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Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

ByLynn

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The Heart of Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

Whenever I’m looking for that cozy holiday centerpiece, this Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe always feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. The tender turkey, rolled with a silky cream cheese and spinach filling, paired with crispy bacon, creates layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. You’ll notice how the herbs sneak in gentle, fresh notes that brighten each bite beautifully. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but special enough for Christmas dinner — I love that kind of versatility. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate simple turkey breast into something spectacular, you’re in the right place. This recipe isn’t just about following steps — it’s about enjoying the process, celebrating the smells that fill your kitchen, and creating a dish that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. I promise, the buttery steam and crisp-edged slices will make your efforts shine. Plus, rolling the turkey with a soft filling means every slice boasts a surprising pop of texture and flavor. Once you get the hang of flattening and rolling, the rest is just a matter of basting and timing. Let’s dive in, and I’ll walk you through how to make this happen seamlessly.
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Why This Recipe Shines

  • Flavor balance: Cozy, bright, and layered — never flat.
  • Beginner tested: Clear steps with real-life timing cues.
  • Customize-friendly: Works with pantry swaps and add-ins.
  • Make ahead approved: Holds texture and flavor beautifully.

Ingredient Breakdown

Flat lay of a whole boneless, skinless turkey breast, a small white bowl of soft cream cheese, fresh chopped spinach leaves, a few sprigs of parsley, sprigs of rosemary, sprigs of thyme, a small white bowl of crispy cooked bacon pieces, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of smoked paprika, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter with chopped fresh herbs mixed in, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354639359234015250 — Stuffed Turkey Breast, Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe, Holiday Turkey Dinner, Easy Turkey Roll-Ups, Juicy Turkey Breast
  • Turkey Breast (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish! Easy to flatten and roll; swaps include chicken breast but expect a slight difference in flavor and texture.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and beautiful green color. Frozen spinach is fine— just squeeze out all excess water.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides that silky, rich base for the filling. You can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta if you prefer a lighter filling.
  • Bacon Pieces: Bring smoky crunch and savory depth. For a vegetarian twist, try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted mushrooms.
  • Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley): Essential for earthy aroma and flavor lift. Dried herbs work but use half the amount to avoid overpowering.
  • Seasoning Rub (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper): Creates a warm spice crust — swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if needed, just mild the smoky undertone.
  • Melted Butter & Herb Butter: Adds richness and glossy finish. Use unsalted butter to control seasoning precisely.

Before You Begin

Mise en place is your best friend here. Flattening the turkey breast to an even 1/4-inch thickness ensures it cooks through uniformly without drying out. Have all your filling ingredients prepped and softened (cream cheese at room temp makes spreading a breeze). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s steady and ready for that perfect bake. Plan for about 50 minutes total — 20 to prep and 30 to cook, including the broil finish.
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What You’ll Need

Essential tools to make Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe easy and enjoyable — plus optional upgrades if you love efficiency.

How to Make Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

A golden-brown roasted roll with a shiny, crispy skin tied with string in three places, resting on a dark surface with scattered herbs. The roll is sliced, showing two layers: a thick outer layer of cooked white meat with a smooth texture, and a thick inner filling that is creamy with green leafy bits and small chunks of brown pieces. The surface has small herb sprigs and coarse salt placed around the roll, adding detail to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 — Stuffed Turkey Breast, Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe, Holiday Turkey Dinner, Easy Turkey Roll-Ups, Juicy Turkey Breast
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a small sheet pan or roasting dish. This helps achieve caramelized edges without sticking. 2. Flatten the turkey breast by placing it in a large Ziploc or between plastic wraps. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s an even 1/4-inch thickness. This step ensures tender, evenly cooked meat and makes rolling easier. 3. Make the filling. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, crispy bacon pieces, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs — rosemary, thyme, parsley. You’ll smell fresh garlic and herbal brightness mixing with creamy silkiness. 4. Spread the filling evenly over the flattened turkey, leaving about half an inch at the edges to prevent leaks when rolling. This border makes rolling tidier and keeps the filling inside. 5. Roll the turkey tightly from one long side to the other, creating a compact log. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the shape during cooking. Place the roll in your greased pan, seam-side down to seal the filling inside.
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Pro-Level Pointers

Texture cues, timing tricks, and flavor boosters — the tiny details that make your Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe taste restaurant-worthy.

6. Season generously. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then rub it all over the turkey roll. This seasoning rub adds smoky warmth and deep color to the surface once baked. 7. Bake. Place the turkey roll in the oven for 15-25 minutes, depending on the breast size. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F in the thickest part. The turkey will stay moist due to the cream cheese filling, so don’t overcook. 8. Broil for about 5 minutes to get that gorgeous caramelized, crisp exterior. Keep a close eye to avoid burning; a rich golden-brown is what you want. The internal temp will gently rise to 165°F while resting. 9. Rest and butter. Remove from the oven and let rest 5-10 minutes. This step lets juices redistribute for moist slices. While resting, brush the turkey roll with melted herb butter — this adds a glossy, fragrant finish and deepens flavor. 10. Slice and serve. Cut into crisp-edged rounds revealing the creamy, herbed filling swirl inside. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm spice and buttery steam in every bite.

Creative Variations for Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

A white plate holds a sliced roll with five visible pieces, each piece showing three layers: the outer layer is golden-brown cooked meat with a slightly shiny texture, the middle layer is a dark green spinach filling, and the innermost layer is light beige with bits of red, likely tomato or pepper. The meat roll is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. A silver fork rests on the plate’s right side near the roll, alongside sprigs of fresh green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a gray cloth is partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 — Stuffed Turkey Breast, Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe, Holiday Turkey Dinner, Easy Turkey Roll-Ups, Juicy Turkey Breast
  • Cheese swap: Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for tangier depth.
  • Veggie boost: Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Herb twist: Try fresh sage or marjoram for a woodsy flavor profile.
  • Spice it up: Include a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili flakes for mild heat and smoky complexity.
  • Fruit garnish: Serve with a cranberry-orange relish for a festive, bright contrast.
  • Presentation idea: Slice the turkey breast roll and stand the rounds on skewers for an elegant appetizer option.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store cooked, sliced turkey in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The filling stays creamy, though slices may firm up slightly.
  • Freeze: Wrap the cooked roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil to keep moisture, or slice and microwave covered for 1-2 minutes.
  • Freshen up: A quick brush of melted herb butter after reheating restores that fresh baked aroma and shine.

Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
You can, but boneless works best for even rolling and cooking. If using bone-in, remove the bone carefully and flatten similarly before filling. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can substitute, but use about half the quantity to avoid overpowering. Fresh herbs give the best fragrance and brightness. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll a day ahead, keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge, then bake just before serving for fresh, hot turkey. How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer — 160°F internally indicates safe cooking with juicy results. Overcooking risks dryness, so watch this closely. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check bacon and seasoning labels if buying prepackaged versions. Print

Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.4 from 95 reviews

This festive Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast combines tender boneless turkey breast with a flavorful cream cheese and spinach filling accented by fresh herbs and crispy bacon. Wrapped and rolled for easy slicing, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, then oven-baked and broiled to golden perfection. A savory holiday centerpiece perfect for Christmas dinner.

  • Author: Lynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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 (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions

  1. 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 easier rolling.
  2. 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 blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the flattened turkey breast, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges to prevent filling leakage during rolling.
  3. Roll and Secure the Turkey: Carefully but tightly roll the turkey breast from one long side to the other to form a compact roll. Secure the roll firmly with toothpicks or tie it with baker’s twine to maintain shape. Place the prepared turkey roll into the greased baking dish.
  4. Season and Bake the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a seasoning rub. Generously rub this mixture all over the rolled turkey breast. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey breast, until the meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 160°F.
  5. Broil for Browning: Switch your oven setting to broil and cook the turkey roll for an additional 5 minutes or until the exterior is nicely browned. Check to ensure the internal temperature remains around 160°F, as it will rise to 165°F during resting.
  6. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Meanwhile, combine melted butter with fresh chopped herbs and brush this herb butter over the turkey roll. Slice into rounds, serve immediately, and enjoy your festive stuffed turkey breast!

Notes

  • Ensure to pound the turkey evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness to allow for even cooking and easy rolling.
  • Leave a half-inch border around the filling to prevent leakage during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and juiciness.
  • Resting the turkey after baking is vital for juicy and tender slices.
  • The herb butter brushed post-baking adds extra flavor and moisture.

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