Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe for Holidays

Cooking a delectable herb-roasted turkey breast can become the centerpiece of your holiday meal.

Memories of family gatherings often revolve around this classic dish that promises warmth and comfort.

The blend of aromatic herbs infuses every tender slice with incredible flavor.

Wild thyme, sage, and rosemary create a magical combination that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Preparing this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy meat.

Savor the rich, homemade goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Delicious Sides for Turkey and Stuffing

• Pop Open a Chardonnay to complement the herb-roasted turkey's rich flavors, with its buttery notes matching the dish's savory profile.
• Select a Sauvignon Blanc for its bright acidity, cutting through the rich turkey and herbaceous stuffing with elegant lightness.
• Uncork a light Pinot Noir, whose delicate red fruit and earthy undertones beautifully enhance the herb-infused roasted turkey and hearty stuffing.
• Choose a dry Prosecco to add festive bubbles, cleansing the palate between bites of the herb-packed turkey and dense stuffing.

Tasty Variations for This Classic Holiday Dish

Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional bread cubes with gluten-free bread or quinoa for a celiac-safe stuffing. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all herbs are pure.

Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute bread cubes with cauliflower rice or almond flour-based bread. Add extra herbs and roasted vegetables to enhance flavor profile while maintaining low-carbohydrate requirements.

Vegetarian Transformation: Replace turkey breast with roasted portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Season with identical herb mixture to maintain original recipe’s aromatic qualities.

Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate kalamata olives into stuffing. Replace some herbs with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese. Use olive oil infused with mediterranean herbs for turkey seasoning.

Why Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing Feels Like a Holiday Hug

• Effortlessly prepare a delicious turkey breast with homemade stuffing that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe impresses guests without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Roast the turkey and stuffing simultaneously, saving time and reducing kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and minimal effort.
• Easily adapt herbs and seasonings to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for different palates.

Ingredients Breakdown for Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing

Main Ingredients:

• Turkey Breast: A lean protein centerpiece with rich, delicate flavor that serves as the main dish star.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor for both turkey and stuffing.

• Rosemary, Thyme, Sage: Classic herbal trio that provides earthy, aromatic notes to enhance turkey's natural taste.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that complements the herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding color.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic aromatic vegetables that create a flavor base for stuffing.
• Bread Cubes: Provides structure and absorbs savory flavors in stuffing.
• Lemon: Adds bright, citrusy notes and helps tenderize the turkey.

• Olive Oil: Helps herbs adhere to turkey and provides moisture.
• Butter: Creates rich, golden flavor for sautéing vegetables and adding depth to stuffing.

Preparation Guide for Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a roasting pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Rub this herb mixture all over the turkey breast, coating every surface.

Squeeze lemon juice across the top and place the used lemon halves into the turkey cavity.

Set the turkey breast skin-side up in the prepared pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.

Roast for 1½ to 2 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.

Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 2: Create Killer Stuffing

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion, celery, and grated carrot.

Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.

Transfer sautéed veggies to a large bowl and mix with cubed bread.

Sprinkle in dried sage and thyme, and slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.

Add salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley to taste.

Scoop the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then uncover for the final 10 minutes to brown the top.

Step 3: Serve and Savor

Let the roasted turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Arrange slices on a platter and serve alongside warm stuffing.

Garnish both with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a festive finish.

Tips for Juicy Turkey and Savory Stuffing

• Maximize Herb Infusion: Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense flavors and aromatic oils into the turkey and stuffing.
• Prevent Dry Turkey: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, ensuring the turkey remains juicy without overcooking.
• Boost Stuffing Texture: Use day-old bread for stuffing to absorb liquids better and create a more robust, less mushy consistency.
• Enhance Moisture Retention: Baste the turkey regularly and cover with foil if browning too quickly to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine to the chicken broth for roasting to introduce subtle complexity and richness to the turkey and pan juices.

How to Save Leftovers of Turkey Breast and Stuffing

• Store leftover turkey and stuffing separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap turkey slices and stuffing in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Warm sliced turkey in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, place turkey in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth over stuffing before reheating to restore moisture. Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, until temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast And Stuffing Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent herb-roasted turkey breast with classic stuffing brings holiday comfort to your table. Seasonal flavors meld perfectly, creating a centerpiece that delights guests and satisfies your craving for traditional home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Poultry:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (5 to 7 pounds / 2.27 to 3.18 kilograms)

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, zested and quartered
• Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for cavity

Fats, Seasonings, and Liquid:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bread Base:

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or Italian bread)

Fresh and Dried Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasonings:

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Instructions

1. Prepare the herb infusion by combining olive oil with rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel.
2. Meticulously massage the herb mixture across the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over the seasoned turkey, then nestle the spent lemon halves inside the breast cavity to enhance aromatic complexity.
4. Position the turkey breast skin-side up in a parchment-lined roasting pan, creating a shallow pool of chicken broth at the bottom for consistent moisture.
5. Slide the roasting pan into a preheated oven set at 350F (175C), allowing the turkey to roast for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Periodically baste the turkey every half hour with pan juices to maintain moisture and develop rich flavor profiles.
7. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
8. In a large skillet, melt butter and gently sauté diced onions, celery, and grated carrots until they become translucent and fragrant.
9. Transfer the softened vegetables to a spacious mixing bowl, combining them with cubed bread, sage, thyme, and chopped parsley.
10. Gradually incorporate chicken broth into the mixture, stirring carefully to achieve a moist yet not waterlogged consistency.
11. Season the stuffing with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
12. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, initially covering with foil to preserve moisture.
13. Bake the stuffing in the same oven as the turkey for 25-30 minutes, removing the foil during the final 10 minutes to create a crisp golden top.
14. After removing the turkey from the oven, allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
15. Slice the turkey breast and plate alongside the freshly baked stuffing, garnishing with additional fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Always choose a high-quality, fresh turkey breast for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Pat the turkey dry before seasoning to help the herb mixture adhere better and create a crispy exterior.
• Use day-old bread for stuffing to prevent a mushy texture and absorb more flavors effectively.
• Monitor the turkey’s internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy meat.

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

• Swap regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly version.
• Verify all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare the herb mixture and stuffing ingredients a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
• Store seasoned turkey and prepared stuffing separately in the refrigerator, covered tightly.

Flavor Enhancement:

• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a unique taste profile.
• Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the stuffing for extra texture and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 120mg