Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to holiday dinners, I always try to create something a bit more unique and memorable. That’s why I decided to try making a Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington for our last family gathering, and it was an absolute hit. Not only is it a show-stopper with its golden, flaky puff pastry and beautiful stuffing, but the combination of turkey, cranberries, and hazelnuts gives it a deliciously festive twist. The turkey was juicy and flavorful, and the stuffing was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. My family loved it, and it was incredibly easy to make, especially for a dish that looks so elegant. The leftovers were just as delicious the next day, making this dish perfect for holiday meal prepping. This Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington will definitely be a holiday favorite in our house from now on.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington Recipe

The Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington is a perfect holiday centerpiece that combines the rich, savory flavor of turkey with a delicious, flavorful stuffing. The hazelnuts add a wonderful crunch, while the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the turkey. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it ideal for a special occasion or family dinner. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, the leftovers can be used for sandwiches or served as part of a light meal the next day. This recipe is perfect for a small gathering, serving 4 people, but can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings as well.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Wellington:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (12 x 12 inches), thawed
• 1 ½ to 2 lbs uncooked turkey breast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup onion, chopped
• ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 2 cups dry breadcrumbs
• Turkey or chicken stock (a few tablespoons)
• 1 ½ tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 egg + 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in breadcrumbs and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add hazelnuts, thyme, cranberries, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Gradually add turkey or chicken stock, just enough to bind the stuffing together. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Wellington:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Position the turkey breast along the center line of the pastry. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash.
4. Spread the stuffing evenly over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring it is fully covered.

Wrap the Turkey:

1. Lay the second sheet of puff pastry over the turkey and stuffing. Trim the edges to form an oval shape, reserving the trimmings for decoration.
2. Pinch the edges to seal, then roll the bottom pastry edges over the top to create a tight seal. Press firmly all around to ensure it’s secure.

Decorate and Chill:

1. Brush the entire surface with egg wash. Use the reserved pastry trimmings to cut decorative shapes (e.g., leaves) and score veins with a knife. Attach the decorations to the Wellington and brush them with egg wash.
2. Cut four ½-inch slits in the top of the Wellington for steam to escape.
3. Chill the assembled Wellington in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up before baking.

Bake the Wellington:

1. Bake the Wellington at 400°F for 15–20 minutes to get the pastry golden and crisp.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 170°F (77°C).
3. Once done, remove the Wellington from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1/4 of the Wellington)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/4 of the Wellington)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, German
• Diet: Non-Vegan
• Keywords: turkey Wellington, cranberry turkey, holiday Wellington, puff pastry turkey, festive turkey recipe, holiday centerpieces

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: This dish is perfect for a holiday dinner or special occasion. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
• With Gravy: Pair this Wellington with a rich, savory gravy made from the turkey drippings or vegetable broth.
• With Wine: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a full-bodied white like Chardonnay complements the flavors of the turkey and cranberry stuffing beautifully.
• Leftover Ideas: Use any leftovers for sandwiches or serve it cold in salads the next day.
• For a Gathering: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the Wellington up to 12 hours in advance. Assemble the entire dish, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 170°F (77°C).
3. Alternative Fillings: If you don’t like hazelnuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or pecans, or add dried fruit like apricots for a different flavor profile.
4. Gluten-Free Option: You can use gluten-free puff pastry and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure to check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
5. Leftover Storage: Store leftover Wellington in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the flakiness of the pastry.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
   Yes, chicken breast works perfectly as a substitute for turkey. The cooking time may be slightly shorter depending on the thickness of the chicken.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the turkey with a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable stock in the stuffing.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked Wellington for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
   Make sure the turkey is well-drained and that the stuffing is not too wet. You can also bake the Wellington on a rack to allow air circulation underneath.
5. Can I use a different pastry?
   If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use shortcrust pastry, but it may not be as flaky.
6. Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?
   Yes, feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or carrots to the stuffing for extra flavor.
7. How do I ensure the Wellington is perfectly golden?
   Be sure to brush the pastry with an egg wash and chill it before baking. This will help the pastry turn golden and crisp up nicely.
8. Can I make this recipe without the cranberries?
   If you prefer, you can omit the cranberries or replace them with another fruit like raisins or currants.
9. How long should the Wellington rest after baking?
   Let the Wellington rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the Wellington hold its shape when slicing.
10. What do I do if my puff pastry tears while assembling?
    If your pastry tears, patch it up with some extra pastry, ensuring the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington is an ideal holiday centerpiece that’s easy to make, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and buttery puff pastry makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that not only impresses guests but also brings together classic holiday flavors in a deliciously elegant way. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or enjoying a cozy meal, this Wellington will make any gathering feel special. Try this recipe the next time you need a standout dish, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!

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