This Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington is a show-stopping holiday main course that combines tender turkey breast with a savory hazelnut stuffing and tart cranberries, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. The result is a crispy, golden crust and a juicy, flavorful turkey that looks as impressive as it tastes. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special family dinners, this easy turkey Wellington recipe brings gourmet flavor to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Turkey Wellington Recipe because it’s elegant, festive, and surprisingly easy to make. The flaky puff pastry pairs beautifully with the nutty hazelnut stuffing and sweet-tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington delivers impressive presentation and unforgettable taste without the stress of a traditional roast.

Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington

There’s something truly magical about serving a Wellington during the holidays. The golden, crisp pastry, the rich aroma of roasted turkey, and the festive filling all come together to create a centerpiece that feels special and indulgent. This Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington takes a timeless concept — the classic Beef Wellington — and gives it a seasonal twist perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The combination of tender turkey breast wrapped in flaky puff pastry feels luxurious, yet approachable. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it look stunning. The layers of flavor — buttery pastry, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberries — make every slice irresistible.

What sets this recipe apart is the texture and contrast. Inside, the turkey remains juicy and flavorful, surrounded by a layer of hazelnut stuffing that’s nutty, aromatic, and slightly crunchy. The cranberries add brightness, cutting through the richness of the pastry and butter for a perfectly balanced bite.

The preparation is also simpler than it looks. With store-bought puff pastry and just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy main course in under an hour. It’s one of those recipes that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen — but your secret’s safe.

Beyond its flavor, this Turkey Wellington makes a stunning presentation. The golden crust catches the light, the cranberry flecks peek through each slice, and the aroma fills the kitchen with holiday warmth. It’s a dish that invites oohs and ahhs before the first bite is even taken.

If you’re looking for a holiday turkey recipe that breaks from tradition, this is it. It’s less time-consuming than a full roast turkey but just as impressive. Plus, it pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides — from mashed potatoes and green beans to stuffing and gravy.

The hazelnut stuffing is what gives this Wellington a unique, gourmet touch. The nuts toast up beautifully in butter with onion, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich, earthy flavor that complements the mild turkey perfectly. The cranberries add a pop of sweetness and color that feels distinctly festive.

Every step of this recipe adds to the final experience — from sautéing the aromatics to wrapping the turkey snugly in pastry. When it emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant, it’s a proud moment. Slice it open, and you’ll see layers of flavor: juicy turkey, crumbly hazelnut stuffing, and jewel-like cranberries.

It’s also a recipe that’s flexible and forgiving. You can assemble the Wellington ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. That makes it a perfect choice for busy holiday cooking schedules when you want something special without last-minute stress.

Most importantly, this Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington captures the essence of what makes holiday cooking special — comforting, flavorful, and made to share. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, celebrating the season with warmth, joy, and delicious food straight from the heart.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sheets (12×12 inches) frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 1½–2 lbs uncooked turkey breast

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup chopped onion

• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts

• 2 cups dry bread crumbs

• 2–3 tbsp turkey or chicken stock

• 1½ tbsp chopped fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 egg + 2 tbsp water, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. Add hazelnuts and bread crumbs, stirring until lightly toasted.

4. Pour in stock and thyme; season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

5. Flatten turkey breast slightly and season both sides.

6. Spread the hazelnut mixture evenly over the turkey and sprinkle cranberries on top.

7. Roll the turkey tightly and wrap it in puff pastry, sealing the edges with egg wash.

8. Brush the top with more egg wash for shine.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. Rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Tips

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.

• Substitute hazelnuts: Use pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a twist.

• Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage pairs beautifully with the turkey.

• Presentation tip: Score the pastry gently for a decorative finish.

• Serve with: Cranberry sauce or gravy for an extra festive touch.