This Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast is an elegant centerpiece that will surely impress your guests. The savory stuffing with sausage, cranberries, and chestnuts adds layers of flavor, while the crispy skin of the turkey keeps each slice moist and juicy.
Serve this dish with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a festive and satisfying meal. The rich flavors of the stuffing and turkey make it an unforgettable holiday dish, perfect for making memories with loved ones.
Full Recipe:
- 1 turkey breast (boneless, skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine (for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the turkey breast flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the turkey, cutting it horizontally but not all the way through, so it opens like a book.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and fennel seeds. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cranberries, chestnuts, and fresh sage. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the opened turkey breast. Roll the turkey back up, securing it with kitchen twine.
- Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey roll on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the turkey for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- To make the pan sauce, add white wine to the skillet over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the butter and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the stuffed turkey breast and serve with the pan sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast: A Bold and Flavorful Twist on Tradition
Thanksgiving meals are often steeped in tradition, with the classic roast turkey taking center stage. However, this Thanksgiving, why not break with tradition and try something new, like a stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast? This inventive recipe combines the rich flavors of bacon, fresh herbs, and savory stuffing, creating a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday feast.
This recipe swaps out the standard turkey roast for a boneless turkey breast, butterflied and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of crispy bacon, sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs. The result is a juicy, tender turkey breast wrapped in crispy bacon, giving it a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The stuffing, made with country sourdough bread, adds a comforting, rustic element, while the herbs infuse the dish with a fragrant, aromatic quality.
The Beauty of Porchetta-Style Turkey
Porchetta, a traditional Italian roast, is known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich, herb-infused flavors. By adapting this classic dish to a turkey breast, we get the best of both worlds: the familiar taste of turkey combined with the indulgent, flavorful profile of porchetta. The turkey breast is butterflied, allowing for even cooking and providing a perfect base for the stuffing. Wrapping the turkey in bacon not only adds flavor but also ensures that the meat remains juicy throughout the cooking process. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that’s irresistible.
Flavorful Stuffing with a Rustic Touch
The stuffing for this dish is a highlight. Made with day-old country sourdough, it absorbs the flavors of the sautéed vegetables and bacon, becoming rich and flavorful. The combination of onion, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme gives the stuffing an earthy, aromatic depth that complements the turkey perfectly. The addition of chicken broth ensures that the stuffing is moist, while still allowing it to hold its shape when baked. This stuffing adds texture and flavor to the turkey, making every bite a harmonious blend of savory goodness.
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast
Although this recipe requires a bit more preparation than a traditional roast turkey, it’s worth the effort. The first step is to prepare the stuffing. Start by cooking chopped bacon until it becomes golden and crispy. Then, sauté onions, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat until they are soft and fragrant. The bacon fat adds an extra layer of flavor to the stuffing, making it truly indulgent.
Next, toss the sautéed vegetables and bacon with cubes of day-old sourdough bread, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. The bread cubes soak up all the savory juices, creating a flavorful base for the turkey. Once the stuffing is prepared, it’s time to prepare the turkey breast. Butterflying the turkey allows for even cooking and makes it easier to stuff. Once the turkey is stuffed, it’s tied up with twine, wrapped in bacon, and roasted in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
The cooking process is straightforward: roast the stuffed turkey breast in the oven at 325°F for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bacon will crisp up, and the turkey will cook to perfection. The result is a stunning dish with a beautiful presentation, perfect for your holiday table.
Why Choose Porchetta-Style Turkey?
This stuffed turkey recipe offers a delicious and flavorful alternative to the classic Thanksgiving turkey. The porchetta-style preparation brings a new twist to the holiday table, combining familiar flavors with exciting new textures. The bacon wrapping provides both flavor and moisture, while the stuffing adds a hearty, rustic element that’s perfect for the season. It’s an elegant and indulgent dish that will have your guests talking long after the meal is over.
For those looking to break with tradition and experiment with new flavors, this stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast is a fantastic choice. It combines the flavors of classic stuffing with the richness of bacon and fresh herbs, making it the perfect main dish for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Thanksgiving stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast alongside your favorite holiday sides. A rich, creamy mashed potato or roasted root vegetables would complement the savory flavors of the turkey beautifully. You can also pair it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For dessert, a pumpkin pie or apple crisp would round out the meal perfectly.
Conclusion: A Perfect Alternative to Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to try new recipes and break away from tradition. This Thanksgiving stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast offers a flavorful twist on the classic holiday bird, combining crispy bacon, savory stuffing, and tender turkey. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a larger celebration, this dish will impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your holiday feast, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of juicy turkey, crispy bacon, and flavorful stuffing makes it an unforgettable main course that will become a new Thanksgiving favorite. So, why not take your holiday meal to the next level and give this stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast a try this year?