There is nothing quite as festive and comforting as the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table. This dish showcases a tender turkey breast generously filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and spinach, creating a beautiful balance of savory, creamy, and herby notes. Each bite invites you into a cozy embrace of holiday spirit, making it the perfect centerpiece for your family feast or a special gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished tradition you eagerly revisit every year.

The image shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface, holding a sliced rolled turkey dish stuffed with green spinach and small red pieces, possibly bacon or ham. The turkey outer layer is golden brown and crispy, with herbs sprinkled on top. The roll is cut into five thick slices, each revealing a clear contrast between the white turkey meat outer layer and the green and red filling inside. A silver fork lies on the right side of the plate next to the slices, and a gray cloth napkin is partly visible to the left side of the plate. Small fresh green herb sprigs are scattered around the scene for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find yet come together to deliver a stunning depth of flavor and gorgeous visual appeal. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s enriching the texture, adding vibrant color, or layering delicious savory notes.

3 lb turkey breast (boneless, skinless): The lean and tender protein star of the dish, perfect for stuffing and rolling.
1/3 cup chopped spinach: Adds a fresh pop of green and subtle earthiness to the filling.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides gentle heat and balances the creamy filling perfectly.
1 tbsp chopped parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous flavor into the mix.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
1 tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced): Adds a beautiful aromatic punch and complexity.
1 tsp chopped thyme: A subtle herb that complements the turkey wonderfully.
4 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious and creamy texture inside the stuffing.
1 tsp chopped rosemary: Infuses the filling with a fragrant, piney note.
1/3 cup bacon pieces (crispy cooked and chopped): Brings smoky richness and crunchy contrast to every bite.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds depth, warmth, and a lovely color to the seasoning rub.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor with a subtle background note.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Additional pepper for the seasoning rub to heighten flavor complexity.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the seasoning rub perfectly.
2 tbsp melted butter: Butter makes everything better—it creates a golden, flavorful finish.
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme): A fresh, colorful butter glaze to elevate the final presentation.

How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Turkey

Getting the turkey breast ready is key to a perfectly cooked, juicy meal. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, place the turkey breast between a plastic wrap barrier and gently pound it to about 1/4-inch thickness. This step not only ensures even cooking but also makes rolling the stuffed turkey a breeze. Trust me, this little prep trick makes all the difference.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Create the sumptuous filling by mixing cream cheese, chopped spinach, freshly minced garlic, crispy bacon pieces, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a medium bowl. Blend them until every bite will be bursting with flavor and texture. When you spread this mixture over the flattened turkey, leave a 1/2-inch border free on all edges — this keeps the filling snug inside when you roll it up.

Step 3: Roll and Secure the Turkey

Carefully roll the turkey breast from one long side to the other, forming a tight cylinder filled with that irresistible mixture. Use toothpicks or baker’s twine to keep everything securely in place. This step is crucial because a tight roll keeps the stuffing inside, creating those beautiful slices you’ll be proud to serve. Place the roll seam-side down in your greased baking dish to prepare for seasoning and baking.

Step 4: Season and Bake the Turkey

Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt for your seasoning rub, then evenly coat the turkey roll with this aromatic blend. This seasoning layer adds smoky warmth and complexity to the tender turkey. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey breast, until the internal temperature reaches approximately 160°F. Using a meat thermometer is essential here for perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Step 5: Broil for Browning

Switch the oven to broil for the final 5 minutes or so to develop a gorgeous golden crust on the outside of your turkey roll. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning, allowing the skin to crisp up while the internal temperature edges up toward the safe 165°F mark as the turkey rests.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Patience is rewarded when you let the turkey rest for 5 to 10 minutes on a cutting board. This crucial resting period lets juices redistribute so every slice stays moist and flavorful. While resting, brush the top with a fragrant mix of melted butter and fresh herbs, adding shine and an extra touch of herbal aroma. Slice the roll into beautiful rounds and present them to your delighted guests right away.

How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe

Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple yet elegant garnishes can elevate your turkey presentation effortlessly. Fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or parsley scattered around the sliced turkey add festive color and brighten the plate. A drizzle of pan juices or a light honey-balsamic glaze can also enhance flavor and shine.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich and flavorful stuffed turkey breast with classic holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, buttery mashed potatoes, or a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce for a contrast of sweet and savory. Light winter salads with pomegranate seeds or roasted root vegetables add texture and balance for a truly festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the turkey roll into medallions and arranging them in a fan shape on a warmed platter for an impressive holiday spread. Alternatively, serve individual portions wrapped in warm tortillas or slices of crusty bread for a casual yet festive sandwich option that’s perfect for leftovers too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to slice the turkey and keep the filling moist by covering with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to pause the festivities until later, this dish freezes well. Wrap the rolled, cooked turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven at 300°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, or use a microwave on medium power, checking frequently to avoid dryness. Brushing a bit of melted butter on reheated slices revitalizes their juiciness and enhances flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Bone-in turkey breast can be used, but it’s best to remove the bone for easier rolling and even cooking. Boneless, skinless turkey breast works best for the best Christmas stuffed turkey breast recipe’s signature presentation.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

You can swap cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different but equally creamy texture. These alternatives add their own delicious nuance and keep the filling rich and smooth.

How far in advance can I prepare the turkey roll?

You can assemble the turkey roll up to a day ahead, covering and refrigerating it until ready to bake. This makes planning your holiday meal less stressful and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free butter for the herb butter glaze. The herbs and spices still shine wonderfully with these substitutions.

What temperature should the turkey be cooked to for safety?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender. Using a reliable meat thermometer is highly recommended for perfect results every time.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe is a festive game-changer. It combines simplicity with elegance in the most delicious way, making your holiday celebration that much more memorable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become the star of your Christmas table year after year. Happy cooking and joyful feasting!