Cranberry Glazed Turkey Roulade
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think beyond the traditional whole turkey. Enter the Cranberry Glazed Turkey Roulade: a festive, flavorful, and elegant twist to your holiday table.
Why Choose a Turkey Roulade? A turkey roulade, which is a turkey breast rolled with stuffing, offers several benefits. It cooks faster than a whole turkey, is easier to carve, and each slice is filled with delicious stuffing. It’s the perfect solution for a smaller gathering or for those who prefer white meat.
Selecting the Best Ingredients For this recipe, a fresh boneless turkey breast is ideal. The cranberry glaze, made with a mix of cranberry sauce, orange juice, and balsamic vinegar, adds a sweet and tangy flavor that’s quintessentially festive.
The Art of Stuffing and Rolling The stuffing, a mix of dried cranberries, pecans, and herbs, is not just flavorful but also adds a delightful texture. Rolling the turkey breast with the stuffing inside might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. Just ensure it’s tied well with kitchen twine.
Perfect Glazing and Baking The glaze not only adds flavor but also gives the roulade a beautiful sheen. Basting the turkey as it cooks ensures it stays moist and absorbs all the flavors.
Serving Suggestions This roulade is a showstopper on any holiday table. Serve it with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget a rich gravy made from the pan drippings!
Wine Pairing A Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the turkey and cranberry flavors. These wines complement the sweet and savory elements of the dish without overpowering them.
Making Ahead and Leftovers One of the great things about a turkey roulade is that it can be prepared ahead of time and cooked on the day. Leftovers are versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even a turkey pot pie.
Conclusion The Cranberry Glazed Turkey Roulade is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a nod to holiday traditions with a modern twist. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite.
Cooking is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories around the table. This turkey roulade, with its balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors, is a delightful way to make those holiday memories even more special.
Happy cooking!
You will need: Kitchen Twine for Roasting, Roasting Pan, and a Meat Thermometer
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Roulade
Equipment
- Kitchen twine
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless turkey breast about 3-4 lbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly the turkey breast and flatten it to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, mix dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff and Roll: Spread the stuffing over the turkey breast. Roll the turkey tightly and tie with kitchen twine to secure.
- Brown the Roulade: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the turkey roulade on all sides. Transfer to a roasting pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Bake: Brush the turkey roulade with the cranberry glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with the glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey roulade rest for 10 minutes. Remove the twine, slice, and serve.
