Where to Find the Perfect Turkey Roll for Your Next Meal or Gathering

Turkey rolls are a delicious, versatile, and easy way to enjoy turkey meat. Whether you are looking to prepare a quick weekday dinner, feed a crowd for the holidays, or meal prep turkey for lunches and dinners throughout the week, turkey rolls check all the boxes. With some know-how on where and how to buy turkey rolls, you can easily incorporate this tasty and protein-packed poultry into your routine.

What Exactly is a Turkey Roll?

A turkey roll is a boneless turkey breast that has been butterflied (sliced horizontally without fully separating) and then rolled and tied into a spiral shape The process of butterflying allows the turkey breast to lie flat so it can be stuffed and rolled

Turkey rolls are sometimes stuffed before rolling but are also commonly sold unstuffed. Popular stuffings include various combinations of bread cubes herbs, vegetables, cheese, and more. Stuffing adds extra flavor and moisture to the lean turkey breast meat.

Rolling and tying the turkey helps maintain its shape during cooking for even doneness and easier serving. Turkey rolls are fully cooked so they just need to be heated through before eating.

Benefits of Cooking with Turkey Rolls

There are many advantages to preparing turkey rolls rather than cooking a whole turkey:

• Convenience: Turkey rolls are fully cooked so they just require reheating. You skip the work of thawing, cleaning, seasoning, and roasting a whole bird.

• Portion control: Turkey rolls come in convenient sizes around 1-3 pounds. You can pick the exact size you need for a meal without leftovers.

• Lean and versatile: Turkey breast meat is leaner than dark meat. The rolled shape makes turkey breast easy to slice for sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more.

• Time saving: Turkey rolls cook faster than a whole turkey. The small size also makes it quicker to reheat for dinner during busy weeknights.

• Less waste: With no bones, skin, or excess fat, turkey rolls generate less waste compared to a whole turkey.

Where to Buy Turkey Rolls

Turkey rolls are widely available at most grocery stores and butcher shops. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh and high-quality turkey rolls:

• Grocery store meat department: Check the refrigerated poultry section at your local supermarket. They often stock Butterball, Honeysuckle, and store brand turkey rolls.

• Specialty grocery stores: Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s offer organic, free-range, and humanely raised turkey roll options.

• Butcher shop or meat market: Skilled butchers can prepare stuffed or unstuffed turkey rolls to order. This allows customization of size, stuffing, and other preferences.

• Online mail order: Several online specialty food companies ship frozen stuffed and unstuffed turkey rolls nationwide. This is handy if you can’t find what you want locally.

• Direct from a turkey farm: Some local turkey farms sell their products directly to consumers. Check their offerings for fresh turkeys and turkey rolls.

What to Look for When Buying a Turkey Roll

Keep the following tips in mind when selecting a turkey roll:

• Size: Pick a 1 to 3 pound turkey roll for 4 to 8 servings. Get two rolls for larger gatherings and parties.

• Appearance: Look for a roll that is evenly shaped and tied. Avoid any with tears, uneven areas, or ice crystals which indicate improper freezing.

• Pack date: Check for a clear sell by or use by date stamp and pick the package with the furthest date for maximum freshness.

• Ingredients: Read the list for allergens and preferences like kosher, organic, antibiotic-free, etc. The fewer ingredients, the more natural the product.

• Stuffed or unstuffed: Decide whether you want the extra flavor and moisture from a stuffing inside your roll. Herb stuffings pair well with most meals.

• Price: Turkey roll prices vary greatly based on size, brand, source, and if pre-stuffed. Compare unit prices between packages.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Rolls

Proper reheating is key to keeping your turkey roll moist and delicious. Follow these tips for success:

• Thaw completely: Thaw frozen turkey rolls for 1-2 days in the refrigerator before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.

• Use a meat thermometer: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. The thickness of a roll makes a thermometer critical.

• Bake uncovered: Cook uncovered at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Basting is not necessary.

• Let rest before slicing: Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so juices redistribute evenly.

• Add moisture: Cooking with a little liquid, butter, or sauce will prevent drying out. Stuffing also adds natural moisture.

• Reheat leftovers carefully: Slice turkey roll leftovers and reheat gently in the microwave, sautéed, or in soups and casseroles.

Creative Ways to Use Turkey Rolls

From everyday meals to holiday feasts, stuffed or unstuffed turkey rolls add tasty protein and culinary flexibility. Here are just a few ways to enjoy turkey rolls:

• Hearty sandwiches layered with cranberry sauce, cream cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato
• Turkey roll “steaks” served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy
• Thin slices on top of mixed greens or grain bowls
• Diced turkey as a pizza topping or mixed into pasta bake dishes
• Cubed in soups, stews, chilis, and chowders
• Shredded in casseroles, pot pies, enchiladas, and stuffed peppers
• Sliced in wraps or on flatbread with pesto, roasted veggies, and cheese
• In salads with nuts, fruit, cheese, and light vinaigrette dressing
• Spiral cut roll slices for appetizer trays and charcuterie boards

The possibilities are endless with versatile turkey rolls on hand. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy the convenience, nutrition, and great taste of turkey rolls for several meals or gatherings. Use these tips to track down the perfect turkey rolls for your cooking needs.