Tired of battling a whole turkey on Thanksgiving or Christmas? Craving a delicious, impressive centerpiece without the fuss? Then this Boned Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe is for you! It offers all the flavor and satisfaction of a traditional roast, but with significantly less prep time and a guaranteed juicy result. This recipe makes a stunning healthy meal, perfect for a smaller gathering or a weeknight celebration. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe and delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 pound) boneless turkey breast, butterflied
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preparing the Turkey Breast:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the butterflied turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown beautifully.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are tender, about 5-7 more minutes. This creates a flavorful base for our stuffing.
Stuffing the Turkey & Roasting:
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the butterflied turkey breast.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the vegetables.
- Carefully roll up the turkey breast, starting from one of the shorter sides, and tuck the ends in to secure. You can use kitchen twine to tie it if needed, for a neat presentation.
- Place the rolled turkey breast in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the turkey breast moist.
Cooking & Serving:
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Basting the turkey with pan juices halfway through cooking will enhance the flavor and ensure a beautifully browned exterior.
- Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Slice and serve immediately. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, marinate the turkey breast in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and garlic for a few hours before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If your turkey breast is very large, you may need to use a larger roasting pan.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor, such as rosemary, oregano, or marjoram.
- For a richer flavor, add some crumbled bacon or sausage to the stuffing.
- Substitute the chicken broth with white wine for a more sophisticated taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious option for a homemade meal. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish! Remember, this makes a great centerpiece for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal holiday feasts. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one certainly proves that!