Every Christmas, I wrestle with the same question: whole bird or something quicker? A few years back, with a packed house and only one oven, I decided to take a gamble and make a stuffed turkey breast instead of the traditional whole turkey. Best. Decision. Ever. It cooked in half the time, looked beautiful sliced on the platter, and, most importantly, didn’t dry out. Now it’s a yearly tradition at SoolFood. Whether you’re short on time or just want something a little easier, this Quick Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast brings the holiday magic without the stress.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This dish is festive without being fussy. It’s perfect if you’re hosting a smaller gathering or want an additional centerpiece alongside a ham or beef roast. You get all the classic holiday flavors, herbs, savory stuffing, juicy turkey, but in a manageable, weekday-style format. And trust me, no one misses the hours-long ordeal of roasting a full bird when this flavorful alternative hits the table.
To start, you’ll butterfly a boneless turkey breast (or ask your butcher to do it), then fill it with a simple, flavorful stuffing. Mine includes sautéed onions, garlic, celery, breadcrumbs, and a mix of sage and thyme, though you can customize it. Toss in cranberries for sweetness, pecans for crunch, or even some browned sausage for depth.
Once it’s stuffed, the turkey breast is rolled up and tied with kitchen twine to hold its shape. It roasts quickly, about 45–55 minutes depending on size. I always use a meat thermometer, 160°F in the thickest part is your signal to pull it. It’ll finish cooking as it rests to a safe and juicy 165°F.
Want the house to smell like the holidays? This is your recipe. The herbs, the golden skin, the bubbling stuffing, it’s everything you love about Christmas dinner, but faster.
Pair it with sides like these Air Fryer Carrots for something simple yet elegant, or even classic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. If you’re planning a larger spread, you could add a bold main like our Venison Burger as a rustic touch.
Dessert? Keep it warm and cozy. Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a crowd-pleaser and feel just right after such a hearty meal.
So if you’re searching for a stress-free main that slices beautifully, feeds a crowd (or just a few), and still brings full-on festive vibes, this Quick Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is your golden ticket.
Quick Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2.5 lbs), butterflied
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Butcher’s twine
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 lb cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment.
- Make the stuffing:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, and optional add-ins. Add chicken broth and mix until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper. - Prepare the turkey breast:
Lay the butterflied turkey breast flat, skin side down (if there’s skin). Place plastic wrap over it and pound gently with a meat mallet to even the thickness. - Fill and roll:
Spread stuffing evenly over the turkey, leaving a 1-inch border. Starting from the short side, roll tightly like a jelly roll. Tie with kitchen twine every 2 inches to hold shape. - Season and roast:
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. - Rest and serve:
Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1-inch thick medallions and serve with your favorite sides.
Quick Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast for a Festive Table
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A fast and flavorful alternative to roasting a whole bird, this Quick Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast is filled with herb stuffing and roasts to perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2.5 lbs), butterflied
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter, melted
Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Optional: 1/4 lb cooked sausage, crumbled
Butcher’s twine
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment.
2. Sauté onions and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, and optional ingredients. Moisten with broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay turkey breast flat and pound to even thickness. Spread stuffing evenly and roll tightly.
5. Tie with kitchen twine. Brush with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place seam-side down in dish and roast 45–55 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F.
7. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing into 1-inch medallions.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
You can prep this turkey roll a day ahead and roast just before serving.
Pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American