If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a cozy, flavorful centerpiece, the Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender turkey breast layered with a sweet and savory filling of apples, cranberries, herbs, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a beautiful roll that bakes to juicy perfection. Each bite bursts with comforting fall flavors and the festive colors of the apples and cranberries make it as gorgeous as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple at your holiday table or any special dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe is in its simple yet harmonious ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy bacon adding a smoky crunch, to the fresh herbs elevating the aromatic profile, and the nuts providing texture. Nothing here is complicated, but every item is essential for creating the perfect balance of taste, color, and texture in this stunning dish.
- Bacon (5 slices): Crisply cooked to infuse the stuffing with smoky, savory flavor.
- Onion (½ chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves minced): Provides aromatic depth that complements both turkey and fruit.
- Apple (1 chopped): Brings a fresh, sweet contrast that balances the savory elements.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Introduce tart bursts and vibrant color to the stuffing.
- Fresh herbs (1 tablespoon chopped): Rosemary, thyme, and sage add earthy, fragrant notes.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Help bind the stuffing and absorb all those lovely juices.
- Chopped pecans (â…“ cup): Give a pleasant crunch and nutty richness.
- Turkey breast (1 boneless, skinless, 3–4 pounds): The lean, tender canvas for the flavorful filling.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the turkey and stuffing.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle layer of savory taste.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Ground paprika (¼ teaspoon): Provides gentle warmth and a lovely color to the turkey’s exterior.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasonings stick and promotes crisping during baking.
- Turkey gravy (optional): Perfect for drizzling to add richness and moisture when serving.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by frying the bacon until it reaches that perfect crispy crunch. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel to drain and cool, then crumble it into small pieces. This crispy bacon will add a smoky, savory surprise in every bite of your stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Using the bacon grease left in the pan, toss in the chopped onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté them gently until they soften and become sweet and fragrant. This onion base is key for building layers of flavor in the stuffing mixture.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Apple, Cranberries, and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped apple, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the apples just start to soften. This step releases the wonderful aroma and melds the sweet, tart, and herbal notes beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Breadcrumbs, Pecans, and Bacon
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, and crumbled bacon. This combination creates a slightly crunchy, hearty stuffing that holds its shape when rolled inside the turkey.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the roulade. This moderate heat will ensure the turkey cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Step 6: Pound the Turkey Breast
Place the turkey breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Gently pound it with a rolling pin or meat mallet until it’s evenly thin and wide enough to hold the filling. This step is essential for rolling the turkey neatly and promoting even cooking.
Step 7: Spread the Apple Cranberry Mixture
Evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the flattened turkey breast. Make sure to cover the entire surface so every slice has a perfect ratio of turkey to filling.
Step 8: Roll and Secure the Turkey
Carefully roll the turkey breast up, starting from one edge, to form a tight roulade. Use kitchen twine to secure it well, which will help the roll hold its shape during baking.
Step 9: Combine the Seasonings
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. These spices will season the turkey beautifully, adding depth without overpowering the freshness of your stuffing.
Step 10: Apply Olive Oil and Spices
Rub the outside of the turkey roll with olive oil, then evenly coat it with the seasoning blend. This will help create a golden, flavorful crust in the oven.
Step 11: Bake Covered
Place the turkey roulade in a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the turkey to cook through gently.
Step 12: Bake Uncovered and Broil
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. If you want that extra touch of crispness and color, broil the roulade for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 13: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your turkey roulade rest for 5 minutes. This is crucial to keep the juices locked in. After resting, slice the roulade to reveal the beautiful swirl of apple cranberry stuffing inside. Serve warm with optional turkey gravy for that extra cozy touch.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top adds a pop of color and herbaceous aroma that complements the roulade perfectly. For festive flair, cranberries or thin apple slices on the side also make the presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
This roulade pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. For a brighter contrast, a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans dressed simply with lemon and garlic balances the richness and adds freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roulade and creating mini roulade pinwheels as hors d’oeuvres for holiday parties or potlucks. You can also serve thick slices stacked on a wooden board with a drizzle of warm gravy and scattered pecans for a rustic, inviting presentation your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your turkey roulade tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or next-day gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this roulade in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its moist texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a 325°F oven covered with foil, or warm individual portions in the microwave. To avoid drying out the turkey, add a splash of broth or cover with a damp paper towel while reheating. Warm gravy on the side can also bring the dish back to life wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat for this roulade?
Absolutely! While turkey breast is traditional and pairs wonderfully with the apple cranberry stuffing, you can also use chicken breast or pork loin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through but remains juicy.
What type of apple works best in the stuffing?
Choose a firm apple that holds its shape, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties balance sweetness and tartness and won’t turn to mush when cooked.
How do I ensure the roulade stays moist?
Pounding the turkey evenly and not overcooking are key. Also, letting it rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute. Covering the roulade during part of the baking traps steam and preserves moisture.
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple cranberry stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the turkey for rolling.
Is it necessary to use kitchen twine?
Using kitchen twine makes rolling and slicing much easier, as it holds the roulade together nicely. If you don’t have twine, toothpicks can work in a pinch, but twine is highly recommended for best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe enough for anyone who wants a stunning, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to wow your guests. With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and heartwarming aromas, it’s a true celebration of seasonal flavors wrapped up in a comforting, elegant package. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!
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Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Roll Recipe, also known as Turkey Roulade, features a tender boneless turkey breast stuffed with a savory and sweet mixture of sautéed bacon, apples, dried cranberries, fresh herbs, pecans, and breadcrumbs. The roll is seasoned with a blend of spices, oven-baked to juicy perfection, and served optionally with turkey gravy. Perfect as a flavorful and impressive main dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Filling and Mix-ins
- 5 slices bacon
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 apple, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup chopped pecans
Main Ingredient
- 1 (3-4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Serving
- Turkey gravy (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a pan until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Sauté Onion: Using the same pan with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Fruit: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped apple, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. Cook for a few minutes until the apples soften, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Filling Components: Mix in the breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, and crumbled bacon to the sautéed mixture. Stir well to combine evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the turkey roulade.
- Prepare Turkey Breast: Place the boneless turkey breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound it gently with a rolling pin or meat mallet until it is evenly thin, suitable for rolling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared apple and cranberry mixture over the surface of the pounded turkey breast, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll and Tie Turkey: Carefully roll up the turkey breast into a tight log shape, encasing the filling inside. Secure the roll with kitchen twine to hold its shape during cooking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground paprika.
- Season Turkey Roll: Rub the olive oil all over the surface of the turkey roll, then evenly coat it with the spice mixture for flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned turkey roll in a greased casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake the Turkey Roll: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered. For a crispier exterior, broil the turkey roll for the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey roll from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into portions and serve warm, optionally with turkey gravy.
Notes
- When pounding the turkey breast, try to achieve an even thickness for uniform cooking and easier rolling.
- Using parchment paper or plastic wrap helps prevent tearing the meat while pounding.
- If you prefer, substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon total.
- Broiling at the end is optional and adds a nicely browned, slightly crispy exterior.
- Ensure the turkey is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
