Roast turkey breast with cranberry and walnut stuffing
Roast turkey breast with cranberry and walnut stuffing is a wonderful dish that brings together tender, juicy turkey and a flavorful stuffing full of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The…
By Ava
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Reading time: 7 min
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Roast turkey breast with cranberry and walnut stuffing is a wonderful dish that brings together tender, juicy turkey and a flavorful stuffing full of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The contrast between the savory meat and the slightly tart, nutty filling makes every bite interesting and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of a holiday meal any time of year.
I love how simple it is to make this dish feel special. The stuffing adds a lovely texture and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the turkey. One tip I always follow is to toast the walnuts before mixing them in; it really brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch. Plus, if you like a little extra zest, adding a splash of orange juice to the cranberry mixture gives it a fresh twist.
This roast turkey breast works wonderfully for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. I often serve it alongside roasted vegetables and a simple green salad to keep things balanced and colorful. Every time I make it, I end up feeling so cozy and thankful—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: This is the star protein. Choose a fresh or thawed breast with skin for crispiness. Skin-on keeps the meat juicy as it roasts. If unavailable, bone-in turkey with skin can work too, adjusting cooking time.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add bright, tart flavor. Frozen works fine if fresh aren’t available — just thaw before using. For a sweeter twist, dried cranberries can be added to the stuffing for texture.
Walnuts: Toasting walnuts boosts their nuttiness and crunch, making the stuffing richer. If you need a substitute, pecans or almonds work well. Keep them chopped so they blend nicely in the stuffing.
Breadcrumbs: Day-old bread or store-bought plain breadcrumbs help absorb flavors and bind the stuffing. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Herbs & Flavorings: Fresh thyme and parsley bring freshness to the stuffing. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half. Garlic and onion sautéed in butter add a warm base flavor that’s key to the stuffing.
How Do You Stuff and Roast the Turkey Breast Without It Falling Apart?
Stuffing and roasting a turkey breast can seem tricky, but a few careful steps make it easy and successful.
- Butterflying or creating a pocket: Lay the turkey flat, and carefully slice through the middle without cutting completely, opening it up like a book. This creates space for stuffing.
- Filling the pocket: Spoon the stuffing evenly inside, avoid overfilling so you can close the breast neatly.
- Securing the breast: Roll or fold the turkey to enclose the stuffing. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold it in place. This step helps keep the stuffing inside while roasting.
- Roasting tips: Rub olive oil and seasoning on the outside to get crispy skin. Roast at a steady temperature (375°F/190°C) until the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C), checked with a meat thermometer to avoid dryness.
- Resting after roasting: Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier without the stuffing falling out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan – perfect for cooking the turkey evenly and catching drippings for gravy.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes butterflying the turkey breast and slicing it easy and clean.
- Cutting board – gives you a stable surface to prep the turkey and chop ingredients.
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks – helps keep the stuffed turkey breast closed during roasting.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your turkey is cooked safely and juicily to 165°F (74°C).
- Mixing bowl – for combining the stuffing ingredients smoothly.
- Medium skillet – lets you sauté onions, garlic, and cranberries to bring out their flavors.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted hazelnuts for a different nutty crunch and flavor.
- Add diced apples or pears to the stuffing for a touch of natural sweetness and extra texture.
- Mix in fresh sage or rosemary with the thyme and parsley to deepen the herb flavor.
- Use dried cherries or raisins instead of dried cranberries for a sweeter, richer taste.
Roast Turkey Breast with Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey and Stuffing:
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 2 to 3 pounds), skin on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably from day-old bread)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus a few sprigs for garnish)
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for extra texture and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for glazing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the stuffing and assemble the turkey, then about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to roast. Letting the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing ensures it stays juicy. Overall, plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Stuffing:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the fresh cranberries and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves.
2. Mixing the Stuffing:
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion, garlic, and cranberries with the breadcrumbs, toasted walnuts, freshly chopped parsley, dried cranberries (if using), and chicken broth. Mix everything well until moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preparing the Turkey:
Place the turkey breast skin side down on a clean surface. Carefully butterfly it by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Spoon the cranberry and walnut stuffing evenly inside this pocket. Then fold or roll the turkey breast to enclose the stuffing and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
4. Roasting the Turkey:
Rub olive oil over the outside of the stuffed turkey breast and season generously with salt and pepper. Place it skin side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in your preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin looks golden and crispy. About 15 minutes before it’s done, brush the top with maple syrup or honey for a shiny, sweet glaze (this step is optional).
5. Resting and Serving:
Take the turkey out and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to keep it juicy. Slice the breast into medallions to show off the beautiful cranberry and walnut stuffing inside. Garnish with fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, and thyme sprigs. Serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy this delicious roast turkey breast, bursting with festive flavors and a delightful mix of textures!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator for 24-36 hours before preparing. This ensures even cooking and keeps the stuffing safe and moist.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the stuffing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready, bring it to room temperature before stuffing and roasting the turkey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover turkey and stuffing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the meat juicy.
What Can I Serve with Roast Turkey Breast and Cranberry Walnut Stuffing?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh crisp salad for a balanced meal.