How Long Do You Cook a Turkey Roll? The Complete Guide

Cooking a juicy flavorful turkey roll is easier than you think. This hearty dish is a delicious alternative to roasting a whole turkey, perfect for smaller gatherings. With the right techniques you can make a mouthwatering turkey roll in your oven in just a few simple steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a perfect turkey roll, including:

  • Estimated Cooking Times
  • Thawing a Frozen Turkey Roll
  • Choosing a Turkey Roll
  • Trussing and Seasoning
  • Calculating Cooking Time
  • Setting the Right Oven Temperature
  • Monitoring the Internal Temperature
  • Basting and Tenting
  • Letting it Rest Before Carving
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues

Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey rolls so you can serve up this impressive centerpiece with confidence. Let’s get started!

Estimated Cooking Times for Turkey Rolls

The cooking time for a turkey roll primarily depends on the size and weight. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Boneless turkey roll: Cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F.

  • Bone-in turkey roll Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound at 325°F,

For example, a 3 lb boneless turkey roll will take about 60-75 minutes at 325°F.

However,always use a meat thermometer and cook until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking times can vary based on the shape and thickness of the roll.

Thawing a Frozen Turkey Roll

If you bought a frozen turkey roll, you need to thaw it first:

  • In the refrigerator: Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 lbs. Place the turkey on a tray to catch any juices.

  • In cold water: Submerge the turkey in its airtight packaging in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound.

Once thawed, pat the turkey dry and proceed with seasoning and cooking.

Choosing a Turkey Roll

You can either buy a:

  • Boneless turkey roll: Easier to carve and cooks faster. Good for smaller households.

  • Bone-in turkey roll: More flavor and juiciness. Ideal for holiday meals.

Consider the number of servings, convenience, and your texture preference when deciding between them.

Trussing and Seasoning

For even cooking, truss boneless rolls before putting them in the oven. To truss:

  • Place the turkey on a clean surface.
  • Tuck in loose ends.
  • Tie kitchen twine around it at regular intervals.

Next, pat the turkey dry and coat it with oil or melted butter. Season it with:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
  • Spices (garlic powder, paprika)

You can also marinate it beforehand to add extra flavor.

Calculating Cooking Time

The size of the turkey roll determines the cooking time.

For boneless rolls:

  • Up to 3 lbs: 60-75 minutes
  • 4-5 lbs: 80-100 minutes
  • 6-7 lbs: 120-140 minutes

For bone-in rolls:

  • Up to 3 lbs: 75

how long do you cook a turkey roll

StepsPart

  • 1 Cut the turkey meat away from the bone if its not boneless. Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut as much of the breast meat away from the bone as possible. Try to keep the meat in one long piece, rather than cutting it into smaller pieces.[1]
    • You can save the bones from the breast to make a gravy or soup later.
  • 2 Slice boneless turkey breasts horizontally to make 2 long pieces. On the thicker side of the breast, cut the meat in a horizontal line until youre about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the other side of the meat. Leave the two halves connected to form one long pieces of meat.[2]
    • Be careful not to cut the breast in half. If you do, it may be more difficult to get your roll to stay together.
    • Tip: Put a damp paper towel under the cutting board so it wont slide on your counter or table top.

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  • 3 Place the turkey on a cutting board and cover the meat with plastic wrap. Situate your turkey breast so that it is laying flat on the cutting board. Then, tear a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the meat, and put it over the top of the meat.[3]
    • This will protect the meat and keep it from breaking apart when youre flattening it.
  • 4 Use a mallet to flatten the turkey to 1 in (2.5 cm) thick. Pound the turkey breast flat with a mallet, focusing on thicker areas. When the meat is flat, it should be and even thickness.[4]
    • You can make the meat as thin as 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm), but flattening it any more than that can cause the turkey to tear when you roll it.
    • If you dont have a mallet, you can use a rolling pin or the rounded side of a frying pan to press and flatten the meat.
  • 5 Lay bacon strips vertically on a piece of parchment paper with the turkey on top. Line up 10-12 strips of bacon so that they are in an “up and down” position. Organize them so they overlap slightly on each side, and lay the flattened turkey breast on top of the bacon.[5]
    • If your turkey breast is much longer than the bacon, add additional strips to either end until the row of bacon is as long as the turkey.
  • 6 Spoon the stuffing horizontally across the center of the turkey in a log shape. Layer the package of prepared stuffing on top of the turkey in a line across the length of the breast. Use your hands or a spoon to form it into a log shape, with about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of uncovered turkey above and below the stuffing.[6]
    • You can use any kind of stuffing that you prefer. If youre using a homemade stuffing mix, only prepare about 2 cups (470 mL) of the stuffing to prevent the roll from becoming too thick.

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  • Part

Things You’ll Need

  • Knives
  • Spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Mallet or rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Bakers twine
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Instant thermometer

Boneless Turkey Breast

FAQ

How long do you cook a turkey roll for?

Place the turkey roll on top of the herbs and apples in the pan. Roast at 350 degrees for an hour and 20 to an hour and 45 minutes or until the internal temperature when taken with a meat thermometer reads between 160 and 165 degrees.

Do I cover the turkey roll with foil?

Brekke and her Test Kitchen colleagues prefer to rest the turkey uncovered, since tight foil coverage can “trap steam around the bird and soften that …Oct 22, 2024

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

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  • Even cooking: A lower temperature like 325°F ensures the turkey cooks through evenly without overbrowning the exterior too quickly. 

  • Crispy skin: Some chefs recommend starting at a higher temperature (like 425°F) for a short time to crisp the skin before lowering to 325°F for the rest of the cooking process. 

  • Cooking time: Cooking at 325°F will generally take longer than at 350°F. 

How long to cook a Turkey roll in the oven?

The ideal cooking time for a turkey roll in the oven depends on several factors, including the weight of the roll and the oven temperature. As a general guideline, you should cook a turkey roll in the oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C).

How long does a thawed Turkey roll take to cook?

The cooking time for a thawed turkey roll in the oven is typically 20-25 minutes per pound of meat. However, keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and it is essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the recommended safe level of 165°F (74°C).

What temperature should a Turkey roll be cooked at?

The oven temperature plays a crucial role in cooking a turkey roll to perfection. The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey roll in the oven is 325°F (163°C). This temperature allows for even cooking and helps retain moisture in the meat. However, you can adjust the oven temperature slightly depending on your preferences and the desired outcome.

How do you cook a boneless Turkey roll?

Pat turkey dry and season all over with salt, pepper, herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also rub with oil or butter for extra moisture and use a marinade for flavor. For boneless rolls, tie at intervals with kitchen string to maintain shape. Cooking times vary based on roll size. General guidelines:

How do you make a Turkey roll?

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. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to cook a perfect turkey roll from start to finish.

Why is my Turkey roll taking so long to cook?

If the turkey roll seems to be taking too long to cook – If the turkey roll is taking too long to cook, you can increase the temperature of the oven slightly, or increase the time that the turkey spends in the oven. However, it is important to be careful to avoid overcooking the turkey roll.

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