Turkey Roulade: A Festive Twist on a Classic Dish

Introduction

If you’re looking to elevate your holiday feast with a dish that’s both stunning and delicious, look no further than the turkey roulade. This impressive centerpiece features succulent turkey rolled around a flavorful filling, creating a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests. The beauty of a turkey roulade lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its versatility—allowing you to customize the filling to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

I first discovered the joy of making a turkey roulade during a Thanksgiving cooking class, and it quickly became a staple for our family gatherings. The combination of juicy turkey with a savory stuffing creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s perfect for special occasions. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Let’s explore why you’ll love this recipe and how to create a turkey roulade that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The roulade’s spiral cut reveals a gorgeous filling, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Juicy and Flavorful: The turkey remains moist and tender while infused with the flavors of the filling, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Customizable Filling: You can easily adapt the filling to your liking—whether you prefer herbs, vegetables, or even dried fruits.
• Easy to Prepare: With a clear set of instructions, this recipe is manageable for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Great for Leftovers: Any leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (30 minutes prep, 1 hour cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people.
• Nutrition Facts: Calories per serving: 350, Protein: 45g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 15g.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Roulade:

• 2 pounds boneless turkey breast: The main ingredient, providing a tender and lean protein.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the turkey to enhance flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the filling.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds color and nutrition to the filling.
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped: Contributes umami flavor and moisture.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic flavor.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling and adds texture.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy flavor that pairs well with turkey.
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Enhances the herbal notes in the filling.
• 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together.
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a savory finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your turkey cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden color.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE TURKEY

Lay the boneless turkey breast skin-side down on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the turkey by slicing it horizontally through the thickest part, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open it up like a book and cover it with plastic wrap. Gently pound it to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This helps the turkey cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.

STEP 3: SEASON THE TURKEY

Season both sides of the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper. This foundational seasoning enhances the turkey’s natural flavors.

STEP 4: MAKE THE FILLING

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the breadcrumbs, dried thyme, dried rosemary, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined. This mixture will be the flavorful filling for your turkey roulade.

STEP 5: STUFF THE TURKEY

Spread the filling evenly over the turkey breast, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Carefully roll the turkey away from you, starting from the edge closest to you, to form a tight log. Use kitchen twine to tie the roulade at 1-inch intervals to secure the filling inside.

STEP 6: SEAR THE ROLLADE

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a bit more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey roulade seam-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Turn it carefully to sear all sides, which adds flavor and creates a beautiful crust.

STEP 7: BAKE

Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the turkey is fully cooked while remaining juicy.

STEP 8: REST AND SLICE

Remove the turkey roulade from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the turkey moist. After resting, carefully slice the roulade into 1-inch thick slices to reveal the beautiful filling.

How to Serve

• Presentation: Arrange the sliced turkey roulade on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
• Pair with Sides: Serve alongside your favorite sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
• Sauce Option: Consider drizzling a light gravy or a balsamic reduction over the sliced roulade for added flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your filling, so don’t hesitate to substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if you have them on hand.
2. Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with your filling by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or even dried fruits for a sweet contrast.
3. Ensure Even Thickness: Make sure the turkey is an even thickness for consistent cooking. This helps avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.
4. Invest in Good Twine: Use kitchen twine that is sturdy and food-safe for tying your roulade. This helps keep the filling intact during cooking.
5. Let it Rest: Always let your turkey rest after baking. This step is crucial for maintaining juiciness and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Italian Roulade: Incorporate Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese into the filling for an Italian-inspired twist.
• Thanksgiving Roulade: Use a stuffing mixture made with bread, celery, onion, and herbs to create a festive, Thanksgiving-themed roulade.
• Mediterranean Roulade: Fill the turkey with a mixture of feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Roulade: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishes: Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with turkey and complements the savory flavors.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftover turkey roulade in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes for a quick and delicious meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover turkey roulade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you have leftover roulade, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet: Essential for searing and baking the roulade in one pan.
• Meat Thermometer: A handy tool for checking the doneness of your turkey, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
• Kitchen Twine: Used for tying the roulade securely, helping to maintain its shape while cooking.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted for chicken or pork, following the same method.

What if I can’t find boneless turkey breast?
You can ask your butcher to debone a turkey breast for you, or you can use turkey cutlets and layer them for a similar effect.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the roulade.

How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Can I make a smaller or larger roulade?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the turkey breast and filling accordingly, but make sure to adjust cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

I hope you’re inspired to try this turkey roulade recipe! It’s a dish that brings both elegance and comfort to your holiday table, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this turkey roulade is sure to impress your guests and become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.

Don’t forget to share your results! I can’t wait to see how your turkey roulade turns out—be sure to leave a comment or tag me on social media with your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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