Turkey Bread Recipe
Turkey bread is a delightful fusion of savory turkey filling encased in soft, pillowy bread. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings, holidays, or just a comforting meal at home. Here’s how to create this delicious treat from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and the beaten egg. Pour this mixture into the well of dry ingredients.
- Knead the Dough: Add the activated yeast to the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Let it Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Turkey Filling:
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to the turkey mixture. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well-combined and slightly thickened.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove the skillet from heat. If you’re using cheese, stir it into the mixture now. Let the filling cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Turkey Bread:
- Roll out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add the Filling: Spread the turkey filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Shape: Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges to seal. You can leave it as a log or shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together.
- Final Rise: Place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Turkey Bread:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg Wash: Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash, giving it a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Bake the turkey bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey bread is versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. For a festive touch, you can serve it with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy.
Tips and Variations
- Add-ins: You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra indulgent twist, add more cheese to the filling or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
Turkey bread is a comforting dish that combines the best of a savory filling with the softness of freshly baked bread. Enjoy this dish with loved ones, and feel free to get creative with the filling to make it your own!