A rolled turkey breast roast makes an elegant and delicious centerpiece for a special meal. While a whole roasted turkey is traditional for holidays like Thanksgiving, a rolled turkey breast is a great option for a smaller gathering. With a flavorful herb filling and savory gravy, it has all the appeal of turkey in a more manageable size.
Cooking a rolled turkey breast requires a few simple steps. Here, we’ll walk through how to prepare, season, tie, roast and make gravy for a spectacular rolled turkey breast roast.
Shop for the Right Turkey Breast
The first step is selecting the right turkey breast at the grocery store or butcher shop. Look for a whole, boneless turkey breast around 4 to 5 pounds. It should have the skin on for extra moisture and flavor.
Turkey tenderloins can be removed to yield a more uniform shape for rolling and tying, but this isn’t essential. Ask the butcher to remove them if needed.
Prepare the Herb Filling
A flavorful herb paste adds tons of taste when spread between the layers. This filling often contains fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary or parsley, softened butter, citrus zest and seasoning.
Customize the filling to complement the turkey Try sage and orange, or rosemary with lemon and garlic The possibilities are endless for infusing turkey breast with herbs, spices and aromatics.
Butterfly and Spread the Filling
Once home, place the turkey breast skin-side down Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally to butterfly and open up the breast Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Spread half the herb filling evenly over the inside of the breast. Flip over and gently loosen the skin to rub the remaining filling directly onto the meat below.
Roll, Tie and Truss
Starting at a short side, begin rolling up the breast evenly into a log shape. Make sure the ends are tucked under for even cooking.
Use butcher’s twine to tie the roulade at 1-inch intervals. Tie the roast crosswise as well to keep it together. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Roast Low and Slow
Place the tied turkey breast seam-side down on top of aromatics like carrots, onions and celery in a roasting pan. Add broth or wine to the pan for moisture and flavor.
Roast at 400°F for around 1 1/2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Baste every 15 minutes for extra juiciness.
Make the Gravy
Once roasted, tent the turkey breast to rest. Use the pan drippings, aromatics and broth to make a simple yet delicious gravy.
Simmer the pan drippings to reduce slightly. Whisk together broth and flour or cornstarch to thicken. Cook until gravy reaches the desired consistency.
Carve and Serve
Remove the kitchen twine from the rested roast. Use an electric knife or very sharp chef’s knife to neatly slice the rolled turkey breast.
Serve alongside favorite holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. Drizzle the flavorful gravy over turkey and enjoy!
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can master making a show-stopping rolled turkey breast roast for your next dinner party or smaller holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rolled Turkey Breast
Cooking a rolled and stuffed turkey breast for the first time? Here are answers to some common questions:
What size turkey breast should I buy?
Look for a 4 to 5 pound whole, boneless turkey breast with the skin on. Size may vary slightly depending on the number of guests.
Do I really need to tie up the roast?
Yes, tying the roast helps hold the shape for even cooking and a uniform presentation. Use kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.
What temperature should I roast the turkey breast to?
Roast in a 400°F oven until the thickest part of breast reaches 150°F, about 1 1/2 hours. This ensures it stays juicy.
Can I stuff the turkey breast with other fillings?
Absolutely! Get creative with ingredients like chopped dried fruit, sausage, nuts, pesto or tapenade in the filling.
How long does it need to rest before slicing?
Let the cooked turkey breast rest at least 15 minutes tented loosely with foil before removing twine and slicing.
What sides go well with rolled turkey breast?
Classic holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing and cranberry sauce pair deliciously.
Go-To Recipes for Rolled Turkey Breast
Here are a few tasty recipes to try for your next rolled turkey breast roast:
Tuscan Turkey Breast Roulade
This recipe stuffs turkey with a fig, pine nut and pancetta filling for Italian flavor.
Roasted Turkey Breast with Herbs
Fresh parsley, sage and orange zest give this roast wonderful aroma and taste.
Brown Sugar Mustard Turkey Breast
For a twist, coat the roasted turkey breast with a glossy mustard glaze.
Sausage Pecan Stuffing Turkey Breast
The unique sausage and pecan stuffing provides texture and savory depth.
A beautifully bronzed rolled turkey breast roast makes an elegant entree for holidays or special dinners. With tasty homemade gravy and sides, it’s sure to be a new favorite meal.
