Using a cooking bag for your turkey means that it wont dry out and all the flavors are kept in. Its perfect for white meat like the turkey breast which often can end up dry and flavorless.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 5 pounds bone-in turkey breast salt ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered 3 bay leaves
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Dust the inside of a large (14-by-20-inch) oven bag with flour. Rinse turkey under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. Season the breast all over with salt and pepper. Rub butter over the skin side, then place the breast skin side down. Place onion quarters and bay leaves in the breast cavity. Place the turkey breast in the oven bag. Gather the bag loosely around the turkey, allowing room for heat to circulate. Secure the bag with its nylon tie. Cut six 1-inch slits in the top of the bag. Place the bag in a 13-by-9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Bake the turkey until it is deep golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let the turkey rest in the bag for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a platter to slice. Remove and discard the bay leaves and onion quarters. Reserve the pan juices. Strain them for making gravy, if desired, or freeze them for making turkey soup.
Use a high-quality oven bag to prevent leaks or bursts during cooking. Season the turkey generously. Place the turkey breast correctly in the bag for even cooking. Cut slits in the bag to allow steam to escape. Let the turkey rest before slicing for juicier meat. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegetables. Experiment with different seasonings on the turkey. Remember, always check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Do not rely on a pop-up timer if your turkey breast comes with one.
When it comes to holiday meals, a beautifully bronzed roast turkey is always a crowd-pleaser However, cooking a whole turkey can be time-consuming and result in lots of leftovers That’s why cooking just a bone-in turkey breast is a great option for smaller gatherings of family and friends. But can you stuff a bone-in turkey breast for added flavor? The answer is yes! With the right techniques, stuffing a bone-in turkey breast is easy and can take your holiday centerpiece to the next level.
Why Stuff a Bone-In Turkey Breast?
There are a few key advantages to stuffing a bone-in turkey breast rather than roasting it plain
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Infuses flavor: Stuffing helps impart extra flavor into the turkey meat that soaks into the stuffing as it cooks. You can play around with various herbs, aromatics, fruits and nuts in your stuffing mix.
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Keeps meat juicy: The stuffing helps retain moisture in the lean turkey breast meat so it stays tender and juicy.
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Cooks evenly Tying up the stuffed breast helps it hold its shape and cook evenly from end to end,
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Easy to carve: You end up with a uniform stuffed loaf that slices beautifully at the table.
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Fun presentation: Your guests will be impressed when you slice into the turkey and reveal the savory interior stuffing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stuffing a Turkey Breast
Stuffing a bone-in turkey breast is straightforward once you learn the basic steps. Here is an overview of the process from start to finish:
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start with a fresh or thawed, bone-in turkey breast. Remove the skin and open up the breast cavity. Trim away any excess fat or tissue inside the cavity. Pat the breast dry and lightly season the inside and outside with salt, pepper and herbs.
2. Make the Stuffing
Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe. For best results, opt for a drier stuffing that will hold its shape, like a bread stuffing with chunky mix-ins. Avoid very soft or wet stuffings. Stuffing ideas include:
- Herb bread stuffing with sausage and apples
- Wild rice stuffing with pecans and cranberries
- Cornbread stuffing with roasted vegetables
3. Stuff the Turkey Breast
Spoon the stuffing evenly into the breast cavity. Pack it in lightly but don’t over stuff. You want room for the stuffing to expand a bit as it cooks.
4. Tie the Breast
Once stuffed, pull the skin flap over the opening and tie the breast into a neat cylindrical shape with butcher’s twine. Tying ensures even cooking and helps the breast hold its shape.
5. Roast the Stuffed Breast
Place the stuffed breast in a roasting pan and roast at 350°F, allowing about 15-20 minutes per pound until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Baste periodically with melted butter or turkey broth for added moisture and flavor.
6. Allow the Breast to Rest
Once cooked through, transfer the breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Letting it rest for 15-20 minutes allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
7. Carve and Serve
Remove any kitchen twine. Use a sharp knife to slice the stuffed breast. Be sure to spoon out the deliciously moist stuffing to serve alongside the juicy turkey meat.
Turkey Stuffing Flavor Ideas
One of the best parts of stuffing a turkey breast is picking fun, flavorful ingredients for the stuffing. Here are some tasty stuffing ideas to inspire you:
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Apple and sage stuffing – Sautéed apples, onions, sage, thyme, sausage, and bread cubes.
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Cranberry and pecan stuffing – Toasted pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and cubed bread.
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Sausage and cornbread stuffing – Cooked breakfast sausage, mixed with cornbread, onions, and celery.
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Wild rice and mushroom stuffing – Wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, parsley, and onions.
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Southwestern stuffing – Cornbread, black beans, peppers, onions, cilantro, and seasoning.
Turkey Stuffing Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when stuffing a bone-in turkey breast:
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Use a Good Binder: Bind stuffing ingredients with dried bread cubes, wild rice or cornbread to help the stuffing hold its shape.
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Don’t Pack Too Tight: Lightly spoon stuffing into the cavity without compacting it too much.
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Brine First: Soaking the raw breast in a brine improves moisture and flavor.
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Truss Well: Tie the stuffed breast very securely to prevent stuffing leakage.
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Roast Properly: Cook to an internal temp of 165°F and allow the breast to rest before carving.
Get Creative with Your Holiday Turkey!
As you can see, stuffing a bone-in turkey breast is easy and adds great flavor. With the right preparation and cooking technique, you’ll have a beautiful stuffed centerpiece turkey ready to wow your holiday guests. So get creative with fun new stuffing ideas and make this tasty tradition a part of your next special meal.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The turkey breast is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F.
Is it necessary to use flour in the oven bag?
The flour helps prevent the bag from bursting and thickens the juices for gravy.
How to prepare a turkey breast for stuffing
FAQ
Can you stuff a turkey breast with bone?
You can find fresh or frozen bone-in turkey breasts at the market. As opposed to a boneless turkey breast, you will be able to stuff this as you would a whole bird. You’ll have plenty of meat for a large meal or enough for a week’s worth of sandwiches.
Should I stuff my turkey breast?
Moistness has nothing to do with whether it’s stuffed or not, it depends on whether it’s cooked properly (i.e., not overcooked). Flavor depends on what you like. If you’re looking for puree turkey flavor, skip the stuffing. If you’re looking to make the turkey a contributor to the overall flavor, stuff it.
Can you stuff a butterball turkey breast?
Drain juices and dry breast with paper towels. Stuff breast if desired. Prepare 2 to 4 cups of stuffing just before using. Fill rib and neck cavities with stuffing.
Does a bone-in turkey breast have giblets?
You will commonly find bone-in turkey breasts at the supermarket throughout the year, usually packaged as shown in the photo below. A variation of bone-in turkey breast is called “hotel-style” turkey breast. In this version, the wings are left intact and the neck and giblets are usually included.
Can you stuff bone-in Turkey breasts?
Let’s explore the possibilities of stuffing bone-in turkey breasts for holidays, special occasions or anytime. Bone-in turkey breasts contain part of the breastbone and ribs attached. This small breastbone resembles a wishbone shape. The bone lends moisture, flavor and structural support when roasting.
Can you roast a bone-in Turkey Breast?
That’s why roasting just a bone-in turkey breast is such a great option for smaller gatherings. With less meat to cook, you can focus your efforts on flawlessly roasting the breast and stuffing it with your favorite flavors. Stuffing a bone-in turkey breast may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right techniques.
Can you stuff a turkey breast?
Stuffing and Cooking a Turkey Breast You can find fresh or frozen bone-in turkey breasts at the market. As opposed to a boneless turkey breast, you will be able to stuff this as you would a whole bird. You’ll have plenty of meat for a large meal or enough for a week’s worth of sandwiches. How to stuff a single turkey breast?
What is a bone-in Turkey Breast?
Bone-in turkey breasts contain part of the breastbone and ribs attached. This small breastbone resembles a wishbone shape. The bone lends moisture, flavor and structural support when roasting. Boneless turkey breasts lack these benefits sometimes drying out. For best results look for bone-in turkey breast halves with skin on.
Are bone-in Turkey breasts better than boneless?
Properly cooked bone-in and boneless breasts can be juicy and flavorful. However, bone-in turkey breasts have a slight advantage. The bone in the breast insulates the nearby meat during cooking, causing it to heat slower and retain moisture. Do I need to debone turkey breast?
How much stuffing can a bone in Turkey Breast hold?
Brine for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. How much stuffing will a bone-in breast hold? Plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey. So a 3 to 5-pound breast would hold around 2 to 4 cups of stuffing.