Go Back

Juicy Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast – Festive, Flavorful & Perfect for a Smaller Holiday Dinner

This Juicy Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a holiday masterpiece — tender, succulent turkey rolled around a rich, savory stuffing full of herbs, garlic, cranberries, and buttery breadcrumbs, then roasted to golden perfection. It delivers all the nostalgic Christmas turkey flavor without roasting a whole bird, making it perfect for smaller gatherings, romantic holiday dinners, or an elegant holiday centerpiece that cooks in a fraction of the time. Every slice reveals a beautiful spiral of juicy turkey, festive stuffing, and aromatic herbs — stunning to serve, easy to carve, and even easier to enjoy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 1 large boneless turkey breast 2–3 lbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Christmas Stuffing
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ onion finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs fresh or panko
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ cup chicken or turkey broth
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Glaze Optional but Recommended
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish or roasting pan
  • Kitchen twine
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Foil

Method
 

Step 1: Butterfly the Turkey Breast
  1. Place turkey breast on a cutting board.
  2. Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally almost all the way through.
  3. Open the turkey like a book.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and pound gently to an even ½–¾ inch thickness.
  5. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
Step 2: Prepare the Christmas Stuffing
  1. In a pan, melt butter.
  2. Sauté onion and celery 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in:
  5. breadcrumbs
  6. cranberries
  7. pecans
  8. parsley
  9. sage
  10. thyme
  11. broth
  12. salt & pepper
  13. Stuffing should be moist but not soggy — add broth as needed.
  14. Cool slightly.
Step 3: Stuff & Roll the Turkey
  1. Spread stuffing evenly over the butterflied turkey, leaving a ½-inch border around edges.
  2. Roll tightly from one short end to the other, like a jelly roll.
  3. Tie with kitchen twine in 4–5 places to hold the shape.
  4. Brush with olive oil or glaze mixture.
Step 4: Roast
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place stuffed turkey breast seam-side down in a baking dish.
  3. Roast 45–60 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through, until the center reaches:
  4. Internal temperature: 160°F (71°C)
  5. (It will rise to 165°F while resting.)
  6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Slice into thick medallions showing off the beautiful spiral stuffing.
  2. Serve with:
  3. gravy
  4. cranberry sauce
  5. mashed potatoes
  6. roasted veggies

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2 months (whole or sliced)
Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

🥄 Variations

Spinach & Cheese Stuffing
Add spinach + parmesan or mozzarella.
Apple Sage Stuffing
Add diced apples + sautéed sausage.
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Turkey
Add thin slices of brie to the stuffing.
Pesto-Stuffed Turkey
Spread basil pesto under the stuffing.
Mushroom Herb Stuffing
Add sautéed mushrooms + thyme.
Gluten-Free Version
Use GF breadcrumbs.
Low-Carb Version
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast
Wrap the outside in bacon before roasting.
Maple Glazed
Use pure maple syrup + Dijon mustard glaze.
Festive Pistachio Stuffing
Swap nuts for chopped pistachios.

❓ 10 FAQs

How do I keep turkey stuffing from falling out?
Roll tightly and secure well with twine.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze it before cooking?
Yes — wrap tightly and freeze unbaked.
Do I need a thermometer?
Strongly recommended for juiciness.
Can I use turkey tenderloins?
Yes — they cook faster.
Why is my turkey dry?
It was overcooked — remove at 160°F.
Can I air fry this?
Yes — 360°F for 25–35 minutes.
Can I add gravy?
Absolutely — classic turkey gravy pairs perfectly.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes — reduce cook time by 15–20 minutes.
What can I serve with it?
Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, veggies, or salad.

🏁 Conclusion

This Juicy Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is a gorgeous, festive, and deeply flavorful holiday main dish that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece.
Tender turkey, fragrant herb stuffing, pops of cranberry, and a golden glaze make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for smaller Christmas gatherings, elegant dinners, or anytime you want holiday flavors without roasting a whole turkey.