Cranberry Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast

Whenever I want to make Thanksgiving dinner a little more elegant — without roasting a whole bird — I turn to this Cranberry Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast.

It’s beautifully sliced, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for smaller gatherings or holiday meals where you want something special but simple.

The stuffing inside is a mix of tart cranberries, sweet apples, herbs, and buttery breadcrumbs — a true taste of fall wrapped in juicy, tender turkey.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe combines all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner into a compact, stunning main dish.

Rolling and roasting the turkey breast allows the stuffing to soak up all the juices, while the outside turns golden and crisp.

It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet approachable enough for a weekday holiday meal. Plus, it carves up beautifully for an impressive presentation.

Highlights:

• Juicy turkey breast filled with sweet and savory cranberry-apple stuffing.
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• Perfect for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or intimate holiday dinners.
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• Gorgeous, evenly sliced presentation that looks restaurant-worthy.
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• Quick roasting time compared to a whole turkey.
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• Packed with festive flavor and seasonal color.

Ingredient Notes

• Turkey Breast (2–3 pounds, boneless, skin-on): The perfect size for rolling and stuffing. It cooks evenly and stays juicy when roasted.
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• Apples: Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji add flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
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• Dried Cranberries: Provide tart bursts of flavor that balance the savory elements.
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• Breadcrumbs: Form the base of the stuffing and absorb all those delicious juices.
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• Butter: Adds richness and helps the stuffing brown beautifully.
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• Onion and Celery: Classic aromatics for a flavorful base.
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• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage): Give the stuffing its signature Thanksgiving aroma.
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• Chicken Broth: Keeps the stuffing moist as it bakes inside the turkey.
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• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balance and depth.
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• Olive Oil: Helps the turkey brown evenly and keeps the skin crisp.

How to Make My Cranberry Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast

1. Step 1 – Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped apples, dried cranberries, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook another 3 minutes, then mix in breadcrumbs and chicken broth until evenly moistened. Set aside to cool.
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2. Step 2 – Butterfly the Turkey: Place the turkey breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the middle (without cutting all the way through) and open it like a book. Cover with plastic wrap and pound gently to an even ¾-inch thickness.
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3. Step 3 – Stuff and Roll: Spread the cooled stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey breast, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the turkey up tightly from the short end and secure with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
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4. Step 4 – Roast: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the outside of the turkey with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast seam-side down on a rack in a roasting pan for about 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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5. Step 5 – Rest and Slice: Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Cut into ½-inch slices to reveal the beautiful cranberry-apple stuffing swirl.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast pairs perfectly with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic cauliflower mash.
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• Honey-glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts.
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• Savory herb gravy or a drizzle of apple cider reduction.
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• Fresh cranberry-orange relish for extra brightness.
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• Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread muffins.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast

For the juiciest result, don’t skip resting time — it allows the juices to redistribute. Make sure your stuffing is cooled before rolling to prevent overcooking the interior.

Use kitchen twine to keep the roll tight and even. You can prepare the stuffed turkey breast a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to roast — perfect for saving time on busy holidays.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm at 300°F until hot.

Freeze leftovers (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.