If you’re hunting for a show-stopping centerpiece that brings together holiday flavors with a fresh, comforting twist, this Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is an absolute gem. Tender turkey breast wrapped around a vibrant, herb-spiked cranberry stuffing creates a gorgeous roulade that’s as stunning on the table as it is delicious in every bite. It’s a lovely combination of juicy meat, tart-sweet stuffing, and savory herbs that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for festive dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this fabulous roulade, all you need are simple, wholesome ingredients that perfectly balance flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a special role in building those layers of taste and mouthfeel that make this turkey roulade unforgettable.
- Boneless turkey breast (approx. 2.5 lbs): The star of the show, providing a lean, tender canvas for your stuffing.
- Whole wheat French bread (5 oz, cubed): Adds body to the stuffing with a hearty texture and nuttier flavor than white bread.
- Onion (1/2 medium, minced): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the stuffing mixture.
- Celery (1 large stalk, minced): Offers a crisp bite and fresh, slightly peppery aroma.
- Fresh sage leaves (4, minced): Classic herb that infuses savory warmth and earthiness.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the stuffing with a touch of herbal freshness.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): Acts as a binder to hold the stuffing together when rolled inside the turkey.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Moistens the stuffing, making it luscious and flavorful.
- Butter: For brushing the turkey and making a luxurious gravy to finish the dish.
- Salt and seasoning: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and turkey
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures a perfect roasting environment for even cooking. Meanwhile, take your boneless turkey breast and, using a meat mallet, gently flatten it to about ½ inch thick. This step is key to achieving an even layer so the stuffing can be rolled up smoothly and stay intact during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat bread cubes with minced onion, celery, fresh sage, fresh parsley, beaten egg, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together until the mixture is well incorporated. This vibrant blend of ingredients creates a stuffing that’s moist, fragrant, and packed with both texture and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the roulade
Spread the freshly prepared stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey breast, making sure to cover it edge to edge. Then, carefully roll the turkey up as tightly as possible, tucking in the stuffing. Secure your roulade with cooking twine to keep all the deliciousness locked inside while roasting.
Step 4: Roast to perfection
Place the roulade seam side down in a roasting pan. Brush the outside with butter for a beautiful golden finish and season it generously with salt. Cover the pan with foil to lock in moisture and roast for about 60 minutes. This slow, gentle cooking allows the turkey to stay juicy while the flavors meld together in harmony.
Step 5: Make the gravy
While the roulade is resting after its oven journey, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth and seasonings, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens to a silky, pourable consistency. This homemade gravy is the perfect companion that will elevate every slice of your roulade.
How to Serve Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or sage can brighten the plate and echo the flavors inside your roulade. Consider adding a handful of fresh cranberries or a drizzle of the glossy homemade gravy over the slices for that extra wow factor — it makes the dish look festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This roulade pairs beautifully with classic roasted root vegetables, silky mashed potatoes, or a crisp autumn salad featuring pears and walnuts. Think about complementing the tart cranberries in the stuffing with sides that bring warmth, balance, and seasonal vibrancy to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your roulade into thick rounds to showcase the swirled stuffing inside, arranging them neatly on a platter. For a rustic vibe, you can slice and serve it family-style right from the roasting pan, letting the aroma fill the room and inviting everyone to dig in. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of gravy and a sprig of herbs on top for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover turkey roulade tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without losing any tenderness or moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked roulade and the uncooked, assembled roulade before roasting. Just wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen roulade is best used within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven covered with foil or use a microwave for a quick option. Adding a splash of broth or gravy helps keep the slices moist and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The stuffing mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. This makes rolling the roulade quick and easy on cooking day, and the flavors will have time to meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have fresh sage or parsley?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch—use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re more concentrated. However, fresh herbs provide the best flavor and bright aroma for this recipe.
How can I tell when the roulade is fully cooked?
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure it’s cooked safely while staying juicy and tender.
Can I substitute the turkey breast with chicken breast?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute, though the cooking time will be shorter since the meat is generally thinner and cooks faster. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this roulade?
For a vegetarian take, consider using a large portobello mushroom cap or eggplant slice as the roulade base and fill it with a similar stuffing of bread, vegetables, and herbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe. It combines festive flavors with straightforward steps, resulting in a dish that feels both elegant and homey. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a comforting meal that impresses, this roulade is a delicious way to come together around the table. Dive in and make it your next culinary favorite—you won’t regret it!
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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
Description
This Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a family dinner or festive occasion. Tender turkey breast is flattened, stuffed with a savory mixture of whole wheat bread, fresh herbs, and vegetables, then rolled and roasted to juicy perfection. Served with a rich homemade gravy, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors for a satisfying 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 celery stalk, minced
- 4 fresh sage leaves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Butter, for brushing
Gravy
- Butter (about 2 tbsp)
- Flour (about 2 tbsp)
- Chicken broth (about 2 cups)
- Salt and seasonings to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting your stuffed turkey roulade.
- Flatten the Turkey Breast: Using a meat mallet, gently pound the boneless turkey breast until it is about ½ inch thick. This will make it easier to roll and cook evenly.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat bread cubes, minced onion, celery, fresh sage, chopped parsley, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix everything well to create a moist, flavorful stuffing.
- Assemble the Roulade: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey breast. Carefully roll the turkey breast tightly around the stuffing and secure it firmly with cooking twine to hold its shape during roasting.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the roulade in a roasting pan. Brush the outside with melted butter and season with salt. Cover the pan with foil and roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Make the Gravy: While the roulade is roasting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux, cooking until lightly golden. Gradually add chicken broth while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt and your preferred seasonings, continuing to cook until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Remove the roulade from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with the homemade gravy.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For extra flavor, you can add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to the stuffing mixture.
- Make sure to secure the roulade tightly to prevent the stuffing from falling out during roasting.
- Letting the roulade rest before slicing helps retain its juices for moist, tender slices.
- The gravy can be customized with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
