Turkey A La John
Turkey A La John features tender turkey slices in a rich, creamy white sauce with spinach, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan.
- Add flour and blend over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring not to brown.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the onion and bay leaf.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add white wine or vermouth, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Remove the onion and bay leaf from the sauce.
- Combine the chopped spinach with two-thirds of the white sauce.
- Spread the spinach mixture in a greased 10 x 14 inch baking dish.
- Layer slices of turkey breast on top of the spinach mixture.
- Pour the remaining white sauce over the turkey slices and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken or turkey stock instead of milk. You can substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth if preferred. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked turkey to speed up the layering process. Be cautious with the Tabasco sauce; start with a drop and adjust according to your spice preference. For added depth, sauté the onion until translucent before adding it to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey A La John with a side of fluffy rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a light white wine, enhancing the flavors of the dish. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside buttery garlic bread. This dish can be a standout at a dinner party or as a cozy family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated to your liking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey A La John contains roughly 359 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the white sauce and layer the dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, consider using Pecorino Romano for a similar nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy taste without the dairy. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe since some substitutes can be saltier than Parmesan.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas with the spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure any additional vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).