Go Back

Cranberry Thyme Turkey Roulade with Wild Rice Stuffing

Cranberry thyme turkey roulade with wild rice stuffing is rolled, tied, and roasted until the turkey and savory, tart stuffing reach 165°F. Slices reveal a colorful filling of wild rice, dried cranberries, onion, celery, and fresh thyme.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 14 minutes
cooling and resting 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 59 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the wild rice stuffing
  • 0.5 cup wild rice uncooked, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup celery finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt use 1/4 teaspoon in the stuffing and 1 teaspoon on the turkey
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper use 1/4 teaspoon in the stuffing and 1/2 teaspoon on the turkey
For the turkey roulade
  • 1 turkey breast 2 1/2- to 3-pound, boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Make the wild rice stuffing
  1. Combine the wild rice and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and simmer over low heat for 45 to 55 minutes, until tender; drain any excess water.
  2. Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the onion and celery, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  3. Stir in the broth, cranberries, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and the cooked wild rice; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the broth is mostly absorbed.
  4. Spread the stuffing on a plate to cool for 10 minutes.
Assemble and roast the roulade
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Place the turkey breast smooth-side down on a cutting board and cut horizontally through the thickest side, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite edge; open it like a book, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Season both sides of the turkey with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  4. Spread the cooled stuffing over the turkey, leaving a 1-inch border; roll it up from a long side and tie securely with kitchen twine at 1 1/2-inch intervals.
  5. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, rub the remaining 2 teaspoons over the roulade, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
  6. Roast for 60 to 90 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest turkey meat and the center of the stuffing reads 165°F.
  7. Rest the roulade for 15 minutes, remove the twine, and slice crosswise to serve.

Notes

For neat slices, let the roulade rest for the full 15 minutes before removing the twine and cutting. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freeze for longer storage. For a dairy-free option, replace the butter with olive oil.