Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a delightful centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. As the festive season approaches, the aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey fills the air, evoking cherished memories of family traditions and celebrations. This dish not only showcases the rich flavors of the season but also pays homage to the age-old custom of sharing a hearty meal with loved ones.
What I love most about Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is its incredible versatility. The tender, juicy turkey breast is filled with a savory stuffing that can be customized to suit your taste, whether you prefer a classic bread stuffing or a more adventurous blend of fruits and nuts. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant, making it a favorite among friends and family. Plus, it’s a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the festive spirit without the fuss of cooking a whole turkey. Join me as we explore this delicious recipe that is sure to become a holiday staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Stuffing
First things first, let’s get our stuffing ready. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors come together beautifully.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and have released their moisture.
- Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, walnuts (if using), thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. This will be our delicious stuffing!
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Now that our stuffing is ready, let’s prepare the turkey breast. This step is crucial for ensuring that our stuffing stays inside and the turkey cooks evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the turkey cooks perfectly.
- Place the boneless turkey breast on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the turkey breast horizontally, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice pocket.
- Once you have your pocket, season the inside of the turkey breast with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Now, take the stuffing mixture and spoon it into the pocket of the turkey breast. Be generous, but don’t overstuff it, as the stuffing will expand while cooking. Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey breast closed, securing the stuffing inside. If you don’t have twine, you can use toothpicks to hold it together.
Cooking the Turkey Breast
With the turkey breast stuffed and secured, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed turkey breast in the skillet, seam side down. Sear the turkey for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Once the turkey is browned, carefully flip it over to sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. This step adds a beautiful color and flavor to the turkey.
- After searing, pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the turkey. This will keep the turkey moist while it bakes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the turkey rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey more tender and juicy.
Assembling and Serving
Now that our turkey is cooked and rested, it’s time to slice and serve this beautiful dish!
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Conclusion:
In summary, this Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday dining experience. The combination of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive table. Whether you choose to serve it with classic sides like roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce or opt for a more modern twist with a zesty citrus salad, this dish is versatile enough to complement any holiday spread. Feel free to get creative with the stuffing! You can add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even swap in different herbs to make it your own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes and traditions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast a try. I promise it will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations, just as it has in mine. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any special touches you added. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together and make this festive season even more memorable! Print
Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast: A Delicious Holiday Recipe for Your Festive Feast
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This stuffed boneless turkey breast features a delicious filling of spinach, mushrooms, and cranberries, wrapped in tender turkey. Ideal for special occasions or family dinners, it’s a flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 2–3 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until soft and moisture is released.
- Toss in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, walnuts (if using), thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the boneless turkey breast on a clean cutting board. Carefully slice it horizontally to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
- Season the inside of the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture into the pocket of the turkey breast, being generous but not overstuffing. Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey breast closed, securing the stuffing inside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the stuffed turkey breast in the skillet, seam side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the turkey to sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the turkey to keep it moist while baking.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the turkey rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the turkey breast into medallions and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the turkey breast in your favorite herbs and spices before stuffing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
