Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

The delightful medley of turkey, butternut squash, and figs in this recipe creates a dish that's both hearty and healthy. It's a creative approach to preparing turkey, showcasing how versatile this protein can be. The stuffing enhances the tender turkey with an array of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Photos of Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

All the ingredients used in this recipe are generally available in a standard supermarket. However, if you struggle to find black mission figs, they can be substituted with any other variety of fresh figs. Also, turkey tenderloins are usually located in the poultry section of the supermarket. If they're not available, you could ask your butcher to prepare them for you or substitute them with chicken breasts.

Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe Ingredients

Turkey tenderloins: This lean, white meat is low in fat and high in protein. It's the star of this dish.

Kosher salt: Used to season the turkey, enhancing its natural flavors.

Light olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and giving a light, fruity taste to the dish.

Small white onion: Adds a sweet, mild flavor to the stuffing.

Butternut squash: Gives the stuffing a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Black mission figs: Slightly sweet, they add a unique texture and flavor to the stuffing.

Garlic: Gives a robust, pungent flavor to the stuffing.

Baby spinach: Adds a mild and slightly sweet taste to the stuffing.

Sage leaves: Imparts a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the stuffing.

Black pepper: Used for seasoning, it gives a sharp, spicy flavor.

Cooking twine: Used to tie the turkey breasts after stuffing, keeping the filling intact.

Cooking spray: Prevents the turkey from sticking to the skillet while searing and baking.

One reader, Josias Troutman says:

This stuffed turkey breasts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender turkey, savory squash, and sweet figs is simply divine. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegant. It's a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with a delicious and unique meal.

Josias Troutman

Key Techniques for Preparing Stuffed Turkey Breasts

How to sauté onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the onions until golden.

How to stuff turkey breasts: Cut a pocket into the sides of the turkey tenderloins, season them, and stuff each with the squash mixture.

How to sear turkey breasts: Heat a skillet, spray with cooking spray, and sear each turkey breast on three sides.

How to cook stuffed turkey breasts in the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F, cover the skillet with foil, and cook the turkey breasts for 30 to 35 minutes.

How to rest turkey breasts: Allow the cooked turkey breasts to sit for 5 minutes before cutting off the twine and slicing them into 4 pieces.

Stuffed turkey breast is one of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving dishes EVER! Sure, I love a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, I’m talking about succulent roast turkey with golden brown skin. But let’s admit it — roasting a WHOLE turkey can sometimes be a chore. So, instead of bothering with a whole bird, I usually cook turkey breasts.

In my book, the best way to cook turkey breast is to bake it in the oven. And so, I’m ecstatic to share with you the best turkey breast recipe that produces perfectly baked meat. It’s easy for ordinary weeknight dinners and impressive enough for Thanksgiving parties. Once you taste this stuffed turkey breast, you’ll instantly forget the plain ol’ roasted turkey. It’s THAT delicious!

I used boneless turkey tenderloin for my stuffed turkey breast recipe because it’s easy to stuff. The question is: what to stuff a turkey with? Well, you have LOTS of options. The classic stuffing usually includes bread and a blend of herbs. But feel free to stuff turkey breasts with bacon, sausage, or cream cheese. Much better if you just go with your favorite stuffing recipe.

For my version, I went for a combination of butternut squash, figs, and baby spinach. To make one of the best stuffed turkey breast recipes, saute the vegetable stuffing first with seasonings as I did. Using a sharp knife, I then made a pocket in each breast and filled them with the stuffing. Then, I tied each piece with cooking twine to secure the filling.

So, how long does it take to cook a stuffed turkey in the oven? Well, the cooking time might vary actually. Usually, cooking per pound of turkey breast for about 16 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit can suffice. Cooking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, as in my recipe, is fine. Just cover the baking dish with foil to keep the stuffed turkey breast from drying out. Then, I cooked the turkey breast until its internal temp reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

I just can’t imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, AND this yummy stuffed turkey breast. It’s also perfect with glazed vegetables and side salads during ordinary weeknight dinners.

How To Make Stuffed Turkey Breasts

Stuff turkey breasts with butternut squash, figs, and spinach for a flavor-packed Thanksgiving meal. Serve with your favorite holiday side dish and enjoy!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1 tbsp light olive oil
⅓ cup white onion, small, chopped
6 oz butternut squash, ½-inch dice
2 tbsp water
5 black mission figs, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely-chopped
1 cup baby spinach
1 tsp kosher salt, preferably Diamond Crystal
3 sage leaves, chopped
¼ tsp black pepper, crushed
1 lb turkey tenderloins, boneless
8 pcs cooking twine
cooking spray

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onions and sauté for two minutes or until golden.
Next, add butternut squash and water to the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and add figs, garlic, spinach, salt, sage, and pepper. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Then, set aside to cool.
After that, cut a pocket into the sides of the tenderloins, careful not to cut all the way through at the ends.
Next, season the inside and outside of the turkey breast with salt.
Stuff each turkey breast with about ¾ cup of squash mixture.
Then, cut 3 to 4 pieces of cooking twine long enough to tie each breast. Set aside the extra twine.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
Next, sear the turkey breasts on each side.
If using an oven-safe skillet, cover with foil and place in the center of the oven. If not, transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil. Place directly into the oven and cook for 30 to 35 minutes.
Let the stuffed turkey breasts sit for 5 minutes before cutting off the twine.
Slice each turkey breast into four slices, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 365.96kcal
Fat: 15.55g
Saturated Fat: 3.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.45g
Carbohydrates: 30.67g
Fiber: 5.19g
Sugar: 16.53g
Protein: 27.33g
Cholesterol: 73.71mg
Sodium: 549.62mg
Calcium: 104.00mg
Potassium: 816.64mg
Iron: 2.49mg
Vitamin A: 246.99µg
Vitamin C: 20.51mg

One Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Stuffed Turkey Breasts

When stuffing the turkey tenderloins, make sure to create a deep enough pocket to hold the squash mixture, but be careful not to cut all the way through. This will ensure that the stuffing stays inside the turkey while it's cooking. Also, tying the stuffed turkey with cooking twine helps to keep the stuffing in place and gives the turkey a nice shape. Remember to remove the twine before serving.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.

Use kitchen shears: Instead of tying the turkey breasts with twine, use kitchen shears to butterfly and roll the turkey around the stuffing. This will save time and effort.

Even thickness: Pound the turkey breasts to an even thickness before stuffing to ensure they cook evenly and reduce cooking time.

High heat sear: Searing the turkey breasts over high heat will create a flavorful crust and reduce overall cooking time in the oven.

Convection setting: If using an oven with a convection setting, utilize it to cook the stuffed turkey breasts more quickly and evenly.

Substitute Ingredients For Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

turkey tenderloins - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for turkey tenderloins as they have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative for this recipe.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash can be used as a substitute for butternut squash as it has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and it will work well in the stuffed turkey breasts recipe.
black mission figs - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots can be used as a substitute for black mission figs as they provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding a similar fruity element to the dish.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for baby spinach as it has a similar texture and can hold up well when cooked, providing a nutritious and flavorful alternative.
sage leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for sage leaves as it offers a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the stuffed turkey breasts recipe.

Presenting Stuffed Turkey Breasts for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: Arrange the sliced stuffed turkey breasts in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley and thyme over the turkey breasts to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a balsamic reduction to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the flavors of the stuffed turkey breasts.
Add a side of roasted vegetables: Serve the stuffed turkey breasts alongside a medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for a visually appealing and well-balanced plate.
Use edible flowers as a garnish: Place a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, strategically around the plate to introduce a delicate and sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Incorporate microgreens: Sprinkle a small handful of vibrant microgreens over the dish to enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle hint of earthy flavor to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate with a neutral color and a unique shape to complement the colors and textures of the dish, creating a visually striking presentation.
Add a drizzle of herb-infused oil: Finish the plate with a delicate drizzle of herb-infused oil to add a glossy sheen and a burst of herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Stuffed Turkey Breasts

Large cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet that provides even heat distribution and is perfect for searing, sautéing, and cooking a variety of dishes.
Olive oil: A light and versatile cooking oil that adds flavor and helps prevent sticking when cooking.
Cooking twine: Used for trussing and tying meat to help maintain its shape during cooking.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting a variety of dishes.
Foil: Aluminum foil is used to cover and wrap food for cooking, keeping it moist and preventing burning.
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing various components of a dish.
Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat pans and dishes to prevent food from sticking.

Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Stuffed Turkey Breasts

Let the stuffed turkey breasts cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the breasts soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled turkey breasts in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed turkey breasts. Wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen turkey breasts in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thawed breasts in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the breasts are heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you have leftover stuffing, you can store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the stuffing in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Stuffed Turkey Breasts

To reheat leftover stuffed turkey breasts, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low temperature will help prevent the turkey from drying out and becoming tough.
Place the stuffed turkey breasts in a baking dish and add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the dish. This will create steam and keep the turkey moist during the reheating process.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. The foil will trap the steam and help the turkey retain its moisture.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the stuffing.
For a crispy exterior, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This will allow the skin to crisp up without drying out the meat.
If you have a convection oven, you can use the convection setting to promote even heating and crispy skin. Reduce the temperature by 25°F (14°C) and check the turkey a few minutes earlier than you would with a conventional oven.
Alternatively, you can reheat the stuffed turkey breasts in a microwave. Place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes per pound. Check the temperature and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the reheated turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

A Fascinating Fact You Didn't Know About Stuffed Turkey Breasts

The turkey tenderloin is a lean and healthy protein option, providing essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc.

Stuffed Turkey Breasts: An Economical Choice for Home Cooking?

This stuffed turkey breasts recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including turkey tenderloins, butternut squash, and figs, can be found at reasonable prices. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a worthwhile investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste, nutritional value, and presentation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Is This Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe Healthy or Not?

This stuffed turkey breast recipe has several healthy ingredients, such as turkey tenderloin, which is a lean protein source, and nutrient-dense vegetables like butternut squash, spinach, and onions. The use of healthy fats like olive oil and the inclusion of fiber-rich figs also contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier.

Reduce the amount of added salt to lower the sodium content
Use a low-sodium broth instead of water when cooking the butternut squash to add more flavor without increasing the salt content
Incorporate additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for whole grain cooking twine or toothpicks instead of regular cooking twine to add a small amount of extra fiber
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
Serve the stuffed turkey breasts with a side of quinoa or brown rice to add complex carbohydrates and more fiber to the meal

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

This stuffed turkey breast recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender turkey, sweet figs, and savory butternut squash create a harmonious blend that is sure to impress. The cooking process is well-structured, ensuring the turkey remains moist and flavorful. The use of sage adds a lovely earthy note, and the spinach provides a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this recipe offers a sophisticated and delicious dish that would be perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet weeknight meal.

Enhance Your Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and parmesan cheese

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze and bacon crumbles

Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad: Zesty quinoa salad with dried cranberries, fresh orange segments, and a citrus vinaigrette

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme

Apple Pecan Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw with crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette

Delicious Alternatives to Try Instead of Stuffed Turkey Breasts

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Coat the salmon in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze before baking to perfection for a flavorful and easy seafood dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine fresh mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds for a refreshing and tropical dessert or breakfast option.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Simmer arborio rice in a rich and savory mushroom broth until creamy and tender, then top with freshly grated parmesan for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, featuring tender baked apples with a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Why trust this Stuffed Turkey Breasts Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The use of turkey tenderloins guarantees a lean and tender protein base, while the incorporation of butternut squash and figs introduces a delightful sweetness. The addition of sage and spinach provides a burst of earthy and herbaceous notes, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. With the careful seasoning and cooking techniques, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of savory and sweet elements, making it a trustworthy choice for a delightful meal.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of squash if you prefer. Acorn squash or delicata squash would work well as substitutes for butternut squash in this recipe.

Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it to stuff the turkey breasts.

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh figs?

Yes, you can use dried figs instead of fresh figs. Just be sure to rehydrate the dried figs by soaking them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before using them in the recipe.

Can I omit the spinach from the stuffing?

Certainly! If you're not a fan of spinach, feel free to omit it from the stuffing. You can substitute it with another leafy green like kale or Swiss chard, or simply leave it out altogether.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts instead of turkey tenderloins for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken may cook faster than turkey.