My Turkey Roll recipe makes for a quick and delicious alternative to traditional roast turkey. This prosciutto wrapped stuffed turkey roll with a delicious filling of chorizo, sausage, breadcrumbs and cranberries.
If you are looking for an alternative to a massive roast turkey then I have the PERFECT recipe for you!
This rolled turkey breast with chorizo and cranberry stuffing looks really impressive but is actually easy to prepare.
Oh, and did I mention that it tastes amazing? What’s more you can prepare it up to two days ahead and it roasts in about an hour. Now that’s what I call a stress-free Christmas dinner!
Turkey rolls are a delicious alternative to cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Also known as a turkey roulade, a turkey roll is made by flattening turkey breast meat, rolling it around a stuffing, and wrapping it in bacon before roasting. The end result is a gorgeous, juicy and flavorful log of turkey that makes for an impressive holiday centerpiece without having to wrestle with carving a whole bird.
As someone who loves cooking turkey for the holidays but doesn’t necessarily want loads of leftovers, I find that a turkey roll strikes the perfect balance It yields just the right amount of white meat for my small family While it does require some prep work, the process of constructing a turkey roll is very straightforward. If you can butterfly a chicken breast or roll up a jelly roll, you can definitely make a beautiful turkey roulade.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to make a turkey roll:
Ingredients
- Boneless turkey breast or whole bone-in turkey breast
- Bacon (about 1 pound)
- Stuffing (1 6-ounce package, prepared according to package directions)
- Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme
- Spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for making herb paste)
- Kitchen twine
Prep the Turkey
If using a whole bone-in breast Remove skin and slice off meat from the bones in one piece Discard bones or save for stock
If using boneless breast: Slice horizontally to butterfly and open up the breast into one long flat piece.
Lay turkey breast flat and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound and flatten the meat to an even 1/2-1 inch thickness.
Make the Herb Paste
Chop fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme. Combine with spices like garlic powder, salt, pepper in a small bowl. Add enough vegetable oil to make a spreadable paste.
Arrange the Bacon
Lay bacon strips vertically on a sheet of parchment paper. Make sure strips overlap slightly so they will wrap all the way around the roll.
Add the Filling
Spread herb paste evenly over the flattened turkey breast. Spoon prepared stuffing horizontally across the center of the breast, shaping it into a log shape.
Roll It Up
Start at one long side of the turkey and roll it up over the stuffing, tucking in the sides as you go. The turkey should completely envelop the stuffing log.
Wrap with Bacon
Wrap bacon slices around the roll, overlapping slightly on top. Season with any additional herbs or spices.
Tie It Together
Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at 1-2 inch intervals, securing the bacon and keeping the roll from unravelling.
Roast It
Place roll seam-side down on a rack over a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 1 hour 40 minutes until thermometer inserted in center reads 165°F.
Let rest 10 minutes before removing twine and slicing to serve.
And that’s it! With some simple prep and a good technique for rolling, you can have a beautiful stuffed turkey roulade ready for the holiday table. While it requires some time and a bit of finesse, the impressive presentation and juicy flavor of a turkey roll make it well worth the effort.
The key things to keep in mind when constructing your turkey roll are:
- Make sure the breast is pounded evenly flat so it rolls up easily
- Spread the herb paste and stuffing evenly across the center
- Roll tightly, tucking the sides in as you go
- Wrap bacon around the entire roll
- Tie at regular intervals to secure the shape
- Roast low and slow until cooked through
Follow these steps, and your turkey roll will come out looking and tasting amazing! I recommend practicing your turkey rolling skills once before the big holiday meal so you feel comfortable with the process.
While some extra hands can be helpful, with a little patience, anyone can master the art of crafting the perfect turkey roulade. I hope you’ll give this impressive and delicious dish a try this holiday season!
HOW LONG DOES THE TURKEY ROLL NEED TO COOK?
Weigh your stuffed turkey breast and cook for approximately 20 minutes per 450g (1 pound). It is best to check with an instant read digital thermometer to avoid drying out the turkey.
The turkey roll needs to register a temperature of 70°C (160°F) with the juices running clear. The temperature will continue to rise slightly when you rest the roll.
How to make my Stuffed Turkey Roll
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
Blitz your bread, sage leaves, cranberries, shallots and salt and seasoning in a food processor or mini chopper (love this gadget!).
Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan fry your stuffing for a few minutes until golden then stir in the chorizo (cooking chorizo can be purchased already cubed). Leave to cool.
Add the sausage meat and crumble it into the stuffing. I had to use my hands here as the wooden spoon just wouldn’t work!
How To Debone And Roll A whole Turkey.Turkey Roll. TheScottReaProject
FAQ
What is a turkey roll made of?
Is a turkey roll healthy?
Do you remove the netting from a turkey roll?
How do you make a Turkey roll?
To make a turkey roll, all you need to do is flatten the turkey meat, roll it with stuffing and bacon, and bake it in the oven! Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or a regular dinner, preparing a turkey roll is easy and fun for chefs of all skill levels. Cut the turkey meat away from the bone if it’s not boneless.
What is a stuffed turkey roll?
This stuffed Turkey Roll recipe (aka turkey roulade) is the perfect Thanksgiving or holiday dinner! Juicy turkey breast is filled with garlic, apple, and herb stuffing, slow-roasted in the oven, and served with rich gravy. You’ll have delicious turkey and stuffing in every bite!
How do you roll a Turkey roulade?
Roll and tie the turkey: Starting at the shortest end of the turkey breast, roll the turkey up and over the stuffing, jelly-roll style. Use your fingers to tuck in any stuffing that escapes on the sides as you roll. Firmly tie up the turkey roulade with kitchen twine every 2’’ to form a compact cylinder.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey roll?
Thanksgiving Turkey Roll. Seriously, this has all the trimmings nestled inside a beautiful juicy turkey breast. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce……….Its a slice of Thanksgiving. Best of all, it can be prepared the day before so you can spend more time with your friends or family. Plus it only takes about an hour to cook.