Can You Stuff a Butterball Turkey Breast?

Butterball turkey breasts provide a convenient alternative to roasting a whole turkey. Their boneless, skinless turkey breast cuts come in a range of sizes from 2 to 7 pounds or larger. While quick and easy to prepare on their own, many home cooks wonder if you can also stuff a Butterball turkey breast for added flavor and a pretty presentation.

The answer is yes! With proper preparation and cooking, Butterball turkey breasts can be stuffed prior to roasting for a delicious meal. Here’s everything you need to know about safely stuffing a Butterball turkey breast.

Benefits of Choosing Turkey Breast

Butterball’s boneless turkey breasts offer several advantages over cooking a full turkey:

• Convenience – Turkey breast meat is already removed from the bone and ready to cook. Minimal prep work needed.

• Quick cooking – A 2-3 pound turkey breast roasts in about 1-15 hours versus 3+ hours for a whole bird

• Easy carving – No bones makes for simpler serving and slicing.

• Versatile uses – Delicious roasted on its own or used in other recipes like sandwiches, salads, casseroles, soups.

• Less leftovers – Better portion control than a large whole turkey

Overall, the turkey breast alone provides tasty white meat without the hassle of preparing a whole turkey. Stuffing adds even more flavor.

How to Prepare Turkey Breast for Stuffing

Proper prep is important for evenly cooked, properly stuffed turkey breast:

• Remove any excess fat or membrane from the meat. Rinse and pat dry.

• Cut a horizontal pocket in thickest part without cutting all the way through. Leave a border to encase stuffing.

• Season inside cavity with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning.

• Prepare stuffing just before cooking. Use only fully cooked ingredients for safety.

• Stuff turkey breast lightly just before roasting. Do not overstuff.

These steps help ensure the stuffing is sealed and evenly heated while allowing the turkey breast to cook through fully.

Delicious Stuffing Recipe Ideas

When it comes to stuffing flavors, the options are endless! Consider these tasty stuffing recipes:

• Herb stuffing – Toasted bread, onion, celery, sage, thyme, chicken broth.

• Sausage apple stuffing – Cooked sausage, apples, celery, onion, broth, sage.

• Cornbread stuffing – Cornbread, bell pepper, onion, chicken broth, cheddar cheese.

• Wild rice & mushroom – Cooked wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, onion, veggie broth.

• Dried fruit & nut – Dried cranberries, apricots, pecan pieces, parsley, fennel.

Choose ingredients that complement the flavor of the turkey. Play around with meats, fruits, veggies, nuts, herbs and spices to find your perfect stuffing blend.

How to Cook a Stuffed Turkey Breast

Follow these guidelines for safely roasting stuffed turkey breast:

• Roast at 325°F, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound. Turkey is done at 165°F.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of stuffing, which should reach 165°F.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Do not grill or smoke stuffed turkey breast, as the stuffing may not cook to a safe temperature. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

A stuffed turkey breast makes an elegant meal for holidays or special dinners. Serve it:

• Sliced and fanned out on a platter with stuffing exposed. Garnish with fresh herbs.

• With classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce.

• For everyday meals, pair with lighter sides like couscous salad, chimichurri sauce.

• With a nice white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Turkey Stuffing Tips

Here are some additional tips for great turkey breast stuffing:

• For safety and flavor, prepare stuffing just before using.

• Use chicken or turkey broth and herbs for the best taste.

• Sauté any veggies, fruits or meats before adding to stuffing.

• Lightly stuff turkey cavities to allow for expansion during cooking.

• Cook any extra stuffing separately in a baking dish.

• Check internal temperatures with a food thermometer. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.

• Refrigerate promptly and follow proper food handling guidelines.

Alternatives to Stuffing

You can infuse flavor without using stuffing:

• Injecting – Inject marinades deep into turkey breast meat for added moistness.

• Butter rub – Loosen skin and rub butter underneath and on top of breast.

• Brining – Soak turkey breast in saltwater brine before cooking for extra moisture.

• Flavored oils – Brush turkey breast with infused olive oils during roasting.

Butterball turkey breast provides a quick, convenient alternative to roasting a whole turkey. While the boneless breast lacks the legs and wings, you still get delicious white turkey meat in under two hours. Stuffing the breast adds another layer of flavor and eye-catching presentation to your meal. As long as you safely prepare and thoroughly cook the stuffing, it can be a delicious addition to your Butterball turkey breast. Follow proper guidelines and enjoy this versatile stuffed entrée for special gatherings or weeknight dining any time of year.