This Cranberry Sausage-Stuffed Turkey Roulade is the perfect main course for your holiday dinner table. The juicy turkey is complemented by the sweetness of cranberries and the savory flavor of sausage, all wrapped up in a beautifully rolled tenderloin. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Preparing this roulade might take a little extra effort, but the results are well worth it. You can make it ahead of time and pop it into the oven when you’re ready, allowing you more time with guests. Pair it with a hearty side dish, and you’ve got a stunning, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
- 2 turkey tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, divided
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add sausage, crumble, and cook until browned (4-5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in bread crumbs, cranberries, parsley, thyme, sage, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Butterfly the turkey tenderloins and pound to 1/3-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper. Lay the two tenderloins side by side, slightly overlapping, and spread the stuffing evenly across them. Roll up tightly and secure with kitchen string.
- Heat remaining butter and olive oil in an ovenproof pan over medium heat. Brown the roulade on all sides (8-10 minutes). Add white wine and 1 cup of chicken stock to the pan. Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes, basting occasionally, until a thermometer inserted reads 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the turkey, tent with foil for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk remaining chicken stock with cornstarch and Dijon mustard, stir into the roasting pan, and simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Slice the roulade and serve with the gravy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Cranberry Sausage-Stuffed Turkey Roulade: A Holiday Favorite
The holiday season often calls for grand, festive meals that not only satisfy but impress. One such dish that’s making waves on dinner tables is the Cranberry Sausage-Stuffed Turkey Roulade. This recipe combines the tenderness of turkey with the vibrant flavors of cranberries and the savory richness of sausage, creating a mouthwatering center dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.
If you’re looking for a unique alternative to the traditional roasted turkey, a roulade offers the perfect combination of elegance, flavor, and practicality. The roulade technique, which involves rolling and stuffing meat, adds sophistication while ensuring that each slice of turkey is packed with savory goodness.
The Origins and Culinary Influence
Turkey roulades have gained popularity in recent years as a modern twist on traditional stuffed meats. Originating from the French word “rouler,” meaning “to roll,” the roulade technique has roots in classic European cooking. Historically, this method was used for meats such as beef and pork, but turkey has become a popular choice in North America, especially during festive occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What sets this particular roulade apart is the combination of sausage and cranberries. These ingredients bring together a contrast of flavors—sweetness from the cranberries and savory richness from the sausage—that complement the mild taste of turkey. This combination creates a dynamic balance, making it an appealing dish for both adults and children during large family gatherings.
Key Flavor Profiles
The Cranberry Sausage-Stuffed Turkey Roulade offers a complex layering of flavors that work harmoniously together:
- Savory and Earthy: The inclusion of herbs like parsley, thyme, and sage enhances the depth of flavor in the sausage. These classic Thanksgiving herbs not only elevate the sausage but also tie the entire dish to traditional holiday tastes.
- Sweet and Tart: Dried cranberries provide a subtle sweetness, balanced with a bit of tartness. This contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sausage and the natural mildness of turkey.
- Juicy and Tender: Using turkey tenderloins ensures the meat stays moist, especially when the roulade is basted during cooking. The tight rolling and securing of the roulade lock in the moisture, giving you tender, flavorful meat with every bite.
- Rich Umami Notes: The sautéed sausage adds a delicious umami flavor to the roulade, making it a hearty and satisfying dish, even for those with a hearty appetite. The sausage also brings a welcome texture, providing a slight crispiness that contrasts with the soft cranberries and tender turkey.
Why Choose a Turkey Roulade?
For those who are contemplating whether to serve a whole turkey or opt for a roulade, the latter offers several advantages:
- Perfect for Small Gatherings: A turkey roulade is ideal for more intimate gatherings, such as a family meal or a small dinner party. Unlike a full-sized turkey, which can serve a large group, this roulade is more manageable, both in terms of portion sizes and cooking time.
- Time-Saving: A roulade can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. This allows for more flexibility on the day of the event, giving you the freedom to focus on preparing other side dishes or desserts.
- Presentation: When sliced, a roulade presents beautifully on the plate, showing off the colorful layers of the stuffing. It makes an impressive display, especially when paired with vibrant sides like roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Flavor Distribution: The stuffing inside the roulade ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Unlike a whole turkey where only certain portions are stuffed, a roulade guarantees that everyone gets an even distribution of meat and filling.
Tips for Perfecting Your Roulade
- Pounding the Turkey: When preparing the turkey tenderloins, it’s important to pound the meat to an even thickness of around 1/3 inch. This ensures the roulade cooks evenly and makes it easier to roll. A meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin works well for this.
- Securing the Roll: To keep the roulade intact during cooking, it’s crucial to tie it securely with kitchen string. Be sure to tie it at even intervals to prevent the roulade from falling apart. After cooking, remember to carefully remove the strings before slicing and serving.
- Basting for Moisture: Turkey tends to dry out easily, but basting the roulade with a mixture of white wine and chicken stock while it bakes helps maintain moisture. The pan juices will also intensify in flavor, creating a rich gravy to drizzle over the finished roulade.
- Let It Rest: After removing the roulade from the oven, it’s important to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is succulent and tender.
Pairing Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
This turkey roulade pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Consider the following pairings to elevate your meal:
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce pairs excellently with the savory-sweet notes of the roulade.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, adds a hearty and rustic touch to the meal. Their natural sweetness complements the cranberries in the roulade.
- Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery mashed sweet potatoes offer a smooth contrast to the texture of the turkey roulade, creating a perfect bite every time.
- Wine Pairings: A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, complements the richness of the sausage and cranberries without overwhelming the turkey’s delicate flavor. For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay with its buttery finish also works well.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
One of the great advantages of making a roulade is that it holds up well for leftovers. The flavors actually deepen and develop overnight, making it a wonderful dish to enjoy the next day. To store, simply wrap the remaining roulade in foil and refrigerate. It can be reheated gently in the oven, covered, to maintain moisture.
Leftover slices can also be used creatively in sandwiches or salads. A cranberry-sausage-turkey sandwich on fresh sourdough, with a drizzle of the pan gravy, makes for a delectable lunch the following day.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Sausage-Stuffed Turkey Roulade is a true celebration of flavors, combining traditional holiday ingredients in a fresh, innovative way. Its rich stuffing, tender turkey, and balanced seasonings make it a standout dish for any special occasion, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
For those seeking an alternative to the classic whole roasted turkey, this roulade offers the perfect solution—delicious, visually striking, and easier to prepare than its larger counterpart. With thoughtful preparation and the right sides, this roulade is sure to become a new holiday tradition that family and friends will look forward to year after year.
By opting for a turkey roulade, you can showcase your culinary skills while also enjoying more time with your guests. The result is a dish that not only looks and tastes impressive but also embodies the essence of holiday dining—bringing people together over a flavorful, satisfying meal.