Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping main dish that’s bursting with warm, holiday flavors, you really can’t go wrong with my Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how juicy the turkey stays and how the sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans add this incredible texture and depth you won’t get in a regular roast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something special for dinner, this recipe always wins big applause at my table!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a key role, and I’ve found that using fresh herbs and quality bread really makes this dish stand out. You’ll want to soak those dried cranberries briefly to soften them up, and don’t skip toasting the pecans—it adds the perfect crunch and depth of flavor.

• Boneless turkey breast (skin removed): Choose a fresh or thawed turkey breast around 3 pounds for even cooking and enough servings.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the stuffing and gravy shine.
• Olive oil: Divided use helps both the stuffing and searing to brown perfectly.
• Onions: Chopped and thinly sliced for layering flavor in both stuffing and roasting.
• Garlic: Adds a savory punch to the stuffing.
• Day-old bread or stuffing bread: Cubed and toasted bread is key to a stuffing that holds moisture without getting soggy.
• Dried cranberries: Soaked just a minute to soften, providing beautiful bursts of tartness.
• Pecans: Toasted to bring out their nutty flavor and add crunch.
• Fresh sage: Chopped fresh sage is much more vibrant than dried here, giving your stuffing that classic festive aroma.
• Chicken broth: Used in the stuffing and roasting liquid for moisture and savory depth.
• Apple cider: Adds a sweet, fruity note to the gravy that balances the richness.
• Cider vinegar: Just enough acidity to brighten the apple cider gravy.
• Cornstarch: Dissolved in cold water to thicken the gravy perfectly without lumps.

Variations

I love sharing this recipe with my own tweaks depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to play around with the stuffing ingredients or herbs to make it your own. Cooking should always include a bit of creativity!

• Herb swaps: Sometimes I use rosemary or thyme in place of sage for a different herbal aroma that’s just as delicious.
• Nut alternatives: Walnuts or almonds can substitute pecans if that’s what you have; just toast them the same way.
• Gluten-free option: Try using gluten-free bread cubes for the stuffing and ensure your broth is GF for a safe swap.
• Add sausage: I once added cooked crumbled sausage to the stuffing and it gave the dish a richer, meatier twist that my family loved.

How to Make Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Butterfly the Turkey Breast

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Now, butterflying the turkey breast might sound fancy, but it just means slicing horizontally almost to the other side so you can open it like a book. I usually ask my butcher to do this because it’s easier, but if you want to do it yourself, use a sharp knife carefully! Then, placing it between plastic wrap and pounding it to about ½ inch thick helps it cook evenly and makes rolling up the stuffing a breeze. Don’t forget to season both sides with salt and pepper — simple but important!

Step 2: Make the Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing

Chop one onion and thinly slice the other. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently cook the chopped onion until golden, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often. The aroma here sets the tone for the whole dish. Toss in the garlic and cook just one minute more. Then, add the bread cubes, drained cranberries, toasted pecans, and most of the sage with about half a cup of chicken broth — just enough so the stuffing feels moist, not soggy. Cook that mixture on low another 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors, then take it off the heat.

Step 3: Assemble and Roll the Turkey

Spread the stuffing over one side of your pounded turkey breast, leaving about 2 inches at each edge free so the stuffing doesn’t spill out when you roll it. Roll the turkey up tightly and secure with kitchen twine. This step makes me feel like a pro — don’t skip the twine or you’ll end up with stuffing everywhere during cooking!

Step 4: Sear and Roast

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear your stuffed turkey roll on all sides until it’s got a nice golden brown crust — about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Then, scatter the sliced onion around it, pour in 1½ cups of chicken broth, cover tightly with a lid or foil, and pop it in the oven. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, checking with an instant-read thermometer to make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F. I never skip the thermometer — it takes the guesswork out and guarantees juicy turkey every time.

Step 5: Make the Apple Cider Gravy

While the turkey rests, place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. Combine the apple cider, remaining ½ cup chicken broth, cider vinegar, and the last bit of chopped sage. Bring it to a boil and let it reduce by about one-third—that concentrated flavor is divine. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch-water slurry and keep stirring for 3 minutes until the gravy thickens to a silky consistency. Season with salt and pepper. If you love silky smooth gravy like I do, strain it before serving!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove that kitchen twine and slice the turkey roll into generous rounds. Serve it warm alongside the luscious apple cider gravy. Trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds — my family never gets enough of this dish!

How to Serve Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh sage leaves or some chopped parsley right on top before serving—the green pop adds freshness and visual appeal. Occasionally, I add a few whole toasted pecans for extra crunch and decadence. It definitely makes the dish feel special without any extra effort.

Side Dishes

Over the years, I’ve found that this stuffed turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette. The creamy potatoes balance the tender turkey, while the crisp veggies add crunch and freshness for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to slice the turkey on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and small bowls of homemade cranberry sauce. It becomes a conversation centerpiece. Another fun trick is to arrange slices standing up vertically on a platter, drizzled with gravy—everyone loves that elegant touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I always wrap leftover turkey slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay nicely moist for up to 3 days and are just as tasty cold or reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! Slice the turkey, place the pieces in a freezer bag with some gravy, and you’ll have a ready-made meal for up to 3 months. When I do this, I label the bag with the date so nothing gets forgotten at the back of the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually warm the turkey slices gently in a pan with some gravy over low heat, just until heated through. This keeps the meat moist and prevents drying out. You can also reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy Recipe holds a special place at my dinner table because it’s not just delicious—it’s comforting and festive all at once. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy gatherings and smiles all around. If you love the idea of juicy turkey with a sweet-savory twist and a gravy that feels like a warm hug, I really think you’ll enjoy making this in your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s a winner and will be your go-to recipe anytime you want to impress with classic flavors and a beautiful presentation!

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