The Herb-Cream Cheese Stuffed Turkey Breast is the perfect holiday dish when you want all the festive flavors of turkey without roasting a whole bird. The juicy turkey breast is filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon, creating an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Seasoned with fragrant herbs and roasted to golden perfection, this dish delivers a gourmet experience in every bite. Ideal for smaller holiday gatherings, this stuffed turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. The best part? It’s make-ahead friendly, making your holiday meal prep stress-free. Whether you’re hosting an intimate Christmas dinner or just craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal, this stuffed turkey breast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2.75-3 lbs turkey breast or tenderloins
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup bacon pieces, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (additional parsley, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Turkey: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a small roasting dish. Place the turkey breast between plastic wrap and pound it to about 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, garlic, bacon, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Spread over the turkey, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Roll & Secure the Turkey: Roll the turkey breast tightly and secure it with toothpicks or baker’s twine to hold the filling inside.
- Season & Bake: Mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub it over the rolled turkey. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Brush with melted butter and fresh herbs before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4-6
Why Choose a Stuffed Turkey Breast Over a Whole Turkey?
Roasting a whole turkey is a wonderful tradition, but it can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for smaller families or holiday meals with fewer guests. Many people struggle with getting the entire bird to cook evenly, ensuring the white and dark meat both remain moist.
A stuffed turkey breast offers a simpler, quicker alternative while still delivering an impressive and elegant presentation. Here’s why you might want to consider it over a full-sized turkey:
- Perfect for Smaller Gatherings – If you’re hosting four to six people, this dish is the ideal size. There are no excessive leftovers, making portion control easier.
- Easier to Cook – A whole turkey requires hours of preparation and roasting, while a turkey breast cooks in just about 30 minutes, making it a much quicker option for busy holiday schedules.
- More Flavorful and Moist – Since the turkey breast is stuffed, it retains moisture much better than a whole turkey, ensuring a juicy and tender bite every time.
- Customizable Fillings – Unlike a whole turkey that is usually seasoned from the outside, a stuffed turkey breast allows you to pack in extra flavors with a delicious filling, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- Less Waste, More Enjoyment – A full turkey can sometimes lead to excessive leftovers, while a turkey breast is just the right size for a planned meal with a little extra for sandwiches the next day.
A Unique and Flavorful Filling
What makes this Herb-Cream Cheese Stuffed Turkey Breast stand out is its rich, creamy, and savory filling. Instead of a traditional breadcrumb stuffing, this dish takes a gourmet approach with:
- Cream cheese – This gives the filling a luxurious, velvety texture and helps keep the turkey moist.
- Fresh spinach – Adds color, freshness, and a slight earthiness that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Bacon pieces – Everything is better with bacon! The crispy, smoky bacon brings a deep umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic and fresh herbs – A blend of rosemary, thyme, and parsley infuses the turkey with a fragrant, holiday-ready aroma.
The filling not only provides incredible moisture and flavor but also makes this dish look stunning when sliced each piece revealing a beautiful swirl of creamy, herbaceous goodness inside the golden, crispy turkey.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffed Turkey Breast
Cooking a stuffed turkey breast may seem simple, but there are a few key techniques to ensure the best results. Here’s how to make sure your dish turns out perfectly golden, juicy, and full of flavor:
1. Pound the Turkey Breast Evenly
Since turkey breast is thicker in some areas than others, pounding it to an even 1/4-inch thickness ensures it will cook evenly. This also makes it easier to roll up once the filling is added.
2. Don’t Overfill the Turkey
While it’s tempting to add lots of filling, too much stuffing can cause the turkey to split or leak during baking. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to keep everything contained.
3. Secure It Tightly with Twine
Once rolled, securing the turkey breast with kitchen twine (or toothpicks) helps it maintain its shape while baking. This step is crucial to keeping the filling inside and ensuring even cooking.
4. Season Generously
Since turkey breast is naturally lean, seasoning is essential. A blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances the natural flavors while creating a beautifully golden crust.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer
The most common mistake when cooking turkey is overcooking, which leads to dryness. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (it will rise to 165°F while resting).
6. Let It Rest Before Slicing
Resting the turkey for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy when sliced.
What to Serve with Stuffed Turkey Breast?
This dish pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Here are some delicious options to complete your meal:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – The ultimate comfort food that soaks up the flavorful juices from the turkey.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich stuffing.
- Homemade cranberry sauce – A tangy and sweet accompaniment that complements the savory turkey.
- Dinner rolls or stuffing – If you still want traditional stuffing flavors, serve it on the side!
- Gravy – A simple turkey gravy made with pan drippings adds extra richness to the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this stuffed turkey breast is that it stores well and tastes just as good the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To keep the turkey moist, cover it with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes. Adding a splash of chicken broth or butter helps restore its juiciness.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting an intimate Christmas dinner, planning a smaller Thanksgiving, or just craving a comforting meal, this Herb-Cream Cheese Stuffed Turkey Breast is a delicious, easy, and elegant option.
It delivers all the festive flavors of traditional roast turkey without the stress of cooking an entire bird. The creamy herb filling, combined with the tender, seasoned turkey, makes every bite unforgettable. Plus, its quick cooking time, easy preparation, and ability to be made ahead make it a holiday lifesaver.
