This Holiday Turkey With Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is the ultimate centerpiece for your festive table.

With golden, crisp skin and juicy meat paired with a flavorful stuffing loaded with cranberries, pecans, and herbs, this dish brings warmth and cheer to any gathering.

Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

For the stuffing:

5 cups French bread cubes
5 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
⅓ cup dry white wine
¼ cup dried sweetened cranberries
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 ½ cups seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
½ cup pecans, chopped
1 ½ cups chicken stock
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the turkey:

2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp lemon zest
1-2 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and celery; cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Stir in wine and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in cranberries, parsley, sage, and thyme.

Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to soften cranberries.

Step 4: Stir in bread cubes, cornbread stuffing mix, and pecans. Season with salt and pepper.

Add chicken stock and mix until well combined. Spread stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest.

Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast and spread the butter mixture under the skin.

Secure with wooden picks and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Place the turkey on top of the stuffing. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover bread for the stuffing?

Yes, leftover bread works great! Just cube it and let it dry out for a few hours before using.

2. Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it with the turkey.

3. What if I don’t have dry white wine?

You can substitute with chicken broth or apple juice for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I use a different type of nut in the stuffing?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans for a different texture and taste.

5. How do I know when the turkey is done?

The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. A meat thermometer is the best way to check.