For a grand Christmas centerpiece, this Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing is perfect. With juicy, tender meat and a flavorful herb butter, this turkey is ideal for a holiday gathering. The cranberry pomegranate stuffing brings a festive twist, balancing the savory flavors with bright, tart notes. Paired with Millon Wines’ Reserve Grenache, this dish makes for an unforgettable Christmas meal, combining traditional flavors with a hint of seasonal flair.
Recipe: Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing
This Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing combines savory herbs, sweet-tart fruit, and juicy turkey for a holiday showstopper.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (5-6 kg), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved (for cavity)
For the Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing:
- 1 loaf sourdough or rustic bread, cubed and lightly toasted
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon sage leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat.
- Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin and the remaining half over the outside of the turkey. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the lemon halves inside the turkey cavity along with extra sprigs of thyme and rosemary for added aroma.
- Prepare the Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing:
- In a large skillet, sauté onion and celery until softened. Add cranberries, pomegranate seeds, pecans, parsley, thyme, and sage. Stir for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed mixture. Gradually add stock, tossing until the bread is lightly moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Either loosely stuff the turkey cavity with the mixture or bake the stuffing separately in a buttered casserole dish for 30-35 minutes.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Roast for approximately 3-3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings.
- If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Arrange on a large platter, garnishing with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Turkey
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage bring an earthy aroma and flavor to the turkey.
- Quality Butter: High-quality butter helps create a rich, golden-brown skin.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Allow the turkey to rest before carving to ensure juicy, tender meat.
Serving Suggestions
This herb-butter roasted turkey pairs well with holiday sides like:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the rich flavors of the turkey.
- Green bean almondine: Adds a fresh, light element to balance the meal.
- Roasted root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes enhance the dish’s seasonal appeal.
Arrange the turkey on a large platter with the cranberry pomegranate stuffing, and garnish with extra herbs and pomegranate seeds for an elegant holiday presentation.
Pairing with Millon Wines' Reserve Grenache
Serve this turkey with Millon Wines’ 2023 Reserve Grenache for a truly festive experience. The wine’s lifted floral notes and red fruits harmonize with the savory herb butter and cranberry pomegranate stuffing. Its fine, velvety tannins and raspberry-pomegranate flavors enhance the turkey's richness, creating a balanced and memorable pairing. Slightly warm or room temperature, the Reserve Grenache complements the warm holiday flavors perfectly.
Celebrate Christmas with this Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pomegranate Stuffing, a grand and festive centerpiece for your holiday table. Paired with Millon Wines’ Reserve Grenache, it brings together rich flavors and elegant notes, making it a holiday meal to remember. This traditional yet flavorful dish is sure to be the highlight of your Christmas feast.