Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe
This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe features a tender turkey breast rolled with a flavorful filling of cream cheese, spinach, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs. Baked to juicy perfection and finished under the broiler for a beautiful golden crust, this elegant main dish is perfect for festive holiday dinners.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Turkey
- 3 lb turkey breast (boneless, skinless)
Filling
- 1/3 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 tsp chopped thyme
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 tsp chopped rosemary
- 1/3 cup bacon pieces (crispy cooked and chopped)
Seasoning Rub
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Herb Butter
- 2 tbsp melted butter (preferably unsalted)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Turkey: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a small sheet pan or roasting dish. Place the turkey breast in a Ziploc bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and make it easier to roll.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, crispy bacon pieces, salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the flattened turkey breast, leaving approximately a 1/2 inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during rolling.
- Roll and Secure the Turkey: Carefully but firmly roll the turkey breast from one long side to the other, creating a tight roll. Secure the rolled turkey with toothpicks or tie with baker’s twine to keep it intact. Place the secured turkey roll into the prepared baking dish.
- Season and Bake the Turkey: Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the outside of the rolled turkey. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size, until the internal temperature reaches about 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Broil for Browning: Switch your oven to the broil setting and broil the turkey for an additional 5 minutes or until the exterior is nicely browned. Make sure the internal temperature remains around 160°F, as it will rise slightly to a safe 165°F while resting.
- Rest, Slice, and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Meanwhile, mix melted butter with fresh chopped herbs and brush this over the top of the turkey roll. Slice the turkey into servings, serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious holiday centerpiece.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey breast is pounded evenly to guarantee uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the meat juicy.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding nuts or dried cranberries for festive flair.
- Letting the meat rest before slicing preserves moisture and tenderness.
- Removing toothpicks or twine before serving is recommended for safety and presentation.
Keywords: Christmas turkey breast, stuffed turkey, holiday turkey recipe, baked stuffed turkey, festive main dish