should hold together without falling apart.
- Cooking Method: Place the turkey on a rack in your roasting pan. This helps circulate air around it, resulting in more even cooking and tasty browning.
Enjoy making your turkey! With these tips, you’ll have a stunning main dish for the holiday table.
Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large turkey breast (about 3 to 4 pounds), butterflied
- 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably from a rustic loaf)
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Kitchen twine for tying
- Optional glaze: 1/4 cup honey mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffed turkey breast will take about 20 minutes for preparation and about 60 to 75 minutes for roasting. Don’t forget to add about 15 minutes for resting afterward. So, set aside roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to get everything ready for your holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast:
If your turkey breast isn’t butterflied yet, start by carefully slicing it horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book and lay it flat on a large cutting board. Use plastic wrap to cover and gently pound it to about 1-inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly!
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a skillet, first heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Transfer this to a mixing bowl, then add the bread crumbs, dried apricots, chopped nuts, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
3. Stuff the Turkey Breast:
Now, spread the stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey breast. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the turkey breast tightly around the stuffing mixture. Secure this roll with kitchen twine spaced about 1-2 inches apart — this will help it keep its shape while cooking!
4. Season and Prepare for Roasting:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the outside of the rolled turkey breast with Dijon mustard, then drizzle it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season it with extra salt, pepper, and some additional herbs if you wish for more flavor.
5. Roast the Turkey Breast:
Place the stuffed turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes, or until the inside temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using the optional honey-Dijon glaze, brush it onto the turkey during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting for a beautiful, golden crust!
6. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, take the turkey out of the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, so each slice is juicy and tender!
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the twine, then slice the turkey breast crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices to reveal the beautiful stuffing inside. Serve it up with your favorite pan juices or gravy, and enjoy a fantastic centerpiece for your Christmas dinner!
Your beautifully golden, flavorful, and moist Christmas stuffed turkey breast is sure to delight family and friends during the holiday season!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While turkey breast is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will generally cook faster.
Can I Make the Stuffing the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the turkey breast.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover stuffed turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice it and warm gently in the microwave or oven, covered with foil, until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Stuffed Turkey?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed turkey! It’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. For best results, consume it within 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
