Indulge in Decadence: Turkey in Champagne Sauce Recipe
When it comes to cooking a turkey for a special occasion or holiday feast, we all seek the perfect recipe that will leave us with a juicy and flavorful result. Look no further than the delicious Turkey in Champagne Sauce recipe. This recipe offers an unexpected twist on traditional turkey by incorporating the rich and subtle flavors of champagne into both the meat and the accompanying sauce.
Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also elevates your holiday dinner to a new level of sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a staple for years to come. So raise a glass of sparkling wine and let’s dive into this mouthwatering Turkey in Champagne Sauce recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a special dish to take your dinner party or holiday meal to the next level? Look no further than this Turkey in Champagne Sauce Recipe!
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy rich and flavorful dishes that are also easy to prepare. The use of sparkling wine in the sauce adds a touch of elegance and flavor to your meal without requiring any complicated techniques or ingredients.
The juicy roast turkey basted in champagne is sure to impress even the most discerning guest, while the creamy champagne sauce brings everything together with its smooth and velvety texture. Plus, the recipe allows for substitutions and variations, so you can tailor it to your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re making Thanksgiving turkey or just want a special meal for a dinner party or celebration, this Turkey in Champagne Sauce Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your dinner experience. So go ahead and try it out – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious turkey in champagne sauce recipe:
- Turkey breast (2 1/2 – 3 1/2 lbs)
- Onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Champagne or sparkling wine (1 cup)
- Butter (1 tbsp)
- Half-and-half or heavy cream (3/4 cup)
- Parsley (1 tsp, chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the champagne sauce:
- Champagne or sparkling wine (1 cup)
- Chicken or turkey broth (1 cup)
- Butter (3 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredients list, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s how you can make the perfect Turkey in Champagne Sauce for your next meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey in a large oven-safe roasting pan or slow cooker, depending on which method you prefer. Brush the turkey with melted butter or salad oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Stuff the Turkey
If you want to stuff the turkey, now is the time to do so. Fill the cavity of the turkey with your favorite stuffing mixture, making sure to leave enough room for air to circulate. Close up the cavity using string or skewers.
Step 3: Pour in Champagne
Pour a cup of sparkling wine over the turkey breast and into the bottom of the pan around the turkey. This will keep it moist and add a lovely flavor to your dish.
Step 4: Roast or Slow Cook
If you’re roasting the turkey, place it in a roasting bag according to package directions and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the bird reads 165°F (75°C).
If you’re using a slow cooker, pour in another cup of champagne and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
Step 5: Make Sauce
To make Champagne Sauce, melt one tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add ½ cup of champagne and boil for approximately five minutes until reduced by half. Add ¾ cup half-and-half and return to boiling point. Reduce heat, add salt and pepper as needed and simmer for two minutes more.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, remove from heat, let the turkey rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving it. Drizzle the Champagne Sauce over the juicy roast turkey and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
There you have it! A perfect way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey or any special occasion dish. Whether you choose to roast or use a slow cooker, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or want to put a new spin on the recipe, here are some easy substitutions and variations.
– Champagne: If you don’t have champagne on hand, you can use any other sparkling wine or white wine. However, keep in mind that it might affect the flavor of the dish.
– Turkey: Feel free to use chicken or even mussels instead of turkey. If you’re making this recipe outside of the holiday season, chicken is a great alternative.
– Cream sauce: For a creamy champagne chicken or turkey recipe, swap out the half-and-half for heavy cream or creme fraiche.
– Turkey meatballs: If you prefer meatballs over a whole roast turkey, roll out small balls and cook them in the champagne sauce. They make great appetizers!
– Fajita turkey burgers: Looking for a more casual twist on this recipe? Add some minced onion and bell pepper to ground turkey, form into patties, and cook on a grill or skillet. Serve with champagne ketchup for an extra festive touch.
-Additional herbs: Feel free to add other garnishes like parsley to your sauce for added flavor
These substitutions and variations can help give new life to an old classic recipe. Experiment and have fun—just remember to stick to what flavors you enjoy most!
Serving and Pairing
There’s nothing quite like a glass of bubbly paired with a delicious roast turkey dish, making this turkey in champagne sauce recipe the perfect way to toast to any special occasion. The sparkling wine used in the sauce brings a tangy freshness that pairs well with the tender and juicy roast turkey.
When it comes to serving, I suggest pairing this dish with some creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a hearty and well-balanced meal. You can also add some greenery to your plate with a fresh salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette and sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to take things up a notch, try serving this turkey in champagne sauce alongside some chicken cordon bleu or creamy champagne chicken for a luxurious feast that your guests are sure to remember.
And don’t forget about wine pairing! Since the dish already has sparkling wine as an ingredient, why not continue the theme? A crisp and dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the flavors of the turkey and sauce beautifully.
Whatever you decide to pair it with, this turkey in champagne sauce is sure to be a showstopper of a dish that will impress even the most discerning of guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Turkey in Champagne Sauce recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner. Once cooked, the turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat the turkey and sauce, place them into a large saucepan or Dutch oven on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough and dry.
If you are planning to make this recipe ahead of time or need to transport it, I recommend storing the turkey and sauce separately. Once you’ve reheated the turkey and sauce, simply pour the champagne sauce over the turkey and garnish with parsley.
For those short on time, slow-cooker instructions are included in the recipe how-to section (4). The slow-cooker is a great option if you don’t have access to an oven or if you want to free up your oven space for other dishes.
Whether you make this recipe ahead of time or cook it fresh off the oven, just before serving, why not sprinkle some chopped parsley on top? This will make it look even better and add more freshness to our luxurious Turkey in Champagne Sauce!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your turkey in champagne sauce comes out beautifully, here are some tips to follow:
1. Use a meat thermometer
To make sure your turkey is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and make sure it reads 165°F for fully cooked turkey.
2. Baste regularly
Basting is the perfect way to keep your turkey juicy while cooking. Use a baster or a spoon to pour champagne sauce or cooking juices over the turkey every 20 minutes. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful.
3. Don’t overcook
Overcooked turkey can result in a dry and tough texture that no one wants to eat. Make sure you take the turkey out of the oven or slow cooker once it reaches 165°F and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender and succulent meat.
4. Let it marinate
Marinating your turkey overnight in the champagne sauce can really elevate its flavor. The acid in the champagne will help break down the fibers in the meat and infuse it with flavor.
5. Season well
Don’t be shy with seasoning your turkey! Add salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that complement your champagne sauce recipe for maximum flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving turkey that everyone will rave about for years to come!
FAQ
Now, for the frequently asked questions. As with any recipe, there may be some concerns or doubts that you might have about it. Don’t worry though; I got you covered. Read on for the most common questions and their answers regarding this Turkey in Champagne Sauce recipe!
What is champagne sauce made of?
For a delightful twist on your classic salmon dish, I recommend a creamy and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the fish’s natural flavors. To make the sauce, simply combine mayonnaise, sparkling wine, sour cream, mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, and whisk together until smooth. After heating the sauce in the microwave for about 20 seconds, stir in some freshly chopped chives. Pour the warm sauce over the oven-steamed salmon, and get ready to savor every bite of this mouthwatering dish.
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
As a sommelier, I’ve learned a trick from a chef friend of mine named Tommy when it comes to roasting a whole bird. The secret is in the timing – the legs should be cooked for longer than the breast. After the breast is fully cooked, the bird should be removed from the oven and the legs should be removed and cooked separately to prevent the breast from becoming dry.
What can you put in the cavity of a turkey for flavor?
Enhancing the flavor of a turkey is easily achievable by using simple ingredients like fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, as well as a half slice of lemon. For a bird that is full of flavor, it’s important to season the cavity with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Ensuring the turkey stays moist requires the essential step of brining.
What kind of sauce can I use with turkey?
As a sommelier, my role involves sharing intriguing and informative tales about a variety of wines, as well as recommending gastronomic delights that complement each one. In line with that, here are a few delectable sauces that will add a delightful twist to your meals – Herb Garlic Butter, Creamy Mustard Sauce, Best Turkey Gravy, Sage Butter Sauce, and Creamy Mushroom Sauce.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this turkey in champagne sauce recipe is the perfect way to add some sparkle and elegance to your dinner. The simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a juicy, flavorful roast with a rich and creamy sauce that is sure to impress your guests.
The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make variations and substitutions to suit your individual tastes. Whether you choose to make it in a slow cooker or roast it in the oven, adding some toast flowers or simply serving it with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy, you’ll love the results.
So the next time you’re looking for a special dish to serve for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion, consider this turkey in champagne sauce recipe. It’s sure to become a new family favorite that you’ll reach for again and again.
Turkey in Champagne Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salad oil
- 2 -2 1/2 turkey legs (thigh and drumstick)
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (you can cut down by using milk but not as good)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 lb mixed mushrooms, sliced (natural is best)
- 6 ounces champagne (dry)
- 1/3 cup minced parsley
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium high heat, in hot salad oil, cook turkey legs until well browned on all sides. Add water, onion, salt, and pepper. Heat until boiling. reduce heat to low and cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until turkey is fork tender.
- Remove turkey from skillet and cool slightly until easy to handle. Cut turkey meat into one inch pieces. Discard skin and bones.
- Meanwhile over high heat cook turkey broth in skillet until it reduces to about one and a half cups. In a small bowl with spoon, blend flour with 1/2 cup half-and-half, Gradually stir in remaining half-and-half.
- Cook stirring until cream sauce boils and is thickened.
- In another skillet over medium heat stir in butter and cook mushrooms until tender and gently stir into cream sauce with turkey meat and champagne and 1/4 cup parsley.
- Heat carefully until hot.
- To serve, spoon turkey mixture into dish if you like. Garnish with remaining parsley, serve with white rice or even mashed potatoes.