This Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is a game-changer for holiday meals! Perfectly seasoned turkey breast sits atop a flavorful stuffing packed with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs. Each bite brings a balance of savory, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors just like the best Thanksgiving feasts, but without the extra hassle! With everything baked on a single sheet pan, this dish makes cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting an intimate holiday dinner or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic feast in a modern, simplified way. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for the ultimate festive spread!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Stuffing:
- 5 cups French bread cubes
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 ½ cups seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Turkey:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 (2-pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp and golden, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and celery. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in wine and cook until just reduced, about 2 minutes. Add cranberries, parsley, sage, and thyme. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in bread cubes, cornbread stuffing mix, and pecans. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and mix until absorbed and well combined.
- Spread the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest.
- Carefully loosen the turkey skin and spread the butter mixture under the skin. Secure skin with wooden picks and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey on top of the stuffing mixture. Bake until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 40-45 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
A Delicious and Easy Holiday Meal
When it comes to preparing a Thanksgiving or holiday meal, many people think of long hours in the kitchen, endless dishes, and an overwhelming amount of prep work. However, this Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Pecan Stuffing recipe offers a stress-free way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner without the usual hassle. By combining juicy, herb-seasoned turkey breast with a rich, flavorful stuffing, this dish simplifies holiday cooking while still delivering a feast-worthy experience.
This recipe is ideal for those who want a smaller Thanksgiving meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re hosting an intimate holiday gathering or just want to enjoy a comforting meal on a regular weeknight, this sheet pan version of the classic turkey and stuffing dish is a fantastic alternative. Plus, the combination of roasted turkey, sweet cranberries, toasted pecans, and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning guests.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
1. One-Pan Convenience with Less Cleanup
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that everything is cooked on a single sheet pan. Traditional Thanksgiving meals often require multiple pots, pans, and baking dishes, leading to a kitchen full of dirty dishes. By roasting the turkey breast on top of the stuffing, all the flavors meld together while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The juices from the turkey infuse the stuffing with moisture and flavor, eliminating the need for additional basting or preparation.
2. Perfect for Small Gatherings or Weeknight Dinners
Not everyone wants or needs to cook an entire turkey for Thanksgiving or holiday meals. A two-pound turkey breast is the perfect size for smaller gatherings, serving about four people comfortably. This makes it an excellent option for couples, small families, or even individuals who want to enjoy a festive meal without worrying about leftovers lasting for days.
Additionally, this dish can be made any time of the year, not just during the holiday season. Because it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a full turkey, it can be enjoyed as a special weeknight meal when you’re craving something hearty and seasonal.
3. The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
This dish features a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make it incredibly satisfying. The turkey breast is seasoned with butter, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest, giving it a bright, herbaceous taste with a hint of citrus. Cooking the turkey on top of the stuffing ensures that it stays moist and tender, as the juices naturally baste the meat while it roasts.
The stuffing itself is a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and nutty elements. The cranberries add a pop of sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Combined with the soft, seasoned cornbread stuffing mix and toasted French bread cubes, this dish has a wonderful balance of textures. The added freshness from parsley, sage, and thyme brings out the holiday flavors, making each bite feel like a classic Thanksgiving meal.
4. Easily Customizable to Fit Dietary Preferences
Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility. If you have dietary restrictions or specific flavor preferences, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.
- For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the French bread and cornbread stuffing mix with your favorite gluten-free alternatives.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add a bit more texture with extra cranberries or even toasted pumpkin seeds.
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, or apples to the stuffing mix. These ingredients will enhance the richness of the dish while keeping it true to its holiday-inspired roots.
How to Serve and Pair This Dish
This Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is already a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add extra sides or accompaniments, there are plenty of options to round out the feast.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or green beans to add a touch of color and nutrition to the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic buttery mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower make an excellent pairing, especially when topped with turkey drippings or homemade gravy.
- Cranberry Sauce: Since cranberries are already in the stuffing, a side of fresh cranberry sauce can enhance the sweet-tart notes in the dish.
- Dinner Rolls: A warm buttermilk biscuit or soft dinner roll can soak up all the delicious flavors from the stuffing and turkey juices.
This meal is best served straight from the oven while the turkey is juicy and the stuffing is warm and fragrant. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container and reheated the next day for an equally satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Best Sheet Pan Turkey and Stuffing
To ensure that this dish comes out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
✔ Use Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible – Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley provide a more aromatic and flavorful result compared to dried herbs. If you must use dried, reduce the quantity slightly, as dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor.
✔ Choose a Good-Quality Turkey Breast – Since the turkey is the centerpiece of this dish, opt for a high-quality, organic, or free-range turkey breast if possible. It will have better texture and flavor.
✔ Toast the Bread for the Stuffing – Toasting the French bread cubes before assembling the stuffing prevents it from becoming overly soggy when the chicken stock and turkey juices are added.
✔ Let the Turkey Rest Before Slicing – Once the turkey is done cooking, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
✔ Don’t Overbake the Stuffing – If you prefer a softer stuffing, consider covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first half of baking. This will trap steam and keep the stuffing from drying out too quickly.
Conclusion:
This Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving-inspired meal without the overwhelming preparation. By combining tender, herb-roasted turkey breast with a rich, flavorful stuffing, this dish delivers everything you love about holiday feasts in a simplified, one-pan format.
Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering, preparing a cozy fall dinner, or just craving classic comfort food, this dish will impress with its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and minimal cleanup. Give it a try, and you may find that this sheet pan turkey becomes your new go-to holiday favorite!