Name: Stuffed Turkey Roll: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Holiday Meal
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds), butterflied; 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped carrots; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned); 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); Butcher's twine

Stuffed turkey roll: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine a Thanksgiving centerpiece that's not only stunning but also incredibly easy to slice and serve. Forget wrestling with a whole bird; this recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving in a convenient, elegant package.

While the tradition of roasting a whole turkey dates back centuries, the stuffed turkey roll is a more modern innovation, born from a desire for efficiency and consistent results. It allows for perfectly portioned servings and ensures that every bite is packed with savory stuffing and tender turkey. Think of it as a deconstructed turkey dinner, reimagined for the contemporary cook.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The juicy, flavorful turkey is complemented by a moist and aromatic stuffing, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the streamlined preparation makes it ideal for busy holiday schedules or even a special weeknight meal. This stuffed turkey roll is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a new family favorite. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds), butterflied
1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
Butcher's twine

Preparing the Stuffing:

Okay, let's get started with the heart of our stuffed turkey roll – the stuffing! This is where all the delicious flavors come together, so take your time and enjoy the process.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. We want them nice and tender, but not browned.
Add Garlic and Sausage: Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break up the sausage with a spoon and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Make sure there are no pink bits left! Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy stuffing.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture with the dried cranberries, chopped pecans (or walnuts), chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, dried sage, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg.
Season to Perfection: Season the stuffing mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy! Give it a good mix and then taste it. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the stuffing will flavor the entire turkey roll, so it's important to get it just right. I usually add a little extra sage because I love the flavor it brings.

Preparing the Turkey Breast:

Now, let's get that turkey breast ready to receive its flavorful filling. Butterflying the turkey breast is key to creating a uniform roll, so follow these steps carefully.

Butterfly the Turkey Breast: Place the butterflied turkey breast on a large cutting board. If it's uneven in thickness, gently pound it with a meat mallet to create a more uniform thickness. This will ensure even cooking. I usually cover the turkey with plastic wrap before pounding to prevent splattering.
Season the Turkey: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the turkey breast. Season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

Assembling and Rolling the Turkey:

This is where the magic happens! We're going to carefully spread the stuffing over the turkey breast and then roll it up into a beautiful, flavorful roll.

Spread the Stuffing: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the turkey breast, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. This will prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
Roll the Turkey: Starting from one end, carefully roll the turkey breast up tightly, like a jelly roll. Try to keep the stuffing inside as you roll.
Secure with Twine: Use butcher's twine to tie the turkey roll securely in several places, about 1-2 inches apart. This will help the roll hold its shape during cooking. Make sure the twine is tight enough to keep the roll together, but not so tight that it cuts into the turkey.

Cooking the Turkey Roll:

Time to cook our masterpiece! We'll start by searing the turkey roll to lock in the juices and then finish it off in the oven for a tender and flavorful result.

Sear the Turkey Roll: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey roll and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This will give the turkey a beautiful color and add to the flavor.
Add Liquid and Bake: Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) into the skillet around the turkey roll. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the roll.
Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey roll from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

While the turkey is resting, let's whip up a quick and easy gravy using the pan drippings. This gravy will add even more flavor to our already delicious turkey roll.

Skim the Fat: After removing the turkey roll from the skillet, carefully skim off any excess fat from the pan drippings. You can use a spoon or a fat separator for this.
Make a Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry.
Thicken the Gravy: Place the skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the pan drippings. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season and Serve: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little bit of dried sage or thyme for extra flavor. Serve the gravy with the sliced turkey roll.

Slicing and Serving:

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for! Let's slice up that beautiful turkey roll and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Remove the Twine: Before slicing, carefully remove the butcher's twine from the turkey roll.
Slice the Turkey: Using a sharp knife, slice the turkey roll into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sliced turkey roll on a platter and serve with the gravy (if made). You can also serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.

Tips and Variations:

Stuffing Variations: Feel free to customize the stuffing to your liking. You can add different types of nuts, fruits, or vegetables. Some popular additions include apples, pears, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.
Turkey Breast Size: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Wine Pairing: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffing and butterfly the turkey breast a day ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the turkey roll on the day you plan to serve it.
Herb Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, tuck fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme under the twine before roasting.

Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Turkey Roll!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This stuffed turkey roll recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a special occasion. It's not just about the incredible flavor combination of savory turkey, vibrant stuffing, and perfectly browned exterior; it's about the ease of preparation and the sheer versatility it offers. Forget spending hours wrestling with a whole bird – this recipe streamlines the process, delivering all the deliciousness of a traditional stuffed turkey in a fraction of the time. Why is it a must-try? Because it's delicious, relatively simple, and endlessly adaptable. The stuffing itself can be customized to your heart's content. Feeling adventurous? Add some dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch. Prefer a more savory profile? Incorporate some crumbled sausage or sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities are truly endless! And let's not forget the presentation – that beautiful spiral of turkey and stuffing is guaranteed to be a showstopper. Beyond the core recipe, there are so many ways to serve and enjoy this stuffed turkey roll. For a classic Thanksgiving-inspired meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a generous helping of gravy. If you're looking for a lighter option, try pairing it with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables. Leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic in sandwiches, salads, or even as a topping for pizza. You could also slice the cooked roll thinly and serve it as part of a charcuterie board for a sophisticated appetizer. Consider these variations to make it your own: * Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a subtle kick. * Go Mediterranean: Use a stuffing made with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. * Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing and ensure your gravy is also gluten-free. * Add a glaze: Brush the turkey roll with a honey-mustard glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking for a beautiful sheen and extra flavor. * Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the stuffing, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe, and I can't wait to hear about your experiences! Don't be intimidated by the thought of rolling the turkey – it's much easier than it looks, and the results are well worth the effort. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature. So, go ahead, give this stuffed turkey roll a try! I promise you won't be disappointed. And please, don't be shy – share your photos and feedback in the comments below. I'd love to see your creations and hear about any variations you've tried. Happy cooking! I hope this becomes a new favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. I'm eager to see what delicious twists you put on it! Let me know how it goes!