Christmas Special Stuffed Turkey Breast

Stuffed Turkey Breast is a dish that combines elegance with comfort, making it ideal for holiday feasts or intimate dinners. It captures everything people love about roasted turkey without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. By rolling tender turkey breast around a flavorful stuffing, you get perfectly juicy slices filled with herbs, bread, and cranberries in every bite. The texture is balanced the turkey is moist and lightly browned on the outside, while the center holds a warm, aromatic stuffing that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

More Christmas Recipes

Home cooks love this recipe because it offers a restaurant-quality presentation that’s simple to prepare. The stuffed roll looks beautiful on the table, slices neatly, and cooks faster than a full turkey. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner for two or planning your Christmas menu, this recipe delivers flavor, ease, and versatility. The result is tender meat with a golden crust and a filling that brings together the familiar tastes of the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Turkey Breast is not just delicious it’s practical and impressive.

It delivers all the flavor of a full turkey dinner in a smaller, easier-to-manage form.
It’s perfect for smaller gatherings, avoiding leftovers and long cook times.
The stuffing stays moist while the turkey remains juicy and tender.
You can prepare it ahead, refrigerate, and bake right before serving.
The presentation looks professional but doesn’t require advanced skills.
It’s ideal for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and even elegant Sunday meals.
The flavor is flexible herbs, fruits, and grains can all be swapped to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast:

1 large boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Stuffing:

2 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably rustic or sourdough)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon sage
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

For Tying and Roasting:

Kitchen twine
Olive oil spray or melted butter for brushing

Substitution Notes:

You can replace dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots for a different sweetness.
Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
If you prefer a richer filling, add a few spoonfuls of cooked sausage to the stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Butterfly and Flatten the Turkey Breast

Lay the turkey breast flat on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping about an inch from the opposite edge to create a flap. Open it like a book. Place plastic wrap over the turkey and gently pound it with a meat mallet until evenly ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and easier rolling later.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bread cubes, herbs, cranberries, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth slowly while tossing, just until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before stuffing the turkey.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Turkey

Spread the stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey breast, leaving about an inch of space along the edges. Starting from one side, roll the turkey tightly like a jelly roll. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll every 2 inches to keep the shape secure during cooking. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil or melted butter, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey Breast

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed turkey breast seam-side down on a greased baking rack or roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Halfway through, baste with its own juices for extra moisture and color.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This step helps the juices redistribute and prevents dryness. Cut into thick slices, showing the spiral of golden turkey wrapped around the aromatic stuffing.

How to Serve

Stuffed Turkey Breast pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. A drizzle of turkey gravy or cranberry sauce complements the flavors perfectly. For an elegant presentation, slice the roll diagonally and arrange the pieces on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or thin slices of orange. This dish is perfect for a festive dinner yet refined enough for any formal occasion.

Additional Tips

Always pound the turkey breast evenly to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
Use day-old bread for stuffing it absorbs broth better without getting mushy.
Don’t overstuff; keep a thin layer so the roll seals tightly.
Letting the stuffed turkey rest after roasting keeps it moist and easy to slice.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of guessing.
To get extra golden skin, broil the turkey for the last 3 to 5 minutes.
For extra flavor, you can brush the turkey with melted butter mixed with herbs before roasting.

Recipe Variations

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Turkey Breast
A creamy, savory twist that combines sautéed spinach with ricotta and Parmesan. The greens add color and moisture, while the cheese melts into the turkey, creating a smooth, luxurious filling. Perfect for when you want something rich yet balanced.
Apple Walnut Stuffing
This version adds diced apples, toasted walnuts, and a touch of cinnamon to the classic bread stuffing. The apples bring a subtle sweetness that complements the savory turkey, while the nuts provide a delicate crunch. It’s an ideal option for fall and holiday dinners.
Mediterranean Style Stuffed Turkey Breast
Stuff the turkey with a mix of crumbled feta, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. The result is a light, tangy, and colorful filling that pairs well with a lemon butter sauce or a drizzle of olive oil.
Mushroom Herb Filling
Finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and thyme create an earthy, umami-packed stuffing that enhances the turkey’s natural flavor. Add a splash of white wine during cooking for depth and aroma.
Cranberry Pecan Holiday Stuffing
Blend dried cranberries and toasted pecans into your bread stuffing for a festive look and flavor. The tart cranberries balance the buttery turkey, and the pecans add crunch and warmth, making it a crowd-pleaser for Christmas and Thanksgiving alike.
Prosciutto Layered Turkey Roll
Before spreading the stuffing, lay thin slices of prosciutto directly over the flattened turkey breast. The salty cured meat adds richness and helps keep the roll moist. It’s a gourmet variation with minimal effort.
Sausage and Sage Stuffed Turkey Breast
Mix cooked Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, onions, and sage for a heartier, bolder flavor profile. This version feels indulgent and turns the dish into a complete meal on its own.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and use a blend of roasted vegetables, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese for a lighter filling. It’s equally delicious and perfect for non-meat eaters at the holiday table.

Freezing and Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooked stuffed turkey breast in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the stuffing and outer crust.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 340
Protein: 38g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 420mg

Final Words

Stuffed Turkey Breast is one of those dishes that perfectly combines practicality with sophistication. It allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of turkey and stuffing without the long cooking time or excess portions of a whole bird. Once you slice into the golden crust and see the swirl of stuffing inside, it’s easy to understand why this recipe has become a favorite for both holiday tables and special dinners.

Cooking it at home gives you complete control over flavor and texture. You can adapt the stuffing to your taste make it lighter with vegetables or richer with cheese and sausage. The result is always the same: juicy turkey, aromatic filling, and a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family meal, this recipe proves that simple ingredients, when handled right, can create extraordinary food. Serve it proudly, enjoy every slice, and know you’ve mastered one of the most rewarding turkey dishes any chef can make.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

A 2 to 2.5-pound boneless breast works best. It’s easy to roll, cooks evenly, and serves 4 to 6 people.

Yes, but make sure it’s not overly wet. Add herbs or dried fruits to enhance flavor.

Don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and rest it before slicing to retain juices.

Yes. For the air fryer, cook at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours, then broil briefly for color.