Roasted Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
If you're cooking for a smaller gathering this Thanksgiving, Trader Joe's pre-stuffed turkey breasts are just perfect. They can easily feed 6 people and make a gorgeous, impressive presentation with cranberry-jeweled stuffing in the center.Grab this turkey, add aside of vegetables, and dinner is done! If you go this route, we demand that you sear the outside first. Do not just toss it in the oven like the package instructions say, or you'll end up with a dried-out hunk of meat. Repeat: Do not just follow the package instructions! I tried this the first time. I was on autopilot just following instructions, and before I knew it, I had a seriously dried-out turkey. The only way to salvage it was to dice it up and make soup with it.
As I stood there scratching my head, wondering what went wrong, I realized I had forgotten my cardinal rule of roasting when there's no bone or skin to protect meat: sear first! Searing the outside forms a protective layer that locks juices in and keeps meat from drying out. It also gives the outside a mouthwatering golden color that you can't get from simply baking. So please, I beg you to take a few extra minutes to sear the outside before baking.
Roasted Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
1 (approx 3 lb) Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp butter
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Heat olive oil and butterin a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place turkey breast inskillet (leaving trussing yarn on) and sear each side for 1-2 minutes,until golden brown. Taking this important step will lock in juices and ensure tendermeat.
3. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes per pound (total cooking time will depend on size of turkey breast).
4. Let meat rest under a sheet of foil for 10+ minutes before removing yarn and slicing into rounds.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Hands-off cooking time: 60-90 minutes (varies)
Serves 6-8
Posted by Wona Miniati at November 19, 2009 
Categories: Product Reviews, Food Recipes, Favorite Products
Tags: turkey stuffing cranberry Thanksgiving
Categories: Product Reviews, Food Recipes, Favorite Products
Tags: turkey stuffing cranberry Thanksgiving
I had that problem! Now I know - thank you.
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Thanks for posting these instructions! Question: Are there enough drippings to make gravy (or at least enough to augment with broth)?
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There really wasn't much in the form of drippings, definitely not enough to make gravy. Trader Joe's sells gravy in a box though. Although not quite as good as homemade gravy, it sure is easy!
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Thanks so much! You're right -- not enough drippings to make gravy. Luckily I had some drippings in the freezer from the last chicken I roasted. Made a great gravy -- no one noticed the difference!
Wonderful roast turkey breast! The searing worked perfectly! Thanks again!
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Thanks for these instructions! Do you know, if I cook 2 of these turkey breasts at the same time would I need to adjust the cooking time? They are both about 3#.
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As long as the two turkey breasts are not placed right next to each other, the cooking time should be about the same, maybe just slightly more. Leave a bit of space between them to let the heat circulate evenly. Since cooking times vary with ovens, check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
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Do you know if it's ok to freeze one of these stuffed turkey breasts? I bought one yesterday thinking I would cook it one Christmas Eve, and now we've been invited somewhere else. Will it last if I wait to cook it on Saturday? Or can I just throw it in the freezer and cook it another time?
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Thank you for posting your "directions" on how to cook this item. The label didn't have any "how to" info other than what the meat temp should be. I followed your advice and it was DEElicioius. Thanks!
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I bought this turkey breast around Christmas & had no clue on how to roast. Thanks to trader joe's perfect directions. ruth
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I just made this stuffed/rolled turkey breast this evening. It is "marinating" in a type of liquid. I still seasoned with salt and pepper. I put some oil on top and basted 2x before it was done.
Two things:
1) start out with a foil "tent" over the turkey breast, remove the last half of roasting.
2) The dressing/stuffing tasted "odd" and "smelled old" as well. I hated the stuffing and could not eat it.
I would not purchase this again.
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I had the same problem, but not quite as severe, fortunately I checked up on it in time. But it was dry and not at peak.. Thanks so much for your tips and everything, I just found this blog and I'm sure going to stick around! =)
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Thanks so much for sharing these tips. I look forward to success with this meal tomorrow- Christmas 2011!
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bought 2 and baked 2 together in one of the Pampered Chef stoneware bakers according to your directions of searing first. Delicious! stuffing was good too, and I'm not typically a "stuffing" person. Thanks for the tips!
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