Turkey, Brie & Cranberry Garlic Bread - Day 24

Turkey, brie and cranberry is a classic combination, particularly enjoyed during the festive season. This recipe for Turkey, Brie and Cranberry Stuffed Garlic Bread adds a delightful twist by wrapping them in a warm, garlicky loaf. It’s an ideal choice for a comforting meal or a delightful party snack, combining the richness of brie with the tartness of cranberries, all nestled within the warmth of freshly baked garlic bread. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this stuffed garlic bread is sure to become a new favourite.

To make this delicious stuffed garlic bread, you'll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• A medium-sized baguette or a similar type of bread, or if short on time use a ready made garlic bread
• 250g cooked turkey slices
• 150g brie cheese, sliced
• 100g cranberry sauce
• 75g unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Suggestions for ingredient substitutions:

• If you don't have turkey, cooked chicken or ham would work well as substitutes.
• For a vegetarian version, consider using roasted vegetables like aubergine and courgette.
• Camembert can be used instead of brie if desired.
• For a tangier flavour, try cranberry jam instead of sauce.

Before starting with the main assembly, it’s crucial to have your ingredients ready.

First, take the cooked turkey slices and ensure they are thin enough for easy layering. If your turkey is freshly cooked, let it cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape. For the brie, cut it into thin wedges to help it melt smoothly during baking.

Next, address the cranberry sauce. If it seems too thick, mix it with a teaspoon of water or orange juice. This will make spreading easier and will ensure even distribution throughout the bread.

Gather all your components before you begin assembling the bread. This will streamline the process and help you maintain a consistent workflow.

Method

1. Melt the unsalted butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
2. As you’re doing this, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. Take the baguette and, using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; the bread should open like a book.
4. With your garlic butter ready, brush the inside of the baguette generously. Make sure to cover all areas to infuse the bread with a strong garlic flavour.

Having everything prepared will make the assembly quick and efficient, setting you up for a successful bake.

For an extra touch of flavour, you can sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the buttered bread. If you like, you can also add a bit of chopped fresh parsley at this stage. The parsley not only adds a pop of colour but also complements the garlic beautifully.

By thoroughly preparing your bread base and infusing it with garlic butter, you set the stage for a truly delicious stuffed garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness will perfectly complement the rich turkey, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry fillings, resulting in a dish that’s sure to impress.

5. Now it’s time to fill your garlic bread with the delicious layers. Begin by layering the turkey slices evenly across the base of the bread. Make sure each slice overlaps slightly to cover the entire surface. Next, arrange the brie slices on top of the turkey. Distribute them evenly so that every bite contains a bit of creamy cheese. Finally, spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie, spreading it out with the back of the spoon to ensure an even layer.
6. Once the fillings are in place, gently press the top half of the baguette down to secure them. This step helps to keep everything in place while baking and ensures that the flavours meld together nicely. Or create a small boat out of foil for your festive baguettes to sit in during the cooking process.

7. Once the bread is assembled, the next step is baking it to achieve a warm, melty centre and a slightly crispy crust. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if you haven't done so already. Place the foil-wrapped baguette on a baking tray to catch any potential drips.
8. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the bread after 20 minutes to see if the cheese is fully melted and gooey. The exterior should be warm and beginning to crisp up. If necessary, give it an extra few minutes in the oven, but be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.
9. Once you’re confident the bread is ready, carefully remove it from the oven. Use oven gloves to protect your hands, as the bread will be very hot. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

10. Serve immediately for the best experience, while the cheese is still molten and the garlic butter is fragrant. If you plan to serve it later, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving to revive its warmth and texture.

Presenting this Turkey, Brie and Cranberry Stuffed Garlic Bread beautifully is part of the joy of serving it. Once you’ve carefully removed the bread from the oven and unwrapped the foil, slice it into generous portions using a serrated knife. This ensures each slice has a hearty amount of filling without squashing the bread. For an appealing presentation, arrange the slices on a serving platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Pairing this rich dish with the right accompaniments can enhance the overall dining experience. A fresh green salad, lightly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy stuffed bread. For beverages, a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling cider complements the flavours wonderfully, cutting through the richness and adding a festive touch.

If you prefer a heartier side, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots can be a great addition. Their earthy flavours will balance the sweetness of the cranberry and the creaminess of the brie. For a slightly indulgent touch, serve the bread with a side of cranberry relish or a dollop of tangy chutney to add an extra layer of flavour.

Whether as a main course or a shared appetiser, this stuffed garlic bread is versatile and sure to impress.

This recipe brings together the comforting taste of garlic bread with the festive combination of turkey, brie, and cranberry. It's an inviting dish that suits both casual meals and special occasions, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavours. The garlic butter enhances the bread's warmth, while the creamy brie and tart cranberry create a harmonious balance. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this stuffed garlic bread can become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Give it a go and enjoy a dish that's both festive and flavourful, perfect for any time you crave something special yet comforting. Happy cooking!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy & Health New Year. A few shout outs I would like to make before I sign off till the new year...

My Mother - For all her amazing recipes and support throughout the years and for my passion of cooking and all things food.

My Father - For being a supportive voice and volunteering to try all my failed recipes. I know it's a tough job.

My Sister - For all her help when coming up with new recipe ideas and her input on how to improve and or tweak them.

My Amazing Boyfriend - Without him this blog wouldn't of happened. His endless help and knowledge in all things tech and for creating this platform for me. For his constant support and willingness to try all recipes I will never be able to thank you enough.

To You - My amazing audience who without your support and continued reading of my blog. Giving me the drive to continue to make and upload recipes. Without your support this blog wouldn't be where it is today.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*