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.
Ingredients
Scale
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:
Instructions
- Prepare the herb infusion by combining olive oil with rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel.
- Meticulously massage the herb mixture across the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over the seasoned turkey, then nestle the spent lemon halves inside the breast cavity to enhance aromatic complexity.
- 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.
- Slide the roasting pan into a preheated oven set at 350F (175C), allowing the turkey to roast for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Periodically baste the turkey every half hour with pan juices to maintain moisture and develop rich flavor profiles.
- Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and gently sauté diced onions, celery, and grated carrots until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer the softened vegetables to a spacious mixing bowl, combining them with cubed bread, sage, thyme, and chopped parsley.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth into the mixture, stirring carefully to achieve a moist yet not waterlogged consistency.
- Season the stuffing with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, initially covering with foil to preserve moisture.
- 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.
- After removing the turkey from the oven, allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- 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