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Picture this: Thanksgiving dinner is approaching, and you're looking for something a little more exciting than the usual plain roasted turkey. Or maybe its just Tuesday night, and you're looking to impress your guests. That’s where this Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Turkey Breast with Balsamic Glaze comes in. It's a showstopper, yes, but also surprisingly straightforward to make. I came across a similar recipe at a local bistro, and I knew I had to recreate it at home with my own twist. It turns out that's what I'm best at, so I decided to take the plunge and share it!
This recipe combines the savory goodness of turkey with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the sweet, sophisticated flavors of fig jam. Add some crunchy pecans and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you've got a dish that's both elegant and comforting. The aroma alone will have your family and friends gathering in the kitchen, eager for a taste. One of my friends, who usually claims to be a 'turkey skeptic,' couldn't stop raving about it the last time I made it! Its definitely a crowd pleaser. Its a little complicated, I know, but trust me, you got this!
Don't be intimidated by the fancy name—this recipe is totally doable for any home cook. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this stuffed turkey breast is guaranteed to impress. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece. I promise, the end result is worth every bit of effort!
Required Equipments
Boning knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven
Roasting pan
Kitchen twine
Small saucepan
Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Turkey Breast with Balsamic Glaze: Frequently Asked Questions
Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Turkey Breast with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your next meal with this Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe! Creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crunchy pecans combine to create a flavor-packed dish, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe is sure to impress, perfect for holidays or a special dinner!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position.
Using a boning knife, carefully butterfly the turkey breast. Place the breast on a cutting board and slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping about 1 inch from the other side. Open it like a book.
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, fig jam, chopped pecans, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart and soul of our dish!
Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the inside of the butterflied turkey breast. Be generous, but avoid overfilling to make sure it cooks evenly and stays wrapped.
Carefully roll the turkey breast back up, starting from one end. Use kitchen twine to tie the breast securely at 1-inch intervals. This helps it maintain its shape and ensures even cooking. Think of it as giving your turkey a little hug.
Season the outside of the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like. A sprinkle of paprika can add a nice color.
Place the stuffed and tied turkey breast in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This adds moisture and flavor to the turkey as it cooks.
Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). The exact time will depend on the size of your turkey breast, so keep an eye on it! It is also ok if you like yours a little more well done. ;)
While the turkey is roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze. If you're using store-bought glaze, you can skip this step. If making your own, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to burn it!
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Remove the kitchen twine and slice the turkey breast into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Arrange the sliced turkey on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra chopped pecans, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
📝 Notes
For a sweeter glaze, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic reduction.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mixture.