Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast Recipe

Easy Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast Recipe

Succulent thanksgiving stuffed porchetta-style turkey breast promises a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare.

Crispy herb-infused skin beckons with irresistible aromas that dance through your kitchen.

Tender meat marinated in classic Italian seasonings brings unexpected excitement to your festive table.

Savory herbs and garlic create layers of complex flavors that surprise and delight.

Guests will marvel at your culinary creativity when you present this stunning centerpiece.

Simple techniques transform an ordinary turkey breast into an extraordinary main course.

Come ready to impress with this show-stopping recipe that blends Italian technique with American tradition.

What Makes Porchetta-Style Turkey So Special

  • Craft Gourmet Centerpiece: Transform an ordinary turkey breast into a stunning, restaurant-quality main dish that will impress family and friends with its luxurious presentation and rich flavor profile.
  • Maximize Flavor Layers: Combine crispy bacon, aromatic herbs, and a savory stuffing that infuses every bite with incredible depth, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience that elevates traditional holiday cooking.
  • Simplify Complex Technique: Break down a sophisticated porchetta-style preparation into manageable steps, allowing home cooks to achieve professional-looking results without advanced culinary training.
  • Customize Holiday Classic: Personalize the traditional turkey by adding gourmet touches like sourdough stuffing and herb-infused seasoning, making it a memorable and unique centerpiece for festive gatherings.

What You’ll Need for a Thanksgiving Showstopper

Main Ingredients:
  • Turkey Breast: A tender and lean cut of meat that serves as the star protein of this festive dish.
  • Sourdough Bread: A tangy and rustic bread that creates a flavorful and textured stuffing base.
  • Bacon: A rich and savory ingredient that adds depth and crispiness to the turkey breast.
Aromatic Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: A classic flavor-building trio that provides a robust and savory foundation for the stuffing.
  • Sage, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that infuse the dish with traditional Thanksgiving warmth and earthy aromatics.
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that help moisten the stuffing, enhance flavor, and create a perfectly seasoned exterior for the turkey.

How to Roll and Roast the Porchetta Turkey

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Goodness

In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until it turns golden and starts to crisp. The sizzling sounds and rich aroma will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Add butter to the bacon pan. Toss in diced onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic.

Sauté these ingredients in the bacon fat until they become tender and develop a beautiful golden color.

Step 3: Build Stuffing Magic

Introduce sourdough cubes to the skillet.

Sprinkle in fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir everything to ensure the bread gets coated with all those delicious flavors. Pour chicken broth over the mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up all the savory liquid.

Step 4: Prepare Turkey Canvas

Lay the butterflied turkey breast flat on your work surface. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly across the surface of the turkey.

Step 5: Roll and Secure

Carefully roll the turkey into a tight cylinder.

Use kitchen twine to tie the roll securely, ensuring the stuffing stays tucked inside. Brush the exterior with olive oil and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.

Step 6: Wrap with Bacon Blanket

Drape bacon slices over the rolled turkey breast. Secure each slice with toothpicks or additional twine to create a delicious bacon wrapper.

Step 7: Roast to Perfection

Place the turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The turkey is ready when it’s cooked through and the bacon turns delightfully crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the porchetta-style turkey to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Slice and serve alongside your favorite holiday sides.

Tips for a Crispy Skin and Flavorful Middle

  • Toast sourdough cubes slightly before adding to stuffing for extra crunch and deeper flavor profile.
  • Use kitchen twine to secure bacon slices evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing them from sliding off during roasting.
  • Check internal turkey temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Select thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier exterior that adds rich, smoky notes to the turkey breast.
  • Allow turkey to rest completely after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent meat slices.

Twists on Classic Porchetta-Style Turkey

  • Herb Garden Porchetta: Swap traditional herbs for a vibrant mix of fresh basil, oregano, and parsley, creating a Mediterranean-inspired turkey breast with bright, aromatic flavors.
  • Mushroom Medley Porchetta: Replace bacon with wild mushroom mixture of porcini, shiitake, and cremini, adding earthy depth and umami richness to the stuffing and exterior.
  • Spicy Southwestern Porchetta: Incorporate jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese into the stuffing, then wrap with spicy chorizo instead of bacon for a bold, zesty profile.

Side Dishes That Shine Next to This Turkey

  • Elevate Bacon-Wrapped Turkey's Flavor Profile
  • Pair with crisp Chardonnay to complement the rich, smoky bacon and herbal stuffing notes.
  • Rustic Wine Country Companion
  • Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from California's Sonoma region, which balances the turkey's savory depth with subtle fruit undertones.
  • Herbaceous Beverage Harmony
  • Create a fresh thyme and rosemary-infused gin cocktail that echoes the stuffing's aromatic herbs and cuts through the bacon's richness.
  • Seasonal Side Synergy
  • Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and maple glaze, enhancing the dish's autumnal warmth and complementary pork elements.

How to Keep Porchetta-Style Turkey Juicy Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover porchetta-style turkey breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring proper food safety.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container or bag. Freezes well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place sliced turkey in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Quickly: For individual portions, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

FAQs for Turkey with a Twist

  • What makes the bacon bacon-wrapped turkey special?

The bacon adds a crispy, flavorful exterior that keeps the turkey moist and infuses rich smoky notes throughout the meat.

  • How do I butterfly the turkey breast correctly?

Carefully slice the turkey breast horizontally, opening it like a book, ensuring an even thickness so it rolls evenly and cooks uniformly.

  • Can I use different herbs in the stuffing?

Yes, you can substitute or add herbs like parsley, marjoram, or chives to customize the stuffing’s flavor profile while maintaining a similar herb blend.

  • What type of sourdough works best for this recipe?

A day-old, rustic sourdough bread with a hearty texture works best, as it absorbs the broth and bacon fat without becoming too mushy during cooking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast Recipe

Thanksgiving Stuffed Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Succulent Thanksgiving Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast brings Italian culinary flair to classic holiday fare. Herbed pork belly wraps tender turkey, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that promises rich flavors and memorable moments for you at the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 (4 pounds) boneless half turkey breast, butterflied
  • 3/4 pounds thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 12 slices bacon

Herbs and Aromatics:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon thyme, picked
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped fine
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped fine

Stuffing and Seasoning:

  • 3 cups day-old country sourdough, cut or torn into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Twine for tying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F, ensuring an optimal roasting temperature for the turkey breast.
  2. Render chopped bacon in a large skillet until golden and slightly crisp, creating a flavorful base for the stuffing.
  3. Incorporate butter, onion, celery, and garlic into the bacon drippings, sautéing until vegetables become tender and develop a rich golden hue.
  4. Introduce sourdough cubes to the skillet, mixing with sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Pour chicken broth over the bread mixture, allowing the cubes to absorb liquid and create a cohesive stuffing texture within 2-3 minutes.
  6. Butterfly the turkey breast and season with salt and pepper, creating a flat surface for even stuffing distribution.
  7. Spread the prepared stuffing mixture uniformly across the turkey breast, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  8. Carefully roll the turkey into a tight cylindrical shape, maintaining the stuffing’s integrity during the rolling process.
  9. Secure the rolled turkey with kitchen twine, preventing the stuffing from falling out and helping maintain its shape.
  10. Massage the exterior with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and promote crispy skin.
  11. Drape bacon slices over the turkey, overlapping them to create a protective and flavorful outer layer.
  12. Fasten bacon strips using toothpicks or additional twine to ensure they remain in place during roasting.
  13. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches safe cooking levels and bacon becomes crisp.
  14. Allow the porchetta-style turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensure a moist, tender result.
  15. Slice and serve alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a festive and flavorful main course.

Notes

  • Make stuffing ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify, creating a richer taste profile.
  • Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum crispness and flavor coverage on the turkey breast.
  • Butterfly turkey breast carefully to ensure even thickness, allowing uniform cooking and perfect stuffing distribution.
  • Use kitchen twine strategically to maintain tight roll and prevent stuffing from falling out during roasting.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star