Can You Stuff a Butterball Turkey Breast? Everything You Need to Know

Butterball turkey breast is a convenient option for serving delicious turkey meat without cooking a whole bird. But a common question arises – can you stuff a Butterball turkey breast the same way you would a whole turkey?

The short answer is yes, you can stuff a Butterball turkey breast for added flavor and presentation However, there are some important things to keep in mind when stuffing a boneless turkey breast, as the process differs from stuffing a whole turkey

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about stuffing a Butterball turkey breast, from preparation tips to cooking instructions and safety.

Butterball produces high-quality packaged turkey products including whole turkeys as well as individual cuts like turkey breasts. Their boneless skinless turkey breasts come in various sizes ranging from 2 pounds up to 7 pounds or larger.

The main benefits of choosing a boneless turkey breast over a whole turkey are convenience, quicker cooking time, and easier carving. The meat is already removed from the bone and ready to prepare without extensive cleaning. Turkey breasts also cook faster compared to a full bird.

Overall, Butterball turkey breasts provide an easy way to enjoy delicious roasted turkey meat without the work of preparing a whole turkey. Their boneless breasts are a versatile option whether roasting, grilling, smoking, or using in other recipes. And yes, they can be stuffed for extra flavor.

How to Prepare a Butterball Turkey Breast for Stuffing

Before stuffing your Butterball turkey breast, it helps to prep the meat properly:

• Remove any excess fat or membranes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

• Cut a horizontal pocket through the thickest part of the breast, without cutting all the way through. Leave enough meat to encase the stuffing.

• Season the inside of the pocket with salt, pepper, and/or poultry seasoning.

• Prepare your stuffing. For food safety, use only fully cooked ingredients in the stuffing.

• Stuff the breast just before cooking so the stuffing doesn’t sit at unsafe temperatures. Do not overstuff.

Proper preparation helps ensure even cooking and nicely sealed, flavorful stuffing inside the breast.

Delicious Stuffing Recipe Ideas

You have lots of options when it comes to stuffing recipes for turkey breast. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Classic herb stuffing – Toasted bread cubes, onion, celery, sage, thyme, butter, broth.

• Sausage apple stuffing – Cooked sausage, apples, onion, celery, broth, sage.

• Cornbread stuffing – Cornbread, onion, celery, bell pepper, chicken broth.

• Wild rice & mushroom – Cooked wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, onion, parsley, broth.

• Dried fruit & nut – Dried cranberries, apricots, walnuts, pecan pieces, fennel, onion.

Choose a stuffing that complements the turkey meat. Play with different flavors and textures by adding nuts, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, meats or seafood.

Cooking a Stuffed Butterball Turkey Breast

To safely cook a stuffed turkey breast:

• Roast at 325°F, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer.

• Turkey breast is done at 165°F. The center of the stuffing should reach 165°F.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat to 165°F.

Roasting is the recommended cooking method when stuffing a turkey breast. It’s unsafe to cook stuffed poultry on a grill, smoker, or deep fryer where the stuffing might not reach a safe internal temperature.

Follow the above guidelines for delicious results with your stuffed Butterball turkey breast!

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Turkey Breast

A stuffed turkey breast makes an elegant entrée for holidays or special occasion meals. Here are some tips for serving it:

• Carve the turkey breast into slices and fan out on a platter, with stuffing exposed.

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.

• Serve with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce.

• For non-holiday meals, try lighter sides like roasted veggies, couscous salad, or chimichurri sauce.

• Pair with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay.

• Offer leftovers in sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, pot pies, and more.

Get creative with how you serve up your stuffed Butterball turkey breast! This versatile meat option pairs well with many flavors and makes beautiful presentations.

Turkey Stuffing Tips

Here are some additional tips for successful turkey breast stuffing:

• For food safety, prepare and cook stuffing just before using.

• Use low-sodium poultry broth or turkey drippings for flavor and moisture.

• Sauté vegetables, fruits or meats before adding to stuffing.

• Combine dried and fresh herbs and season generously.

• Understuff rather than overstuff to allow room for expansion.

• Bake any extra stuffing separately in a casserole dish.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

Follow proper handling and food prep guidelines, and your stuffed turkey breast will be a delicious hit!

Alternatives to Stuffing a Turkey Breast

While stuffing adds nice flavor, you can also cook an unstuffed turkey breast for convenience:

• Injecting – Inject marinades deep into the meat for added moistness and flavor.

• Butter rubbing – Loosen skin and rub butter under the skin and over the meat.

• Dry brining – Pat dry and salt the meat a day before cooking.

• Wet brining – Soak breast in a saltwater solution to infuse moisture.

• Flavored oils – Brush on infused olive or other oils during cooking for moisture and flavor.

With the right technique, you can infuse great taste into the turkey breast without using stuffing.

Butterball turkey breast is a quick and easy alternative to cooking a whole turkey. While the breast won’t have drumsticks or wings, you can still enjoy delicious roasted turkey meat in under two hours. Stuffing a Butterball turkey breast elevates the flavor and takes your meal to the next level. Follow safe handling practices, use fully cooked stuffing ingredients, roast thoroughly, and test the temperature. Then carve and serve your juicy, stuffed turkey breast for an elegant presentation. With proper preparation, a stuffed Butterball turkey breast makes a mouthwatering entrée.