Stuffed Turkey Breast

Stuffed Turkey Breast

4 - 6
Turkey breast is stuffed with a smoked gouda, bacon, and mushroom filling, roasted to perfection, and topped with a creamy lemon sauce.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. bacon

    cut into 1/2" pieces

  • 8 oz. mixed mushrooms

    finely chopped, such as oyster, cremini, and/or shiitake

  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic

    chopped, divided

  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt

    divided

  • 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

    plus more for serving

  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 oz. cream cheese

    softened

  • 1/4 oz. panko bread crumbs
  • 4 oz. smoked gouda cheese

    shredded, about 1 1/2 c.

  • 1 skinless

    boneless turkey breast, 2-lb.

  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

    divided

  • 1 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°. In a cold, large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon is crisp, 13 to 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to a large bowl. 

  2. 2

    Increase heat to medium-high. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, half of garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in parsley; season with pepper. 

  3. 3

    Add mushroom mixture, cream cheese, and panko to bowl with bacon and stir until combined. Fold in gouda cheese.  

  4. 4

    Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, gently cut a deep incision into thickest side of breast, working from top to bottom and being careful not to cut all the way through; season all over with oregano, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a spoon, fill turkey breast with mushroom mixture until full, packing in with spoon. Cut 5 (12") pieces twine and snuggly tie around breast.

  5. 5

    Into same skillet, pour 1 tablespoon oil and place turkey in skillet. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon oil over turkey.

  6. 6

    Roast turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 160°, 45 to 50 minutes. 

  7. 7

    Transfer turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil. 

  8. 8

    In a medium bowl, whisk stock and cornstarch. Heat same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook remaining garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add stock mixture to skillet and scrape up any browned bits from bottom of skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add cream and lemon juice and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes more. 

  9. 9

    Slice turkey and transfer to a large platter. Top with lemon cream sauce and parsley.

Stuffed Turkey Breast

Stuffed Turkey Breast

95 min4 - 6

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About this Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping main course that's simpler to prepare than it looks? This Stuffed Turkey Breast transforms a humble turkey breast into an elegant centerpiece, perfect for special occasions or an elevated weeknight meal. You'll impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation, all without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Stuffed Turkey Breast Works

The magic in this recipe lies in its incredibly flavorful stuffing—a rich blend of smoky bacon, earthy mixed mushrooms, fragrant fresh thyme, and creamy smoked gouda cheese. This savory mixture is nestled inside a tender turkey breast, infusing every bite with complexity. The dish is then crowned with a bright, zesty lemon sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful tang that truly elevates the entire experience.

What to Expect

When you slice into this Stuffed Turkey Breast, you can expect a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey breast complemented by a robust, savory filling. Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of golden smoked gouda, crispy bacon pieces, and tender mushrooms. The texture contrast between the moist turkey and the rich, chunky stuffing is incredibly satisfying. The light, creamy lemon sauce provides a vibrant finish, making each mouthful a balanced symphony of flavors—smoky, savory, and bright.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. While a mix of oyster, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms adds depth, you can use any mushroom variety you prefer. Don't have smoked gouda? A sharp white cheddar or provolone would also melt beautifully. For an even lighter option, you could reduce the amount of bacon or swap it for turkey bacon, understanding the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Serving & Context

This elegant Stuffed Turkey Breast is ideal for a festive holiday dinner, a celebratory Sunday meal, or any time you want to make an ordinary meal feel extraordinary. Serve it alongside roasted root vegetables, a simple green salad, or some creamy mashed potatoes to complete the spread. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a touch of vibrant color.

Frequently Asked Questions