Christmas dinner…it’s supposed to be this magical, Norman Rockwell-esque scene, right? But honestly, who has the time (or the oven space!) for a whole turkey? That’s where my Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe comes in! It’s like all the best parts of Christmas dinner, rolled into one juicy, flavorful package. And trust me, it’s way easier than wrestling with a 20-pound bird!
My family? We’re not exactly a “huge gathering” kind of crew. It’s usually just me, my hubby, and the kids. So, a giant turkey always felt like overkill. One year, I tried roasting a whole chicken instead, and honestly? It was kinda…boring. I needed something festive, something special, but without all the fuss. That’s when I started experimenting, and this Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast was born! It’s quicker, easier, and perfect if you’re not feeding an army. Seriously, you’ve GOT to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe
Okay, so why should you ditch the whole turkey drama and make this instead? Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! Here’s why I’m obsessed:
Quick and Easy Christmas Dinner
Seriously, who has all day to babysit a turkey? This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast cooks in way less time. I’m talking hours saved! And the prep? Super straightforward. No complicated carving skills needed here!
Impress Your Guests with This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Don’t let “easy” fool you – this thing is gorgeous! That spiral of stuffing inside the juicy turkey breast? It looks like you spent hours slaving away (even if you didn’t!). Plus, it tastes amazing. It’s a total win-win!
Ingredients for Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need to make my amazing Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast:
- Grab 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast – about 3 to 4 pounds. This is key!
- You’ll also need 1 cup of chopped onion. Yellow or white works great!
- And 1 cup of chopped celery. Don’t skip this, it adds a nice crunch!
- For spices, we’re going with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Plus, 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage. It screams “Christmas,” doesn’t it?
- Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Seasoning is everything!
- For the stuffing: 4 cups of cubed bread, dried. I like using sourdough!
- You’ll need 1 cup of chicken broth – low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
- And for some festive sweetness, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
- Finally, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. They give it a lovely nutty flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t be intimidated, this Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is way easier than it looks! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece in no time. Remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – that’s super important!
Preparing the Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Stuffing
First up: the stuffing! In a big skillet, drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil. Get it nice and warm over medium heat. Toss in that chopped onion and celery – we’re gonna cook ’em until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes or so. That’s where all the good flavor starts! Then, stir in your thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mmm, smells like Christmas already!
Now, in a large bowl, combine those bread cubes, the cooked veggies, chicken broth, cranberries, and pecans. Give it a good mix! Here’s a little secret: the amount of chicken broth can vary. You want the stuffing moist but not soggy, ya know? So add it gradually until it feels right. I usually start with 1 cup, then add a splash more if it’s too dry.
Stuffing and Rolling the Christmas Turkey Breast
Time for the fun part! Lay your turkey breast on a cutting board. Now, for the “butterfly” technique: carefully slice the breast horizontally, but DON’T cut all the way through! You want to be able to open it up like a book. It should be about an inch thick. This creates a perfect little pocket for the stuffing.
Spoon that yummy stuffing evenly over the turkey breast. Don’t overstuff it or it’ll be hard to roll! Now, roll that turkey breast up tightly, like you’re making a jelly roll. This is where kitchen twine comes in handy! Secure the roll with twine every couple of inches to keep everything snug. Trust me, you don’t want your stuffing exploding everywhere in the oven!
Baking Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Place your beautiful Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast in a baking dish. Pop it in that preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. But here’s the most important thing: you need to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check! Safety first, always. For more information on safe cooking temperatures, check out the USDA’s guidelines on poultry.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, so the turkey stays nice and moist. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Want to take your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Getting the Most Flavor from Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste the stuffing before you stuff the turkey and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. And hey, a little extra thyme never hurt anyone! Also, use good quality ingredients. That dried bread? Make sure it’s something you actually like the taste of! It makes a difference, I promise!
Avoiding a Dry Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Nobody wants dry turkey! The key is not to overcook it. Use that meat thermometer! And if you’re worried about it drying out, you can tent the baking dish with foil for the first half of the cooking time. Just remove it for the last 20 minutes or so, so the skin can get nice and golden brown. Oh! And that resting time? Seriously crucial. Don’t skip it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? Don’t panic! This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe is pretty flexible. For the bread, sourdough is my fave, but you can totally use any bread you like – French, Italian, even a good ol’ white bread will work. Just make sure it’s dried out!
And those veggies? Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, carrots, or even some chopped apples would be delicious in the stuffing. Just sauté them along with the onion and celery. It’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast…what do you serve with it? My go-to’s are classic comfort food! Roasted vegetables are always a hit – think Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must! And don’t forget the cranberry sauce! It’s the perfect sweet-and-tangy counterpoint to the savory turkey. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast, just wrap it tightly in foil or put it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, slice it up and warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a little broth. Don’t overheat it, or it’ll dry out!
Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast FAQs
Got questions about my Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:
Can I prepare the Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally get a head start. I often make the stuffing the day before. Just store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the whole Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver on busy Christmas Day!
What is the best way to carve the Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast?
A sharp knife is your best friend here! Let the Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast rest for a good 10 minutes after baking. Then, use a long, sharp carving knife to slice it crosswise, about 1/2 inch thick. This will give you nice, even slices with that beautiful spiral of stuffing. And hey, don’t worry if some of the stuffing crumbles – it’s all part of the charm!
Can I use a different type of nut in the Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast?
Totally! If you’re not a fan of pecans, or if you have a nut allergy, you can swap them out for something else. Walnuts would be delicious, or even some toasted almonds. You could even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer! It’s your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast, so make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Okay, so you wanna know the nutrition info? Here’s the deal: it’s tough to be exact, ’cause it all depends on the brands you use. But just so you know, this is just an estimate!
Enjoy Your Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast!
There you have it! My Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast – easy, delicious, and perfect for a festive feast. If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, share a pic on social media – I’d love to see your creation!
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Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast: A Delicious Disaster
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful and festive centerpiece for your holiday table. It features a juicy turkey breast filled with a savory stuffing.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (3–4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread, dried
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked vegetables, chicken broth, cranberries, and pecans.
- Butterfly the turkey breast by slicing it horizontally, without cutting all the way through. Open it like a book.
- Spoon stuffing evenly over the turkey breast.
- Roll the turkey breast up tightly and secure with kitchen twine.
- Place the stuffed turkey breast in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of bread for the stuffing.
- Add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms or carrots.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve desired stuffing consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
