Sharon BrownWhen planning a special meal, it’s important to think about what you serve alongside your main dish. With Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade, you can elevate your dinner experience with some delightful extras. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes can beautifully complement the savory roulade. Their buttery taste pairs wonderfully with the turkey’s moist stuffing making each bite a delight.
Bright and colorful vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans roasted to perfection add an appealing look and nutrition to your plate. They have a nice sweetness that balances the flavor profile.
A tangy cranberry sauce is a must-have. It brings an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation. Plus, its tartness cuts through the richness of the roulade.
Add a side of wild rice or herb stuffing to echo the flavors of the turkey roulade. This will make the meal feel even more festive and comforting.
Now, let’s dive into the delicious world of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade.
I first stumbled upon the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade during one of my Sunday cooking marathons. As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I’ve tackled my fair share of turkey recipes. But this one? It stood out. The thought of a tender turkey breast, stuffed to the brim with savory goodness, intrigued me.
This dish is more than just a meal. It’s a calming experience. Picture this: You roll up your sleeves, tie on your favorite apron, and transform a simple turkey breast into something that feels elegant and festive. It’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and leaves you anticipating each bite.
What is Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade?
This dish is essentially a boneless turkey breast that’s rolled and stuffed with delicious ingredients. The Boned and butterflied turkey is the star of the dish. The stuffing usually consists of a delightful mix of vegetables, herbs, and sometimes sausage. When it’s all rolled up and cooked, it emerges beautifully moist and flavorsome.
Why should you bother? Because it’s not just about turkey; it’s about creating a culinary masterpiece that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
- Flavor Combination: The blend of savory pork sausage, fresh herbs, and sweet dried fruits creates a well-rounded flavor. Each bite tells a story of deliciously contrasting tastes.
- Moisture Retention: The rolling technique, combined with the addition of ingredients like chicken stock and brandy, ensures that the turkey remains moist throughout the cooking process. No one likes a dry turkey!
- Presentation: When cut into slices, this roulade reveals beautiful rings of stuffing embedded within the turkey. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this dish a day in advance. It allows the flavors to meld, and all you have to do on serving day is pop it in the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade
To create this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey breast (5 pounds), boned and butterflied into two halves
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced yellow onions (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 cup diced celery (3 stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 3/4 pound pork sausage, casings removed (a mix of sweet and spicy is fantastic)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 3 cups herb-flavored stuffing mix (I recommend Pepperidge Farm)
- 3/4 cup large-diced dried figs, with stems removed
- 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Calvados, apple brandy, or regular brandy
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (homemade is best!)
- 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How To Make These?
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps to whip up your own Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start with your turkey breast. Place it skin-side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to gently butterfly the turkey if it’s not already done. You want an even thickness throughout. This way, it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened but not browned. This will add to the stuffing’s depth of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In the same pan, add the sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, which should take around 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Combine Stuffing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with the cooked sausage. Add the chopped rosemary, toasted pine nuts, herb-flavored stuffing mix, dried figs, dried cranberries, and ground sage, if using. Mix well.
Step 5: Add Liquids
Stir in the chicken stock, Calvados (or brandy), and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
Step 6: Assemble the Roulade
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the butterflied turkey breast. Roll it up tightly, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. Tie it securely with kitchen twine at both ends and a few spots along the length. This secures the stuffing inside.
Step 7: Prepare to Roast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the rolled turkey with paper towels and rub it all over with the remaining melted butter. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 8: Roast the Roulade
Place the roulade on a roasting pan. Cook in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Rest and Slice
Once the roulade reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully slice the roulade into beautiful rounds. Serve it with your favorite sides and watch it disappear.
Tips for Preparing Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade
- Baste Regularly: If you can, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices or melted butter. This enhances moisture and flavor.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality sausage and fresh herbs. The taste transformation is remarkable.
- Don’t Rush Resting Time: It’s easy to want to dig in as soon as it’s out of the oven. Resist! Resting allows for juicier slices.
- Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife to slice the roulade. This ensures every piece looks pretty.
- Experiment with Stuffing Ingredients: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables, different dried fruits, or even nuts based on taste preferences.
Nutrition Information
A typical serving of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade (based on the listed ingredients) provides approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
This dish is a protein powerhouse while remaining flavorful without excessive calories.
How to Store the Leftovers?
Leftovers can often be more exciting than the first meal! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Allow the turkey roulade to cool down completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep up to three days.
If you want to extend the life even more, you can freeze it in slices. Just label the container with the date so you can track freshness.
Recommended Side Dishes for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade
When serving your turkey roulade, sides can make a huge difference. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Green Beans: Sauté fresh green beans in garlic and olive oil. The vibrant color and crunchy texture will complement your dish.
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Toss them with herbs and cheese for extra flavor.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots can brighten any plate. A hint of honey brings out their natural sweetness.
- Cranberry Spinach Salad: Toss fresh spinach, walnuts, and cranberries with a light vinaigrette. The freshness offers a wonderful contrast to the rich roulade.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
No turkey breast? Don’t worry, you can use skinless chicken breasts for a lighter twist. Here are substitutions for common ingredients if they’re not in your pantry:
- Pork Sausage: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lower-fat option.
- Dried Figs: Chopped dates or raisins can work well if figs are hard to find. Their sweetness will still shine in the dish.
- Calvados: If brandy is not available, consider using apple juice or white wine diluted with a bit of vinegar for a different fragrance.
- Herb-flavored Stuffing Mix: You can use plain stuffing mix and add your own herbs, such as thyme, sage, or parsley, to achieve similar flavor.
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey breast 5 pounds, boned and butterflied into two halves
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced yellow onions about 2 medium onions
- 1 cup diced celery 3 stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 pound pork sausage casings removed (use a mix of sweet and spicy)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts lightly toasted
- 3 cups herb-flavored stuffing mix recommended: Pepperidge Farm
- 3/4 cup large-diced dried figs with stems removed
- 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Calvados apple brandy, or regular brandy
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock preferably homemade for richer flavor
- 1 extra-large egg lightly beaten
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 stick
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage optional, for added aromatic depth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for a subtle savory note in the stuffing
Instructions
- Start with your turkey breast. Place it skin-side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to gently butterfly the turkey if it’s not already done. You want an even thickness throughout. This way, it cooks evenly.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened but not browned. This will add to the stuffing’s depth of flavor.
- In the same pan, add the sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, which should take around 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with the cooked sausage. Add the chopped rosemary, toasted pine nuts, herb-flavored stuffing mix, dried figs, dried cranberries, and ground sage, if using. Mix well.
- Stir in the chicken stock, Calvados (or brandy), and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
- Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the butterflied turkey breast. Roll it up tightly, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. Tie it securely with kitchen twine at both ends and a few spots along the length. This secures the stuffing inside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the rolled turkey with paper towels and rub it all over with the remaining melted butter. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the roulade on a roasting pan. Cook in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Once the roulade reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices.
- Carefully slice the roulade into beautiful rounds. Serve it with your favorite sides and watch it disappear.
Notes
- Baste Regularly: If you can, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices or melted butter. This enhances moisture and flavor.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality sausage and fresh herbs. The taste transformation is remarkable.
- Don’t Rush Resting Time: It’s easy to want to dig in as soon as it’s out of the oven. Resist! Resting allows for juicier slices.
- Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife to slice the roulade. This ensures every piece looks pretty.
- Experiment with Stuffing Ingredients: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables, different dried fruits, or even nuts based on taste preferences.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Roulade isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your own kitchen. With its exquisite flavor and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite for gatherings or special occasions.
So roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and turn a simple turkey breast into a star dish that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
