If you’re looking for a dish that brings all the festive, comforting flavors of the season together in one beautiful presentation, you have to try this Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic turkey dinner, featuring tender turkey breast rolled tightly around a savory, herb-infused cranberry stuffing. This dish is not only stunning on the table but also packed with layers of juicy, aromatic goodness, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebratory meal or cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component works harmoniously to build the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the savory herbs to the moist bread cubes, making your roulade burst with freshness and heartiness.
- Large boneless turkey breast (approx. 2.5 lbs): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat to envelop the stuffing.
- Whole wheat French bread (5 oz, cubed): Adds a wholesome, slightly nutty texture that soaks up all the savory juices.
- Onion (1/2 medium, minced): Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the stuffing mix.
- Celery (1 large stalk, minced): Offers a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness.
- Fresh sage leaves (4, minced): Imparts that classic autumnal herb flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness to the stuffing.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): Acts as a binder to hold the stuffing together inside the roulade.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Moistens the bread and enhances the overall savoriness of the stuffing.
- Butter (for basting and gravy): Infuses richness and helps create a golden finish.
- Flour (for gravy): Thickens the gravy to a perfect velvety texture.
How to Make Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s nice and hot for roasting your roulade. This step helps develop a beautifully browned exterior without drying out the turkey inside.
Step 2: Flatten the Turkey
Use a meat mallet to gently flatten the turkey breast to about ½ inch thick. This not only helps the turkey cook evenly but also makes rolling it with the stuffing so much easier and neater.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed whole wheat French bread, minced onion, celery, sage, parsley, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly to create a moist, flavorful stuffing that holds together yet stays airy inside the roulade.
Step 4: Assemble the Roulade
Evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the flattened turkey breast, then carefully roll it up as tightly as you can. Use cooking twine to secure the roll, ensuring it stays together during roasting for that perfect spiral effect when sliced.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the roulade seam-side down in a roasting pan. Brush it generously with melted butter and season with salt. Cover the pan with foil to keep the moisture locked in, then roast for about 60 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld and the turkey to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
While the roulade is roasting, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour until smooth to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a luscious gravy. Season to taste and keep warm until serving.
How to Serve Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or some whole sage leaves adds a lovely pop of green color and aroma on your sliced roulade. For a festive touch, scatter a few fresh cranberries or a drizzle of homemade cranberry sauce alongside to echo the flavors inside the stuffing.
Side Dishes
This roulade pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a bright green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Each side helps balance the hearty, savory richness of the turkey and stuffing with textures and flavors that complement without overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roulade into thick pinwheel rounds and arrange them neatly on a large platter. Surround with dollops of gravy and sprigs of fresh herbs to make it look like a dish worthy of a special occasion. You can even serve individual roulade slices atop mini mashed potato nests for an elegant appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover turkey roulade tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep its moisture and flavor for up to 3-4 days, making delicious sandwiches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe ahead of time for a later feast, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in heavy-duty foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, slice the roulade and warm it gently in a covered baking dish at 300°F, brushing with a little broth or melted butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave slices on medium power, covered, in short bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use turkey thigh instead of breast for this roulade?
While turkey breast works best for its size and tenderness, you can use flattened turkey thigh if you prefer darker meat. The cooking time might need adjustment, and the texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Is it necessary to use whole wheat French bread in the stuffing?
Whole wheat French bread adds a nice nutty flavor and better texture, but you can substitute with any crusty bread you have on hand. Avoid overly soft breads that may turn soggy in the stuffing.
How far in advance can I prepare the roulade before cooking?
You can assemble the roulade up to a day ahead. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to roast. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes dinner day easier.
Can I add cranberries directly into the stuffing?
Absolutely! Adding dried or fresh cranberries into your stuffing mix will enhance that signature sweet-tart note. Just be mindful of how much moisture the fruit contributes so your stuffing doesn’t become too wet.
What is the best way to slice the roulade for serving?
Use a sharp serrated knife and slice the roulade into even rounds about ½ to 1 inch thick. This helps keep the stuffing inside neat and creates those beautiful pinwheels everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of elegance to your table. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration or a comforting family meal, this dish offers a wonderful way to enjoy turkey in a vibrant, fresh format that’s sure to impress. Go ahead, give it a try, and create some delicious memories around your dining table!
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Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing is a flavorful and elegant main dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners. Tender boneless turkey breast is flattened, rolled around a savory stuffing made from whole wheat bread, aromatic herbs, vegetables, and chicken broth, then roasted to juicy perfection. The dish is complemented by a rich homemade gravy, making it a satisfying and festive meal.
Ingredients
Turkey and Stuffing
- 1 large boneless turkey breast (approx. 2.5 lbs)
- 5 oz whole wheat French bread, cubed
- 1/2 medium onion, minced
- 1 large stalk celery, minced
- 4 fresh sage leaves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Roasting
- Butter (amount for brushing, approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Salt, to taste
- Cooking twine
Gravy
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
- Chicken broth (1 to 2 cups, for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey roulade.
- Prepare Turkey Breast: Using a meat mallet, gently flatten the boneless turkey breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch, which helps in rolling and ensures even cooking.
- Make Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed whole wheat bread, minced onion, minced celery, minced fresh sage, chopped parsley, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
- Assemble Roulade: Spread the stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey breast. Carefully roll the breast tightly around the stuffing and secure the roulade with cooking twine to hold its shape during cooking.
- Roast the Roulade: Place the roulade seam side down in a roasting pan. Brush the top with butter, season with salt to taste, and cover the pan with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Prepare Gravy: While the turkey roasts, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Let the roulade rest for 10 minutes after roasting before slicing to retain juices.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs; reduce amounts by half.
- For a more moist roulade, baste the turkey with pan juices halfway through roasting.
- The gravy can be enriched with a splash of cream or cranberry juice for a festive twist.
