Stuffed Turkey Breast
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This stuffed turkey breast is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something a little more special, but without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the sweet and savory combination of dates, hazelnuts, and fresh herbs. What I love most is how simple it is to prep—you can have it ready to pop in the oven in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something comforting, yet elegant enough for a cozy weekend dinner. The tender turkey gets stuffed with a flavorful filling, roasted until golden, and then rests for a few minutes to soak up all those juices. When you slice into it, the stuffing stays nestled inside, making every bite satisfying. It’s a great alternative to traditional roast turkey, especially if you’re not feeding a huge crowd.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Turkey Breast
- Quick to Prepare: You can have this turkey breast prepped and ready for the oven in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Sweet & Savory Combo: The dates and nuts in the stuffing create this perfect balance of sweet and savory that elevates the whole dish.
- Juicy & Tender: Roasting the turkey breast ensures it stays super juicy, with every slice having that perfect texture.
- Impressive but Simple: It looks fancy enough for special occasions but is surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re short on time.
- Great for Smaller Gatherings: Ideal for when you want a turkey dish but don’t need a whole bird—it’s the right size for a small group.
Ingredients Needed To Make Stuffed Turkey Breast
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Turkey breast, bone removed
- Diced dates
- Finely chopped bread
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Ground sage
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Finely chopped celery
- Finely chopped shallot
- Butter
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Stuffed Turkey Breast
- Preheat the oven and prepare the filling by sautéing the celery and shallots until tender, then mixing them with dates, nuts, bread, and seasonings.
- Slice the turkey breast open and flatten it out using a mallet to create an even thickness.
- Place the filling in the center of the turkey breast, then fold it over and secure it with kitchen twine.
- Brush the turkey with olive oil, season it, and place it in a baking dish.
- Roast the turkey in the oven until it’s cooked through.
- Let the turkey rest before slicing and serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Bread – This recipe is made with Gluten Free bread. However you can easily make Gluten Free Turkey Roulade with Date Stuffing with any type of bread.
- Nuts – Hazelnuts are a classic pairing with dates. However feel free to use your favorite nuts for this recipe. Pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are other great options
- Nut Free – For those that have a tree nut allergy, try adding your favorite seeds such as sunflower seeds or pepitas.
- Turkey Thighs – No turkey breast? No problem. Boneless turkey thighs can be sliced in the same way and stuffed and rolled.
- Butter – This recipe uses Dairy Free butter. However, you can use dairy butter in this recipe.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I make sure the turkey breast stays moist?
To keep the turkey breast from drying out, it’s important to not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer to check for the right internal temperature is key. Letting the turkey rest before slicing also helps lock in the juices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and then baked before serving. Prepare your stuffed turkey breast up until the point of baking and allow it to remain refrigerated. This portion can be done the night before. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, let your baking dish sit out at room temperature.
You can also bake the turkey ahead of time and just keep it lightly tended under foil until you’re ready to slice it. This will allow you the ability to bake off your side dishes while your main course rests.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The turkey will stay fresh for a few days, making it great for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
How do I reheat the stuffed turkey breast?
To reheat, you can either warm the turkey in the oven at a low temperature or use the microwave. Just be sure not to overheat it, as that can dry out the meat.
Can I swap out the nuts or dates in the stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or nuts based on your preference. Pecans or apricots are great options that also complement turkey beautifully.
Should I pound the turkey breast evenly?
Yes, pounding the turkey breast evenly ensures it cooks at the same rate, so the whole breast turns out tender and juicy. Flattening it also makes it easier to fold and stuff.
How long should I let the turkey rest before slicing?
Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful and moist bite.
Can I freeze the stuffed turkey breast?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed turkey breast either before or after cooking. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. If freezing after cooking, let it cool completely first.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Equipment
- 1 Sauté pan
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 meat mallet
- plastic wrap
- kitchen twine
- instant read thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast, bone removed
- ½ cup D'Vash Oragnics dates, pits removed and diced
- 1 piece Gluten Free bread, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅛ cup hazelnuts, chopped
- ¼ tsp ground sage
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Add the celery and shallots to a sauté pan with the butter over medium heat. Cook them until the celery is tender and the shallots are translucent. Set aside.
- Add the bread, dates, nuts, celery, shallots, parsley, and seasonings to a bowl and mix to combine.
- Slice the turkey breast along the side and fold it open like a book.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the turkey or place it into a plastic bag. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound out the turkey into an even thickness.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the middle of the turkey breast. Fold it over.
- Use several pieces of kitchen twine to tightly secure the turkey.
- Place the stuffed turkey breast into a baking dish. Brush the top with olive oil. Season it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bake the turkey for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it.
- Slice and enjoy!
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Nutrition
This stuffed turkey breast is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to pull off. It’s the perfect mix of savory and sweet, with that nutty, date-filled stuffing. I love making it when I want something special without too much effort. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
