Written by: Holiday Recipes Main Dishes

Traditional Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing

Oh honey, gather ’round! There’s nothing quite like the smell of a roasting turkey filling the kitchen, especially during the holidays. This recipe, passed down through generations, will give you a beautifully tender turkey breast and the most flavorful herb stuffing, just like Grandma used to make. It’s truly a hug on a plate, guaranteed to make your loved ones feel cherished.

This recipe holds so many cherished memories for me, sweetheart. I remember my own grandmother teaching me how to pick just the right herbs for the stuffing, insisting it was the heart of the meal. We’d always gather ’round, sharing stories while the delicious aroma of the roast turkey filled the air. It’s more than just food; it’s about tradition, family, and creating moments that last a lifetime. For more tips on roasting poultry perfection, see here!

Traditional Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing recipe image

Ingredients

  • 1 (4-5 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin on if possible
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus 2 tbsp melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups stale bread cubes (about 8-10 slices white or sourdough bread)
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. **Prepare the Turkey:** First things first, my dear! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Gently pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps get that lovely crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with 1 tbsp sage, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub about half of this herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter evenly over the outside of the skin.
  2. **Make the Stuffing:** Now for the star of the show, the stuffing! In a large skillet, melt the 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the remaining fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine your stale bread cubes, the cooked vegetable mixture, chicken broth, the lightly beaten egg, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, we want a fluffy stuffing!
  4. **Stuff and Roast:** Lightly pack the stuffing mixture into a small baking dish (about 8×8 inch) or a ramekin. Place the prepared turkey breast in a roasting pan. Bake the turkey for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). Bake the stuffing alongside for the last 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
  5. **Rest and Serve:** This next part is crucial, sweetheart – don’t skip it! Once the turkey reaches temperature, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This keeps all those lovely juices locked in, making your turkey wonderfully tender. While the turkey rests, the stuffing can finish crisping up. Slice the turkey breast and serve alongside generous scoops of your delicious herb stuffing. Enjoy, my dear!
Traditional Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing recipe instructions
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Last modified: June 3, 2026