Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Here is my go-to recipe for the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast, perfect for your holiday gatherings. This dish features a delicious herb-seasoned filling that enhances the tender turkey meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful experience. It’s suitable for not just Christmas, but any festive meal or special occasion, making it a versatile choice for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of cream cheese and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory filling that complements the turkey perfectly.
• Easy to Prepare – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to pop in the oven without any fuss.
• Healthy Option – Using lean turkey breast makes this recipe a healthier alternative to traditional holiday meats without sacrificing taste.
• Impressive Presentation – The stuffed turkey breast not only tastes great but also looks stunning when served, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting pan – This tool allows even cooking and helps capture all the juices from the turkey, resulting in moist meat.
• Meat thermometer – Ensuring the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature prevents undercooking or overcooking, guaranteeing safety and tenderness.

Ingredients

To create this delectable stuffed turkey breast, gather the following ingredients:

For the Turkey

• 2.75-3 pounds turkey breast or tenderloins
• 1/3 cup Turkey Bacon pieces, chopped

For the Filling

• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (additional parsley, rosemary, and thyme used)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
* Mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic.
* Add chopped spinach and Turkey Bacon pieces.
* Season with salt, black pepper, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and additional herbs. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Stuff the Turkey Breast

• Carefully cut a pocket into the turkey breast using a sharp knife.
• Stuff each pocket with your prepared filling mixture. Ensure it’s packed tightly but not overflowing.

Step 3: Season and Cook

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Brush melted butter over the stuffed turkey breast.
* Sprinkle with remaining salt and black pepper.
Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides for a delightful Christmas feast!

How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Serving the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast can elevate your holiday dinner to a delightful experience. Pair it with complementary sides and garnishes for a festive table.

Festive Salad

• A fresh mixed greens salad topped with cranberries and walnuts adds a crunchy texture and balances the rich flavors of the turkey.

Herb-Infused Gravy

• A savory gravy made from turkey drippings or broth enhances the turkey’s flavor and keeps each slice moist.

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

• Colorful roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts not only look beautiful on the plate but also provide a sweet, earthy contrast to the turkey.

Cranberry Sauce

• A homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce provides a tartness that cuts through the richness of the stuffed turkey breast.

Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with turkey, soaking up all the delicious gravy.

Bread Rolls

• Warm, soft bread rolls allow guests to mop up any remaining gravy or sauce, making them a favorite at any holiday meal.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

To ensure your Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is nothing short of amazing, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh herbs: Fresh herbs bring vibrant flavors to your stuffing and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Let it rest: Allowing the turkey breast to rest after cooking helps retain juices, resulting in tender slices when served.

• Use a meat thermometer: Checking for an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees that your turkey is cooked through without being dry.

• Experiment with spices: Add different spices like sage or thyme to personalize your stuffing mix while maintaining that festive flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Completing your holiday table with side dishes can enhance the feast. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
   Light and creamy, this healthier alternative to mashed potatoes offers a wonderful garlicky punch.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweetened with honey, these glazed carrots add color and sweetness to contrast with savory turkey.

3. Green Bean Almondine
   Sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a crunchy texture and fresh taste.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole
   Topped with pecans and marshmallows, this dish is both sweet and comforting, perfect for holiday gatherings.

5. Stuffing Mix
   A traditional stuffing made from bread cubes, celery, and onions complements the stuffed turkey beautifully.

6. Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic become irresistible when served alongside the main dish.

7. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with vegetables can add a healthy twist while providing fiber and protein.

8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
   Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort food vibes that everyone will love during your festive meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the filling’s consistency: A filling that is too wet or dry can ruin your turkey. Ensure your cream cheese and herbs are well mixed for a balanced texture.
• Overcooking the turkey: Overcooked turkey breast can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F (75°C) for perfect juiciness.
• Not seasoning properly: Lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always taste your filling and adjust salt and pepper before stuffing.
• Forgetting to let it rest: Cutting into the turkey immediately will let all the juices escape. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
• Skipping the herb infusion: Herbs add depth of flavor. Don’t skip fresh herbs in both the filling and on top for an aromatic finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Best if consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power in short intervals until warmed, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Slice turkey and warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe?

The Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe features tender turkey breast filled with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and spinach, making it a delicious holiday dish.

How long does it take to cook the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast?

The total cooking time is approximately 20 minutes after a prep time of 20 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive meal option.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling up to one day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the turkey.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

Cream cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese or vegan cream cheese if you need a dairy-free option while still keeping it creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe offers an elegant main dish that is both flavorful and versatile. With its savory filling and juicy meat, it’s perfect for any festive gathering. Feel free to customize the herbs or add other vegetables into the mix for a personal touch!