If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold, comforting flavors with a touch of festive flair, this Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy turkey breast enveloped in crispy bacon forms the perfect centerpiece, while spicy chorizo and tart cranberries bring depth and brightness. The little potatoes roast to golden perfection, soaking up all those lovely drippings and cream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This recipe balances savory, sweet, and smoky elements beautifully, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the vibrant combination of ingredients; each one is simple yet essential to crafting the rich layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable. Together, they create a colorful, hearty plate that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Boneless turkey breast: Choose a skinless, boneless breast to ensure even cooking and easy wrapping with bacon.
- Bacon slices: Use enough to wrap the turkey breast completely, adding a smoky crispness.
- Pepper and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural turkey flavor without overpowering it.
- Little potatoes: Halved for quicker roasting and a tender, crispy bite.
- Spanish chorizo sausage: Diced to infuse the dish with a smoky, spicy depth.
- Fresh cranberries: Provide a burst of tartness that contrasts the rich meats.
- Italian seasoning and fresh thyme: Herbs that add fragrant, earthy notes throughout the dish.
- Heavy or whipping cream: Poured over the potatoes at the end to create a luscious, thickened sauce.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the middle. This ensures even heat distribution so your turkey cooks beautifully without drying out. Starting with the right temperature sets the tone for everything that follows.
Step 2: Season and Wrap the Turkey Breast
Lightly season your boneless turkey breast with pepper and garlic powder—these subtle spices complement the bacon and chorizo perfectly. Wrap the turkey with bacon slices, making sure it’s fully covered, then secure the bacon with toothpicks placed on the bottom to keep things neat while cooking. This bacon blanket locks in juices and infuses the bird with irresistible smokiness.
Step 3: Add Potatoes, Chorizo, and Cranberries
Arrange your halved little potatoes, diced chorizo, and fresh cranberries around the bacon-wrapped turkey in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle everything evenly with Italian seasoning and pull thyme leaves from the sprigs to scatter on top. If you’re feeling extra herbaceous, toss in a few whole thyme sprigs. This mix will roast together, allowing each ingredient to enhance the others’ flavors in a harmonious medley.
Step 4: Roast and Stir the Potatoes
Place the roasting pan in your preheated oven uncovered. Let it roast for 30 minutes before carefully stirring the potatoes and the accompanying ingredients around the turkey, being cautious not to disturb the bacon wrapping. Return everything to the oven for an additional 30 minutes or until the turkey’s internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, confirming it’s perfectly cooked through and juicy inside.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Crisp the Bacon
After the turkey is cooked, crank your oven heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the pan and pour the heavy cream over the potatoes—not the turkey—and stir gently to coat. This final 10-minute roast crisps the bacon even more and lets the cream thicken into a decadent sauce pooling among the potatoes and chorizo, giving you a luxurious finish to your dish.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove all toothpicks from the turkey and slice it into generous, juicy portions. Serve alongside the creamy, flavorful potatoes, chorizo, and cranberries for a stunning plate that’s bursting with comforting, layered tastes. This final presentation showcases the beautiful contrast of textures and colors that makes the Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe so beloved.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley bring a fresh pop of green and aromatic brightness on the plate. Adding a few extra cranberries alongside can add that inviting splash of color that hints at the tart notes inside.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich entree with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to lighten the meal. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the hearty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, carve the turkey into smaller medallions and arrange it artfully on a large platter surrounded by the potatoes and chorizo mixture. Drizzle some of the creamy sauce over everything and serve family-style to invite everyone to dig in and enjoy the festive feast together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover turkey breast and accompaniments should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3 to 4 days for best quality. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches or cozy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, freeze the turkey and potatoes individually wrapped so you can defrost portions as needed. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to maintain moisture and avoid overcooking the turkey or potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Smoked bacon will add an even deeper smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chorizo and turkey, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Is it necessary to use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries provide the ideal tart bite and bright color, but if unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries or substitute with dried cranberries soaked briefly in hot water to rehydrate.
Can this recipe be made with a turkey tenderloin instead?
Yes, turkey tenderloin is a leaner alternative and may cook faster, so keep an eye on internal temperature to avoid overcooking, but the wrapping and overall technique remain the same.
What type of potatoes work best?
Little potatoes—whether red, yellow, or baby Yukon gold—are best because they roast evenly and soak up the flavors without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can season and wrap the turkey breast a day ahead, then store it covered in the fridge. Just add the potatoes, chorizo, and cranberries right before roasting for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy comfort and impressive flavors of the Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe to bring friends and family together around the table. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together with straightforward ingredients and steps, making it a perfect go-to for celebrations or any time you want to elevate your meal. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of crunchy bacon, tender turkey, and delicious sides all in one plate!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Chorizo, Cranberries, and Little Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent boneless turkey breast wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted alongside Spanish chorizo, fresh cranberries, and tender little potatoes. Finished with a splash of creamy sauce and aromatic thyme, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal for a comforting and elegant meal for four.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 boneless skinless turkey breast
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 10 slices of bacon (or enough to wrap the turkey breast)
Vegetables and Extras
- 1.5 pounds little potatoes, halved
- 5 ounces Spanish chorizo sausage, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves separated plus extra sprigs if desired
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the turkey breast: Lightly season the boneless turkey breast with pepper and garlic powder. Carefully wrap the breast with bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks, preferably placing all toothpicks on the bottom side to keep it neat. Place the wrapped turkey centrally in a large roasting pan.
- Add potatoes, chorizo, and cranberries: Arrange the halved little potatoes, diced Spanish chorizo, and fresh cranberries around the turkey in the roasting pan. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and thyme leaves over the mixture, and optionally add a few whole thyme sprigs for added aroma.
- Roast the turkey and sides: Place the roasting pan in the oven uncovered and roast for 30 minutes. After this, carefully stir the potatoes and chorizo to ensure even cooking, avoiding contact with the turkey. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 30 minutes or until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey reads 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with cream and higher heat: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Remove the pan from the oven and pour the heavy cream over the potatoes and other vegetables (avoid pouring cream over the turkey). Stir gently to coat evenly, then return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to allow the bacon to crisp up further and the cream to thicken into a luscious sauce.
- Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the pan and discard the toothpicks. Slice the turkey and serve it alongside the roasted potatoes, chorizo, and cranberries. Pair with additional side dishes as desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness to avoid overcooking the turkey.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon based on the size of your turkey breast for full coverage.
- For a slightly tangier sauce, add a small splash of white wine to the cream before pouring it over the potatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain moisture.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
