Beer-Brined Stuffed Turkey Loin is an easy and delicious alternative to stuffing an entire turkey. It’s perfect for two or a small family celebration.
It’s November and our temperatures are in the 80’s.
Yet the Christmas decorations are popping up while the Halloween pumpkins are still hanging out. When did we get to the point where we have to move on to the next holiday before we finish celebrating the one that’s happening today? Sigh….
Anyway, I know it’s early and Halloween was about 5.487 minutes ago, but now it’s officially November. Thanksgiving is three weeks from tomorrow, so is anyone in the mood to talk turkey?
I held out and waited until the trick or treating is over, the costumes put away for next year, and the pumpkins are a distant memory before moving on and bringing you a beer-brined stuffed turkey loin. It’s easy, delicious, and fairly fast for people who aren’t in the mood to deal with a whole bird – maybe you’re a party of two or just want to have a stress-free Thanksgiving experience. If so, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve also got you covered for everything else you could possibly need for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Scroll down below the recipe for a whole list of amazing Thanksgiving dishes from appetizers to desserts that my friends Meghan from Cake ‘n Knife and Susannah from Feast & West put together for you!
Beer-Brined Stuffed Turkey Loin
Ingredients
- 2 lb turkey loin s
- 1 12 ounce can of beer
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups prepared stuffing or recipe below
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
For this Stuffing
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 - 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 1 bag of seasoned stuffing style bread crumbs
- 6 - 8 sage leaves cut into ribbons
Instructions
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Combine turkey loin(s) and beer in a zip top bag and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight, rotating periodically
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Preheat oven to 400
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Butterfly turkey loin and pound out flat to about 1/4 inch thick between two sheets of plastic wrap
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Generously salt and pepper turkey - what will be the inside
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Spread stuffing evenly on the turkey leaving a 1/2 inch boarder on all sides
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Tightly roll up the turkey using fingers to keep the stuffing inside while rolling
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Tie up with kitchen twine
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Generously salt and pepper all sides
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Sprinkle with poultry seasoning
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Transfer to a baking dish coated with cooking spray
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Bake about 40 - 45 minutes or until 160 degrees through the center of the roll - into the middle including the stuffing
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Remove from oven and let rest 15 - 20 minutes
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Slice and serve
For the Stuffing
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Melt butter on medium high heat
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Add onions and celery and cook until soft and fragrant - about 10 - 15 minutes
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Transfer the bread crumbs to a large bowl
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Pour butter mixture over the bread crumbs and toss to incorporate
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Slowly add chicken stock about 1/2 cup at a time and toss until desired texture is reached
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Mix in sage
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Bake at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes
NOTES:
- I recommend using a gose style ale, like Otra Vez from Sierra Nevada to brine the turkey loin because they tend to be salty, but a pale ale or a belgian will do just fine. I wouldn’t use anything to hoppy like an IPA.
- My turkey loin came in a package of 2, so I just stuffed them both
- If using the included stuffing recipe, keep in mind that you are going to bake it in the oven then bake it in the turkey loin, so you’ll want it a bit more wet than if you were going to serve it without baking. Baking the stuffing first isn’t necessary, but I personally prefer it that way.
Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy by Feast + West
glühwein/mulled wine by Tag&Tibby
White Chocolate Pumpkin Martini by The Culinary Compass
Apple Ginger Punch by The Little Epicurean
Cheesy brussels sprouts dip by Living Well Kitchen
Sun Dried Tomato & Goat Cheese Spread by Life’s Ambrosia
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts by Cake ‘n Knife
Roasted Butternut Squash Apple Ginger Soup by The Secret Ingredient Is
Brussels Sprout Salad with Farro and Walnuts by Sugar Dish Me
Sheet Pan Carrot Soup by Macheesmo
Kale + butternut squash mac and cheese by Family Food on the Table
Twice Baked Parmesan Butternut Squash by A Mind Full Mom
Twice The Onion Green Bean Casserole by Melanie Makes
Lightened Up Green Bean Casserole by Dash of Herbs
Easy Corn Casserole by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Cranberry Honey Butter by Little Dairy on the Prairie
Butternut Squash Lasagna by Hello Little Home
Beer-Brined Stuffed Turkey Loin by Beer Girl Cooks
Roasted Mushroom Pot Pie by The Cookie Writer
Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge by Around My Family Table
Carrot Cake by bell’alimento
Praline Pumpkin Upside Down Cake by The Speckled Palate
Roasted Banana Pecan Cheesecake by Lady Behind The Curtain
Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble Blondies by The Crumby Cupcake
Pecan Pie Crumble Bars by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Pecan Pie Milkshake by Brunch-n-Bites
I can’t believe that we are heading into Christmas mod already! It’s freakin’ unreal! Though, pretty exciting! We had our Thanksgiving in Canada in October, but I’m always in the mood for turkey. One of my faves! And this recipe is perfect for hubby and I; we don’t have to cook a big turkey to satisfy that craving. And stuffing? That’s my middle name, lol 😀 Pinning! Have a wonderful weekend! xo
Rachelle! Rachelle! Rachelle! I had to admit you had me at beer! but this is such a great idea of cooking turkey! So much flavors!!I am in!
I can’t with the skipping holidays thing, probaby why you and I get along so well! I am officially boycotting Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving. I never understood why people are in such a hurry to rush through life. Thumbs down to that. Anyways, a big two thumbs up to this beer-brined stuffed turkey loin, Rach!! I don’t futz with a whole turkey since it’s just Boy and I, so this is right up my alley. Especially with that beer brine!! Looooove! PINNED! Cheers, lovely! xoxo
Ugh yes! It seems like the holidays creep in earlier every year. I’m all for Christmas, but it would be nice to remember Thanksgiving! This turkey loin looks AMAZING, Rachelle! I love that you used a beer brine! So creative and looks SO good!
It’s never too early to start posting turkey recipes and talking about the holidays in general. I am in full holiday mode now and this looks like a great way to contribute to it 🙂
What a neat idea. Holiday recipes are always welcome, so guess they are never early. 😉 I am all up for Christmas, and Thanksgiving. I bet this stuffed turkey wouls be great for Thanksgiving, Rachelle! Love how pretty and delish this looks. Lovely share. 🙂
Woah! I am all about this one. I agree with you on the holiday decorations showing up earlier and earlier, though. But at least now we’re heading into the time of the year that it makes sense. You know what else makes sense? Beer brined turkey loins! I can’t believe I’ve never thought to use beer in a brine before. Love the idea!!
This looks wonderful. I’ve brined pork loins, but never with beer! So smart! Now I’m wondering about hard cider?
I was in Target yesterday and had a panic attack at all the Christmas stuff everywhere! I realize everything happens earlier in retail, but there wasn’t a speck of fall/Thanksgiving stuff left anywhere in the store! Crazy. Anywho, I LOVE this stuffed turkey and the fact that you brined it in beer!
Stores are always way too early on the seasons. This stuffed turkey loin looks amazing. I don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving for this…..I could make this one right now!
I have never thought of using a beer brine for a turkey Rachelle but boy does this sound delicious!! I guess it really will be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it. I feel like summer just ended!!
Yep, I’m in full holiday mode and this recipe is a perfect addition to all things holiday! I love your clever twist on turkey! And have I told you, lately, that I love that you’re infusing beer into all your cooking? THE BEST!
This is such an elegant dish to serve on Thanksgiving! Who needs a whole turkey when you can have this instead. I’ve never brined a loin before. Yum!
I never thought to add beer to my brine! What a fabulous idea! And I love the idea of doing a stuffed turkey loin for a smaller table! It’s just my husband and I this Thanksgiving so there’s certainly no need for a full turkey! This is just perfect!
I’m so excited about the coming holidays! This dish looks amazing! So delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
There are Xmas decorations all over the place up here. I love Xmas and can’t wait until I can get a tree and decorate the house. Love this recipe! Really like the idea of using turkey loins instead of a whole turkey. Yummy!