How Long To Bake A Stuffed Turkey Breast For Maximum Juiciness

Stuffed turkey breast is a delicious and easy alternative to cooking a whole turkey. With a flavorful filling sealed inside moist, tender turkey meat, it makes for an impressive yet fuss-free main dish. If you want to try your hand at making stuffed turkey breast at home, one of the key factors is knowing exactly how long to bake it. Undercooking can lead to raw turkey while overbaking dries it out. Follow this guide to learn about ideal bake times and temps for a perfect stuffed turkey breast.

Factors That Affect Bake Time

Several variables impact total baking time for stuffed turkey breast including

• Weight – A petite 2 lb stuffed breast bakes faster than a hearty 5 lb one. Larger breasts need more time for the interior to cook through.

• Thickness – Flat, thin breasts bake quicker than plump, thick ones. After stuffing and rolling, compressing to an even 3/4-1 inch thickness helps achieve uniform doneness.

• Filling ingredients – Dense fillings with cream cheese or cheese blocks require longer bake times than lighter spinach or veggie based fillings.

• Roasting temp – Higher heat around 400°F cooks turkey faster than lower 275-300°F temps But high heat risks drying out the delicate breast meat.

• Pan size – Breasts baked alone in a larger pan cook slower than when crowded together in a snug pan.

Considering these factors allows you to adjust baking times and get the best results,

Average Baked Time

For a stuffed turkey breast that’s approximately 3 pounds and rolled to a uniform 1-inch thickness, the typical baked time is:

• 30-45 minutes at 400°F

• 45-60 minutes at 350°F

• 60-75 minutes at 325°F

These bake times are for breasts stuffed with a cheese, veggie or meat based filling without poultry skin. Boneless, skinless breasts cook faster than bone-in.

Always rely on a meat thermometer over time estimates. Turkey breasts should register 160°F at the thickest part when done. If under stuffed, check the temperature sooner. Rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juices to redistribute.

Adjusting Bake Time

To adapt baking times for different weights, here are some general guidelines:

• 2 lb breast – Reduce time by 5-10 minutes
• 4 lb breast – Add 10-15 minutes
• 6 lb breast – Add 25-35 minutes

For thicker or thinner breasts:

• 3/4 inch thickness – Bake 5 minutes less
• 1 1/2 inch thickness – Bake 10 minutes more

Slow the bake for heavy fillings by 5-15 minutes. Speed it up slightly for light fillings.

Lower oven temps of 275-300°F add 15-20 minutes. High heat above 400°F reduces time by 10-15 minutes but risks drying out the turkey.

How to Tell If It’s Done

Visual signs that stuffed turkey breast is fully cooked:

• Deep golden brown exterior
• 165°F internal temperature at thickest section
• Clear juices from the center with no traces of pink

Undercooked turkey has a pink, raw appearance and registers under 155°F internally.

While overcooked turkey looks very dried out and tough with the meat pulling away from the ends. 165°F is thefood safety minimum but breasts at 160-163°F will be moistest.

Allowing the cooked breast to rest ensures juices redistribute evenly for a tender texture throughout. Never slice into stuffed turkey right away or the filling will spill out.

Helpful Tips

• Pound the turkey breast to an even thickness for equal cooking.

• Tie up with twine to hold the shape and contain the filling.

• Opt for roasted, baked or poached fillings rather than raw which lengthens cooking time.

• Brush with melted butter or oil before baking for enhanced browning.

• Use a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety and doneness.

• Let rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

Sample Bake Times

To give you an idea of bake times for different weights and temps:

• 2 lb breast at 400°F – 30-35 minutes
• 3 lb breast at 350°F – 40-50 minutes
• 4 lb breast at 325°F – 55-65 minutes
• 5 lb breast at 300°F – 70-80 minutes

Always check internal temperature and visual doneness signs over relying solely on bake times for food safety. Properly baked stuffed turkey breast is delicious, tender and moist making it a satisfying meal for holidays and special occasions.