Best Turkey Roll Recipe: Easy Stuffed Turkey Breast

• While the exact origins of the turkey roll are unclear, it is likely an evolution of classic European roulades — meat dishes rolled around savory fillings. In France, a “roulade” refers to a rolled meat, often stuffed with herbs, cheese, or vegetables. As turkeys became popular in North America, particularly around Thanksgiving, cooks began experimenting with rolled preparations as an easier, boneless alternative to roasting a whole bird.
• Turkey roll rose to popularity due to its convenience, elegance, and the ability to infuse a variety of flavors into the meat through Stuffing and seasoning. Today, it’s considered a practical and refined main course for any special occasion.

Benefits of Making a Turkey Roll

Boneless and Easy to Serve: Slices beautifully for portion control and presentation.

1. Customizable Flavors: Select your Stuffing according to the season or your dietary preferences.
2. Cooks Faster Than Whole Turkey: Ideal for small gatherings or weeknight meals.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and reheat easily.
4. Less Waste: No carcass or bones to deal with.

Key Ingredients for Turkey Roll

To make a classic turkey roll, you’ll need:

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole boneless turkey breast or deboned thigh (3-5 lbs)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Garlic (optional)

For the Stuffing (basic version):

• 2 cups breadcrumbs or cubed day-old bread
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• Dried cranberries or diced apples (optional for sweetness)
• Cooked sausage, mushrooms, or nuts (optional for depth)

Step 1: Butterfly and Flatten the Turkey

1. Lay the turkey breast flat on a cutting board.
2. Use a sharp knife to butterfly it open, creating an even thickness.
3. Place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet to about ¾-inch thickness.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Sauté the onion and celery in butter until they are soft.
2. Add breadcrumbs and broth; mix until the mixture is moistened but not soggy.
3. Stir in additional ingredients, such as cranberries, sausage, or herbs.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like nutmeg or sage, as desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll

1. Spread the stuffing evenly over the flattened turkey.
2. Starting at one end, roll the turkey tightly into a log.
3. Secure with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals, or use toothpicks for a more secure hold.

Step 4: Season the Exterior

1. Rub the outside with olive oil or melted butter.
2. Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey Roll

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Place the roll on a baking rack in a roasting pan.
2. Roast for 60–90 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Baste occasionally with pan juices.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

1. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
2. Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut into medallions.

Flavor Variations to Try

1. Italian-Style Turkey Roll:

   Stuff with sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and provolone cheese. Season with Italian herbs like oregano and basil.

2. Cranberry Walnut Holiday Roll:

   Add dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a touch of maple syrup to the stuffing. Serve with a cranberry glaze or compote.

3. Mediterranean Turkey Roll:

   Fill with feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with lemon olive oil before serving.

4. Southwestern Turkey Roll:

   Use cornbread stuffing with jalapeños, black beans, and cumin for a unique twist. Serve with chipotle cream sauce or salsa verde.

5. Keto-Friendly Turkey Roll:

   Ditch the breadcrumbs and stuff with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and spinach.Serve with a creamy cauliflower mash.

1. Even Thickness is Key: Pound meat to ensure even cooking and easier rolling.
2. Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can cause the roll to fall apart.
3. Secure Well: Use kitchen twine to keep everything tight and intact during roasting.
4. Use a meat thermometer to avoid over- or undercooking.
5. Let it Rest: This helps juices redistribute for a moist, tender bite.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey roll pairs beautifully with classic sides or modern twists. Here are some suggestions:

Classic Sides:

1. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
2. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
3. Cranberry sauce
4. Turkey gravy

Modern Sides:

• Butternut squash risotto
• Herbed wild rice pilaf
• Arugula salad with pomegranate and goat cheese
• Roasted cauliflower with tahini drizzle

Make-Ahead and Storage

1. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the turkey roll a day in advance and refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic. Bring to room temperature before roasting.
2. Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap (uncooked or cooked) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
3. Leftovers: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Leftover slices make excellent sandwiches, wraps, or protein bowls.

Turkey Roll for the Holidays

• If you’re short on oven space during the holidays or hosting a smaller gathering, a turkey roll is an ideal alternative. It still delivers all the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving without the hassle of a whole bird. Plus, it allows you to experiment with more exciting stuffings or serve multiple flavor variations to please different palates.
• Want to get fancy? Brush your roll with a glaze — such as apricot mustard, balsamic reduction, or apple cider glaze — in the last 15 minutes of roasting for an extra burst of flavor and shine.

Turkey Roll vs. Turkey Roulade vs. Turkey Breast Roast

1. Turkey Roll: General term for stuffed and rolled turkey.
2. Turkey Roulade: A fancier term often used in fine dining for the same dish.
3. Turkey Breast Roast: A boneless breast that is sometimes pre-shaped and netted by the butcher but not always stuffed or rolled.

The names are often used interchangeably, but a roulade is usually more precise in technique and more complex in stuffing.

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