Turkey and Stuffing En Croute: The Ultimate Holiday Showstopper

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends and indulging in delicious food. For many, the centerpiece of a holiday meal is a perfectly roasted turkey. However, this year why not take your turkey to the next level and wow your guests by serving it in an impressive en croute?

Turkey and stuffing en croute is a French-inspired dish that envelopes sliced turkey breast and savory stuffing in a golden puff pastry. It makes for an elegant yet easy holiday entrée that is sure to be a hit. Keep reading to learn all about how to make this mouthwatering meal.

What is Turkey En Croute?

Turkey en croute is the ultimate culinary showstopper It consists of sliced turkey breast that is layered with stuffing and wrapped in puff pastry before being baked until golden brown

This impressive dish is reminiscent of the classic French beef Wellington, but with turkey as the star ingredient The result is a visually stunning entrée with contrasting textures and flavors in each bite. The flaky, buttery puff pastry provides a crispy exterior that gives way to the moist, tender turkey and rich stuffing inside

Making turkey en croute streamlines the holiday cooking process. Rather than roasting and carving a whole bird, this recipe allows you to prepare perfect slices of turkey breast ahead of time that simply need to be baked inside the pastry. It provides an elegant presentation while saving you time and effort.

Benefits of Turkey En Croute

There are many advantages to preparing your holiday turkey in en croute form

• Easy to make – Once the turkey breast is cooked, assembly is straightforward. No specialized culinary skills required.

• Eye-catching presentation – Your guests will be impressed when you bring this golden, puff pastry creation to the table.

• Moist and flavorful turkey – The stuffing locks in moisture and adds another dimension of flavor. No dried out turkey here!

• Makes great leftovers – Slices of turkey en croute pair perfectly with cranberry sauce for tasty next-day sandwiches.

• Customizable – Adapt this recipe by using different stuffings or meats inside the pastry shell.

• Freezer-friendly – Fully assembled turkey en croute can be frozen raw and cooked straight from the freezer.

How to Make Turkey and Stuffing En Croute

While this dish may look complex, turkey en croute is surprisingly easy to prepare. Here is an overview of the simple process:

Ingredients Needed

• Turkey breast fillets
• Stuffing of your choice (we recommend sage and onion)
• Bacon rashers
• Puff pastry sheets
• Egg wash
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Steps to Make It

1. Cook the turkey breast fillets until just done and slice into strips. Allow to cool.
2. Make your favorite stuffing recipe. Allow to cool.
3. Layer the sliced turkey and stuffing down the center of a puff pastry sheet.
4. Top with bacon rashers.
5. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash then fold over and seal.
6. Brush the top with more egg wash and decorate with herbs if desired.
7. Bake at 400°F until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

And that’s all there is to it! With just a few simple steps you can have an elegant entrée that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Turkey En Croute

Here are a few tips to ensure your turkey en croute turns out perfectly:

• Be sure your puff pastry is thawed properly before using. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to assembly.

• Brush the pastry with egg wash before baking for a glossy, golden crust.

• Use thick turkey breast fillets and slice against the grain for the most tender results.

• Don’t overfill the pastry or it may burst while baking. About 1 1⁄2 cups of stuffing is perfect.

• Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if the pastry browns too quickly.

• Let the en croute rest for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts and a stable filling.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey en croute is delicious on its own, but can also be accompanied by various holiday favorites:

• Gravy – Rich turkey gravy is a classic pairing. Drizzle it directly over your slices.

• Cranberry sauce – Cut through the richness with tangy cranberry sauce.

• Roasted vegetables – Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or other seasonal veggies.

• Mashed potatoes – Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes complement the flaky pastry wonderfully.

• Pumpkin pie – Finish the meal on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

One of the best aspects of turkey en croute is that it can be made ahead of time:

• Assemble the unbaked en croute up to one day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• Fully assembled en croute can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

• Cooked slices of turkey en croute freeze well too. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Preparing ahead helps reduce stress and allows you to enjoy your guests rather than slaving away in the kitchen on the big day.

Time to Try Turkey En Croute

If you’re looking for a creative, elegant spin on holiday turkey this season, give turkey and stuffing en croute a try. Impress your family and friends with your culinary skills while enjoying a delicious meal that brings together flavors and textures in perfect harmony. This will surely become your new favorite holiday tradition!