An Irresistible Recipe for Turkey Puffs with a Tangy Twist
Get ready to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving spread this year! I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce. Oh, how I can already feel the crispy puff pastry melting in my mouth, while the juicy and tender turkey puffs take center stage with the perfect dose of cranberry cabernet sauce. Trust me. It’s a pairing you don’t want to miss.
And what’s better than spending hours cooking for your guests? This recipe is easy and will come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. With readily available ingredients and an approachable method, everyone is bound to be impressed. Simply whip up the delicious filling using leftover turkey, stuffing, and some finely sliced mushrooms and onions. While the filling is baking in the oven, effortlessly stir together a tangy cranberry cabernet sauce using red wine and chicken broth with jellied cranberry sauce.
Think about all the holiday conversations that will be happening around your table while you serve up these delicious Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce. Their opinions might differ on whether or not the pumpkin pie should be topped with whipped cream or not, but everyone will unanimously agree on this new addition to your thanksgiving recipes – A true crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a new recipe to try that is both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than these Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce. This dish is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with tender chunks of turkey, rich cream cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the homemade Cranberry Cabernet sauce. Made with jellied cranberry sauce and dry red wine, it’s the perfect complement to the turkey and gives the dish an elegant touch.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or you can use fresh turkey if you prefer. Plus, if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can easily substitute dried tarragon for a similar flavor.
Overall, these Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce are an easy and impressive dish that you can serve for any occasion. Your guests will be impressed by the delicious flavors and beautiful presentation, and you’ll love how simple it is to make. So give this recipe a try and see why it’s quickly becoming a favorite among home cooks everywhere!
Ingredient List
- 1 cup thinly sliced leftover turkey
- 2 eggs
- 4 oz chive & onion cream cheese
- 1/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dried wild mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon (or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Ingredients for Cranberry Cabernet Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- Juice of half an orange
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon (or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon)
The Recipe How-To
Before everything, I preheat my oven to 400°F.
Sauté Onion and Mushrooms
In a skillet over medium heat, I sauté half a thinly-sliced onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until it has softened. Then I add 1 cup of thinly sliced wild mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they have browned.
Add Broth and Wine
In the same skillet, I add 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of dry red wine to create a flavorful base for the cranberry cabernet sauce. I let it simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
Add Jellied Cranberry Sauce, Tarragon, Salt and Pepper
Once the sauce base is ready, I stir in 1 cup of jellied cranberry sauce and continue stirring until it has melted. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of fresh minced tarragon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make Turkey Puffs
For the turkey puffs, I roll out the frozen puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 squares. Then, using a spoon or cookie scoop, I add some leftover turkey, stuffing or turkey cranberry. To seal the puff pastry square, I brush the edges with egg wash before they are baked in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until they have turned golden brown.
Ready to Serve
After taking out the puffs from the oven, now it’s time to drizzle them generously with cranberry cabernet sauce before serving. The sauce can also be stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this delicious turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce recipe for Thanksgiving dinner or any time you’re craving something savory and sweet!
Substitutions and Variations
If you are looking to switch things up a bit with this recipe, there is plenty of room to play around with substitutions and variations. Here are some suggestions:
– Puff Pastry Alternatives: While the frozen puff pastry certainly makes this recipe quick and easy, you could also make your own puff pastry from scratch or use phyllo dough instead.
– Different Meats: This recipe calls for leftover turkey, but you could easily substitute shredded chicken or diced ham instead. You could even try it with ground beef or sausage for a heartier option.
– Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply skip the meat and add more veggies (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers) instead.
– Different Cheeses: While chive & onion cream cheese adds a nice flavor here, you could also try using regular cream cheese, brie, or even goat cheese.
– Cranberry Sauce Variations: Jellied cranberry sauce works well in this recipe, but you could also try using homemade cranberry sauce or even a different fruit sauce altogether (such as blueberry).
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
My turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce are the perfect party appetizer, and can be served as a fantastic entrée too. The savory taste of the turkey inside the crispy puff is elevated by the tangy cranberry cabernet sauce, making this dish truly unforgettable.
For pairing, I would recommend serving this delectable treat with a glass of dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. The robust flavors of these wines add depth to the dish and complement the sweetness of the jellied cranberry sauce.
This recipe can also work with white wine, but avoid anything too sweet, as it can overpower the flavors. A light bodied Chardonnay could be a great option to pair with this dish for those who prefer white wine.
In addition, I suggest serving this dish alongside some roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots. These earthy vegetables compliment the turkey puffs well and add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your meal.
Overall, my turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce is a perfect match for any type of occasion, whether it’s on Thanksgiving or just for a fancy dinner party. So pour yourself a glass of wine and prepare to indulge in a delicious combination of flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing the turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce recipe is a delightful way to spend your time in the kitchen, but when you have guests coming over, it is better to do as much preparation as possible ahead of time. This recipe can be made partially or entirely ahead of time without compromising on taste. Here are a few guidelines on how you can make-ahead, store and reheat the dish.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare almost all ingredients for the recipe ahead of time except the puff pastry. Cook the turkey and mushroom filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also store cooked cranberry cabernet sauce separately in an airtight container for up to five days.
Storing: If you have leftover turkey puffs, you shouldn’t leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours. Instead, place them in an airtight container in your refrigerator and consume them within three days. The cranberry cabernet sauce can be stored separately from the puffs and kept refrigerated for up to five days.
Reheating: To reheat the dish, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the turkey puffs from their airtight container and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave, but they won’t come out as crispy as they were.
These make-ahead tips will help reduce your stress levels as well as ensure that your guests get hot and delicious Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce even if they arrive later than scheduled.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some tips that will assist you in getting the most out of your recipe.
1. Familiarize yourself with the recipe ingredients: Take some time to study the ingredients and learn what they do. This will help you to make informed decisions about substitutions.
2. Use high-quality ingredients: When it comes to puff pastry, choose a brand that uses real butter rather than vegetable shortening. Use fresh herbs when possible for better flavor.
3. Sauté mushrooms and onions well: Sautéing mushrooms and onions until tender and caramelized will bring out their deep flavors in the filling.
4. Brush egg wash on puff pastry: Be sure to brush the egg wash on top of the puff pastry before baking it off. This will give them an even golden color and make them look more appetizing.
5. Monitor cooking times closely: Make sure you’re keeping an eye on how long each step in the process takes so nothing burns or overcooks.
6. Don’t over-stuff the puffs: Be mindful not to overfill the puffs with too much turkey stuffing and cranberry sauce mixture as this can lead to soggy puffs.
7. Perfect the cranberry cabernet sauce consistency: After you’ve made the cranberry cabernet sauce, taste it for consistency and adjust if necessary by adding chicken broth or wine.
8. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce for dipping! A generous serving of warm cranberry cabernet sauce served alongside each crispy turkey puff is an irresistible combination.
These simple tips can help take your turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce to new heights of flavor and presentation. Enjoy impressing your guests with this festive dish this holiday season!
FAQ
As any recipe can raise questions, here are some frequently asked questions regarding the preparation for the delicious turkey puffs with cranberry cabernet sauce.
Is cranberry sauce good on turkey?
When it comes to pairing meats with sauces, cranberry sauce is a versatile option that complements a range of meats such as turkey, pork, chicken, and ham. Interestingly, cranberry sauce is a popular accompaniment with turkey during the festive season in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. However, this sauce is not typically consumed with other types of meats outside of these celebrations.
Where did cranberry sauce with turkey come from?
Cranberry sauce has been a staple of the American Thanksgiving meal since the 1860s, when General Ulysses S. Grant deemed it an essential component of the soldiers’ Thanksgiving feast. Therefore, it is possible that this year’s Thanksgiving dinner will feature the time-honored cranberry dish.
How to serve cranberry sauce?
Enhance the presentation of canned cranberry sauce by cutting it into circular shapes and displaying them on a dish. Elevate the dish further by embellishing it with a topping such as candied ginger or rosemary coated in sugar. To transform the canned sauce into an exciting creation, try cooking it with freshly squeezed orange juice and grated zest for a tangy and zesty twist on a classic holiday staple.
Do you eat cranberry sauce by itself?
Serving cranberry sauce, either in its whole berry or jellied form, directly from the can is an acceptable option.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to serve leftover turkey or want a standout Thanksgiving appetizer, these Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce are the answer. The buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with savory turkey stuffing and topped with a sweet-tart cranberry cabernet sauce is a flavor combination that will have your taste buds singing.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make with easily accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. You can even customize the recipe by adding your own substitutions or variations to make it your own.
Finally, the distinct flavors of this dish pair perfectly with a glass of dry red wine or cabernet sauvignon. So, don’t forget to pour yourself a glass and savor the moment while enjoying these delectable bites.
In conclusion, next time you have some leftover turkey or special occasions like Thanksgiving, consider making this Turkey Puffs with Cranberry Cabernet Sauce recipe to impress your guests with its rich flavor and decadent presentation. Believe me; it won’t disappoint!
Turkey Puffs With Cranberry Cabernet Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
PUFFS
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup dried wild mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (17 1/3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces thinly sliced cooked turkey
- 1/2 cup spreadable chive & onion cream cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
SAUCE
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup dry red wine or 1 cup additional chicken broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine broth and mushrooms; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; let stand for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are softened. Using a slotted spoon, remove mushrooms; coarsely chop. Strain remaining broth through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside mushrooms and broth.
- In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Add the tarragon, salt, pepper and reserved mushrooms and broth. Bring to a boil; cook over medium heat until liquid is evaporated.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry. Roll each sheet into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle; cut each into 2 pieces. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Spoon mushroom mixture onto each pastry; top with turkey and cream cheese.
- Lightly brush pastry edges with water. Bring long sides over filling, pinching seams and ends to seal. Turn pastries seam side down. Cut small slits into pastry. Brush tops with egg. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the broth, wine and vinegar. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir in cranberry sauce until melted. Serve with pastries.