Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus & Brioche Stuffing to pair with Sparkling White

Create an unforgettable Christmas feast with this Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus and Brioche Stuffing. Infused with aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and a buttery brioche stuffing, this recipe brings a perfect balance of flavours to your holiday table. Paired with a sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, this dish becomes even more special, as the wine’s bright citrus and delicate almond notes complement the turkey’s herb butter and brioche stuffing. It’s a true celebration of flavours—perfect for a grand Christmas gathering.

Recipe: Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus and Brioche Stuffing

This recipe combines a juicy roasted turkey with a richly flavoured brioche stuffing, packed with festive ingredients like cranberries, apples, and fresh herbs. Together, they create a stunning centrepiece for any holiday table.

Servings

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (5–6 kg), thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Stuffing:

• 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes and lightly toasted
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 apples, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 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
• Orange and lemon slices

Instructions

Prepare the Herb Butter:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with olive oil, lemon and orange zest, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Prep the Turkey:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the Turkey: 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, being careful not to tear the skin.
3. Apply Herb Butter: Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin and the remaining half over the outside of the turkey, massaging it all over for even coverage. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Stuffing:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and celery until softened.
2. Add the apples, dried cranberries, pecans, parsley, thyme, and sage. Stir for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted brioche cubes with the sautéed mixture. Gradually pour in the stock, tossing until the bread is lightly moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff the Turkey: Stuff the turkey cavity loosely with the brioche mixture. Alternatively, bake the stuffing separately in a buttered casserole dish for 30–35 minutes.

Roast the Turkey:

1. Prepare for Roasting: Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
2. Roast: 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 to keep it moist and golden brown. If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Serve and Garnish:

1. Rest the Turkey: Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to retain its juiciness.
2. Garnish and Serve: Arrange the turkey on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs and slices of lemon and orange for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey

• Don’t Skip the Herb Butter Under the Skin: This step ensures the meat is infused with all the flavours of the herbs and citrus.
• Baste Regularly: Basting every 30 minutes keeps the skin crispy while maintaining moisture.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the thigh reaches 75°C for safe cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus and Brioche Stuffing pairs beautifully with festive side dishes, such as:

• Roasted root vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and potatoes adds colour and earthy flavour.
• Cranberry sauce: Complements the tartness of the cranberries in the stuffing.
• Green beans with almonds: Adds a light, crisp contrast to the hearty turkey.

Arrange the carved turkey and stuffing on a large platter, and garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs and slices of lemon and orange for a beautiful holiday presentation.

Pairing with Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir

For the perfect pairing, serve this turkey with Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir. The wine’s vibrant citrus and stone fruit notes harmonize with the herb butter’s zesty lemon and orange, while its delicate almond and brioche aromas match the richness of the brioche stuffing. The wine’s light bubbles add freshness, balancing the dish’s depth and creating a truly festive dining experience.

Impress your holiday guests with this Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus and Brioche Stuffing. Paired with a sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, this meal is a showstopper that will make your Christmas gathering one to remember.