A succulent stuffed turkey breast makes for a delicious centerpiece to any holiday feast Enveloping a savory stuffing in tender, juicy turkey meat creates a mouthwatering dish your guests will rave about. But to achieve ideal results, you need to know precisely how long to cook a stuffed turkey breast.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a perfectly cooked stuffed turkey breast every time.
Estimating Cook Times
The total cook time primarily depends on the size and weight of the stuffed turkey breast. Here are general guidelines
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A 3-4 pound breast takes about 1-1.5 hours at 350°F.
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A 5-7 pound breast can take 1.5-2 hours to fully cook.
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Larger breasts over 7 pounds may need 2-2.5 hours or more.
Always use a meat thermometer to test doneness instead of relying solely on cook times, as many factors can alter timing.
Key Factors Affecting Cook Time
Several variables impact how long a stuffed turkey breast needs to cook:
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Weight and thickness – Heavier and thicker breasts require more time.
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Ingredients – Inclusions like cheese or bacon extend cook time.
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Cooking method – Oven roasting takes longer than grilling or smoking.
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Oven temperature – Higher heat cooks turkey faster.
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Stuffing ingredients – Moist stuffings may need longer cook times.
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Brining – A brined breast retains moisture so cooks faster.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these tips for cooking stuffed turkey breast:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Prepare flavorful stuffing of choice.
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Butterfly breast and pound to even thickness.
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Generously season turkey all over.
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Spread stuffing, leaving a border.
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Roll up breast and tie at intervals.
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Roast in pan on a rack for estimated time.
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Check temperature to ensure 165°F.
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Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Handy Time-Saving Tips
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Ask the butcher to butterfly breast.
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Make stuffing a day ahead.
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Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
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Baste frequently with broth or butter.
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Tent with foil to prevent drying.
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Don’t overcook or breast dries out.
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Let rest so juices redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best oven temp for stuffed turkey breast?
350°F ensures even cooking without drying out the breast.
Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Yes, just monitor closely as it may cook faster.
Should I brine the breast first?
Brining isn’t mandatory but helps keep meat very moist.
What are good side dishes?
Sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies pair wonderfully.
Can I freeze a cooked stuffed breast?
Yes, freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Moist and Tender Stuffed Turkey Perfection
When armed with the proper techniques, you can easily achieve tender stuffed turkey breast with juicy meat and flavorful stuffing. Estimate cook times based on weight, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness, and avoid overcooking. Your holiday table will be graced with beautiful, appetizing stuffed turkey breast sure to impress any guests.
Cook the stuffing outside the turkey.
For uniform cooking results, the USDA recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird. If you insist on stuffing the turkey, stuff loosely and follow the steps below.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Check the wrapper to see how much the turkey weighs and determine approximate cooking time (see chart below). Remove the giblet bag from the breast and remove the neck from the turkey cavity. No need to wash the turkey, pat skin dry with paper towels.
- Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. It is safer to understuff than to overstuff the turkey. Stuffing expands during cooking. Refrigerate any leftover stuffing and bake in greased casserole during the last hour of turkey roasting time.
- Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh (see Turkey Safety: Using a Thermometer). Add up to 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, if desired.
- Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/4 hours to cook. (See timetable below).
- Remove the foil cover after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.
- A whole turkey is done when the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, the wing and the stuffing. The stuffing must reach 165°F or higher, if it is not, return it to the oven and continue cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the stuffing. Insert the thermometer through the cavity into the thickest part of the stuffing and leave it for 5 minutes. Or use an instant red thermometer which will register the temperature after 15 seconds. The stuffing temperature will rise a few degrees after the turkey is removed from the oven. If the center of the stuffing has not reached 165°F after stand time, return the turkey to the oven and continue cooking.
- Allow turkey to set 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving to allow juices to saturate the meat evenly.