Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a festive dish that brightens up holiday dinners with its juicy turkey breast wrapped around a flavorful stuffing. You’ll find tender turkey paired with a mix of savory herbs, spices, and perhaps some sweet accents like cranberries or apples inside. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic taste of Christmas in a neat, easy-to-serve form.
I love making this recipe because it feels special without being too complicated. The stuffing keeps the turkey moist and adds so much flavor in every bite. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors can really come together, and it makes the cooking day less stressful. It’s also a fun dish to share with family because everyone gets a perfect slice of both turkey and stuffing.
My favorite way to serve this turkey breast is with some simple roasted vegetables and a drizzle of gravy. It’s a cozy plate that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. Plus, leftover slices are awesome for sandwiches or wraps the next day! This dish really helps make Christmas dinner feel warm and memorable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey breast: Choose a fresh or fully thawed boneless turkey breast for even cooking. Butterflying it helps stuff it easily. If unavailable, a large chicken breast can work, just adjust cooking time.
Bacon: Bacon keeps the turkey juicy and adds flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try thin prosciutto or omit it and brush the turkey with olive oil.
Stuffing mix: Use a mix with herbs and dried fruits for that Christmas taste. You can substitute with gluten-free stuffing or homemade bread cubes toasted with seasonings.
Dried cranberries or raisins: These add sweet notes that balance the savory flavors. Swap them for chopped dried apricots or cherries if you like a different fruit flavor.
Cream cheese or goat cheese: These add creaminess and bind the stuffing. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative, and dairy-free cream cheese works too.
How Do I Roll and Secure the Stuffed Turkey Breast Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling and tying your stuffed turkey breast tight is key to keep the filling inside and ensure even cooking. Here is how I do it:
- Lay the butterflied breast skin-side down and spread the stuffing evenly, leaving a small empty margin at edges to prevent spilling.
- Start rolling from one end, keeping pressure to make a tight roll but not so tight that juices leak out.
- Use kitchen twine every 1.5 inches to tie the roll securely, like tying a gift ribbon, making sure the twine passes underneath to hold the shape.
- Wrapping bacon over the tied roll helps seal and adds flavor. Tuck the bacon ends under the roll so they don’t unravel while cooking.
- After tying, handle the roll gently when placing in the pan to keep shape intact.
Taking your time with these steps helps maintain a beautiful presentation and juicy bite. If you’re new to tying, practice tying knots on kitchen twine before cooking—it really helps!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp boning knife – perfect for butterflying the turkey breast evenly and neatly.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine the stuffing ingredients without spilling.
- Skillet or small frying pan – for sautéing onions and garlic to add flavor to the stuffing.
- Kitchen twine – essential to tie the rolled turkey breast securely for even cooking.
- Roasting pan or oven-safe baking dish – roomy enough to hold the rolled breast and catch drippings.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check the turkey’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or figs to add a different sweet note that pairs well with turkey.
- Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier, creamier stuffing that adds depth of flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts the soft stuffing.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost the vegetable content and earthy taste.
Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey and Stuffing:
- 1 (3 to 4 pounds) boneless turkey breast, butterflied
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 cups stuffing mix (preferably with herbs and dried fruit)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup cream cheese or softened goat cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus 1 to 1¼ hours to roast. Allow for an extra 10-15 minutes resting time after cooking before slicing. All together, plan for roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from start to finish, making a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing mix, dried cranberries or raisins, sautéed onion and garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, ground sage, and chicken broth. Once the mixture is cool enough, fold in the cream cheese until everything sticks together well. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
2. Stuff and Roll the Turkey:
Lay the butterflied turkey breast flat on a clean surface, skin side down. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the turkey, leaving about an inch border along the edges. Roll the turkey tightly around the stuffing. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at about every 1.5 inches to keep it secure.
3. Wrap and Roast:
Wrap the bacon slices around the rolled turkey breast, tucking the ends underneath to hold them in place. Place the stuffed and bacon-wrapped turkey seam side down into a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help crisp the bacon and keep the turkey moist. Roast in the oven for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to let the juices settle. Slice carefully and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. Serve with your favorite holiday sides and cranberry sauce for a festive meal everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s completely thawed before butterflying and stuffing. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours depending on size, and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a lighter option, use prosciutto or omit the bacon altogether. You can brush the turkey with olive oil or melted butter to help keep it moist while roasting.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the turkey moist and the stuffing flavorful.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble and roll the turkey breast the day before, then store it covered in the refrigerator. On cooking day, simply wrap with bacon and roast as directed.
