Turkey scallopini with cranberry brown butter is a dish that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance. Imagine tender turkey cutlets, perfectly seared, draped in a luscious, nutty brown butter sauce bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. Cranberry Chicken Salad The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delightful experience that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or an impressively fancy date night. For more inspiration, check out this Almond Crusted Chicken recipe.
I first discovered this gem during Thanksgiving dinner when we had a surplus of turkey and a craving for something different. Little did I know that this dish would become my go-to recipe for impressing guests while keeping my prep time to a minimum. Heavenly White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies With such vibrant flavors and textures, this turkey scallopini with cranberry brown butter is sure to become your new favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This turkey scallopini with cranberry brown butter offers simple preparation while delivering a gourmet experience
- Its flavor profile balances savory and sweet beautifully, engaging all your senses
- The visual appeal makes it a stunning centerpiece on any table, while its versatility means you can serve it year-round, not just during the holidays
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always garners rave reviews, and one time my cousin even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is quite the compliment in our family.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Turkey Cutlets: Look for thinly sliced turkey breast; they cook quickly and stay juicy when prepared properly.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
- Fresh Cranberries: Choose bright red cranberries; they should be firm and plump for maximum tartness.
- Shallots: These add a mild onion flavor; use finely chopped shallots for even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme elevates the dish; use whole sprigs for infusing or chopped leaves for more intensity.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce; bottled juice lacks the vibrant acidity of fresh.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors; adjust to taste before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to create something delicious! Follow these steps closely, and soon you’ll have Turkey Scallopini with Cranberry Brown Butter on your plate. Garlic and Butter Roasted Potatoes.
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure everything is prepped. Slice turkey cutlets if needed, chop shallots finely, and pick fresh thyme leaves off their stems.
Sear the Turkey Cutlets: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Add turkey cutlets seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
Create the Cranberry Sauce: Remove cooked turkey from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter along with shallots. Cook until translucent—around 2-3 minutes—releasing a sweet aroma throughout your kitchen.
Add Cranberries and Thyme: Toss in fresh cranberries along with thyme sprigs into the pan. Stir gently as they pop and sizzle—oh, that sound! Pour in lemon juice once cranberries soften slightly (about 5 minutes).
Finish with Brown Butter Bliss: Return turkey cutlets to skillet and spoon sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for another few minutes until heated through. This melds all those incredible flavors beautifully!
Serve immediately along with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies to soak up every bit of that heavenly sauce. Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole.
Now you’re ready to impress yourself—don’t forget to take a few pictures before devouring this culinary masterpiece! Enjoy every bite of your Turkey Scallopini with Cranberry Brown Butter as you relish in its deliciousness!
You Must Know
- Turkey scallopini with cranberry brown butter is a delightful dish that enhances your holiday dinners
- The sweet-tart cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors you won’t forget
- This dish is easy to prepare but impresses everyone at the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the turkey in a hot pan for a crispy exterior. While it cooks, prepare the cranberry brown butter sauce to ensure everything is perfectly timed and warm when served.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap turkey for chicken or add nuts like pecans for an extra crunch. Experimenting with spices can also elevate the flavor profile, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the turkey moist and the sauce flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat mallet to pound your turkey to an even thickness for consistent cooking
- Always let the meat rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and tender
- A splash of lemon juice in your cranberry sauce brightens up all the flavors beautifully
Sometimes I make this dish just to hear my friends rave about it; their delighted faces remind me why I love cooking!
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for cranberries?
Try using raspberry jam or other berry preserves if cranberries aren’t available.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great reheated throughout the week.
Turkey Scallopini with Cranberry Brown Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turkey Scallopini with Cranberry Brown Butter is a delightful dish that perfectly blends tender turkey cutlets with a rich, nutty brown butter sauce enhanced by the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries. This quick and elegant recipe is ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner any time of year. With a beautiful presentation and vibrant flavors, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: slice turkey cutlets if necessary, chop shallots, and pick thyme leaves off their stems.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Season turkey with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and chopped shallots. Sauté until translucent (2-3 minutes).
- Add cranberries and thyme to the pan; stir gently as cranberries begin to pop. Pour in lemon juice once they soften (about 5 minutes).
- Return turkey to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and let simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg



