How is a Turkey Roll Made? The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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!

A turkey roll, also known as a turkey roulade, is a delicious alternative to cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This impressive dish is made by flattening turkey breast meat, rolling it around a flavorful stuffing, and wrapping it in bacon before roasting to perfection.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free turkey experience without having to wrestle with carving a massive bird, then learning how to make a turkey roll is a great option. While it does require some initial preparation, constructing a turkey roulade is actually quite straightforward once you get the technique down.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of how to make a mouthwatering turkey roll from start to finish Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

  • 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

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

If using a whole bone-in breast, remove the skin and slice off the meat from the bones in one intact piece. You can save the bones for making turkey stock. If using a boneless breast, slice it horizontally to butterfly it open into one large flat piece.

Step 2: Pound the Turkey Breast

Place the turkey breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the breast to an even 1/2-1 inch thickness all over. This helps the breast cook evenly and makes rolling easier.

Step 3: Make the Herb Paste

Chop your fresh herbs like sage rosemary, and thyme. Combine with spices like garlic powder salt, pepper and enough vegetable oil to make a spreadable paste.

Step 4: Spread on the Herb Paste

Spread the herb paste evenly over the surface of the pounded turkey breast. This infuses tons of flavor right into the meat.

Step 5: Add the Stuffing

Spoon your prepared stuffing (I love using a cranberry apple stuffing) lengthwise across the center third of the turkey breast, shaping it into a log shape.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Starting at one long side, begin rolling up the turkey breast over the stuffing, tucking in the sides as you go. Roll it tightly into a cylindrical shape, making sure the stuffing log is fully enclosed.

Step 7: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap bacon slices around the entire roll, slightly overlapping the strips. Make sure the bacon completely envelopes the turkey. Season the outside with any additional herbs or spices.

Step 8: Tie It Up

Use kitchen twine to tie the roll tightly at 1-2 inch intervals. This secures the bacon and keeps the roulade from unravelling during cooking.

Step 9: Roast the Turkey Roll

Place the roll seam-side down on a rack over a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 1 hour 40 minutes until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of stuffing reaches 165°F.

Step 10: Rest and Carve

Let the cooked turkey roll rest for 10 minutes before removing the twine and slicing into rounds to serve. Baked to perfection!

Making a beautifully stuffed turkey roulade does take some finesse, but the impressive presentation and succulent flavor make it well worth the effort. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

  • Pound the turkey breast evenly to 1/2 inch thickness
  • Spread the herb paste and stuffing across the center
  • Roll up the breast tightly, tucking in the sides
  • Wrap bacon completely around the roll
  • Tie at regular intervals to secure the shape
  • Roast at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F

Follow these steps for rolling, stuffing, tying, and roasting, and your turkey roll will come out of the oven looking absolutely spectacular. I recommend practicing your turkey rolling skills once before tackling it for a big holiday meal.

While an extra set of hands can be helpful, with some patience, anyone can master how to construct the perfect turkey roulade. I hope you’ll give this fantastic dish a try this holiday season. Your guests will be so impressed by your flawlessly executed stuffed turkey roll!

how is a turkey roll made

Butterfly the turkey breast pieces

Use a knife to slice into the side of each turkey breast without cutting all the way through. Open up the turkey (this is called butterflying), lay flat and cover with cling film. Use a rolling pin to gently pound the turkey flat.

how is a turkey roll made

Make your turkey roll

Cover your worktop with cling film or parchment paper. Overlap the prosciutto slices to create the cover for the turkey roll.

how is a turkey roll made

Top with the turkey, overlapping any gaps and pound flat once more if needed. Spread the stuffing evenly over the turkey.

how is a turkey roll made

Use the cling film to help you roll the turkey into a log (Swiss roll style). At this point you can wrap and keep in the fridge for up to two days.

how is a turkey roll made

Tie the roll with kitchen string at intervals (take a look at this video demonstrating how to tie a roasting joint if you need help).

how is a turkey roll made

Spread onion and potato slices over the bottom of a large roasting pan and place the turkey roll over them.

Cook, loosely covered with foil, in a 200°C (400°F) preheated oven for 40 minutes then uncover and continue to cook for a further 20 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the middle of the roll reads 70°C (160°F). The juices should run clear.

how is a turkey roll made

Rest for 20 minutes loosely covered with foil. Cut and remove the string before slicing and serving with gravy, my incredible Goose Fat Roast Potatoes and Braised Red Cabbage.

how is a turkey roll made

How To Debone And Roll A whole Turkey.Turkey Roll. TheScottReaProject

FAQ

How is turkey roll made?

How to Make Turkey Roulade
  1. Prepare the stuffing. Cook the aromatics and onions in butter until tender, then combine with browned, crumbled sausage. …
  2. Pound and season turkey breast. …
  3. Add the stuffing. …
  4. Roll and tie the turkey. …
  5. Roast the turkey roulade. …
  6. Rest and slice.

Is a turkey roll processed meat?

Yes, sliced turkey is generally considered a processed meat. Processed meats are those that have been preserved by smoking, curing, or adding preservatives. Sliced turkey, especially when found in deli meats, often undergoes these processes to enhance flavor, extend shelf life, and make it convenient for consumption.

What defines a turkey roll?

A turkey roast or turkey roll is boneless turkey meat that has been rolled and tied with butcher’s twine. It can be made of white meat or a combination of white and dark meat.

What is the difference between turkey roll and turkey breast?

A turkey roulade or ballotine is a deboned breast that is pounded out to an even thickness, stuffed, and rolled up.

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 Turkey roll made of?

Turkey rolls can be made using different parts of the turkey, such as the breast or thigh meat, or a combination thereof. They are typically seasoned, sometimes stuffed with flavorful ingredients, and then roasted to perfection. Is a turkey roll the same as a turkey breast? No, a turkey roll is not the same as a turkey breast.

Is a Turkey roll the same as a turkey breast?

No, a turkey roll is not the same as a turkey breast. While a turkey roll can be made from turkey breast meat, it is not limited to it. A turkey roll can comprise various cuts of turkey, including both breast and thigh meat. How is a turkey roll made?

Can you cook a Turkey roll in the oven?

Cooking a delicious turkey roll in the oven may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right techniques. A turkey roll, also known as a roulade or galantine is made by rolling up a deboned turkey breast stuffed with a flavorful filling. When done properly it results in juicy, savory meat that makes for an impressive centerpiece.

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 long does it take to cook a Turkey roll?

The cooking time for a turkey roll varies depending on the size and thickness of the meat. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 20 minutes per pound to cook a turkey roll. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

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