Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Stuffed Turkey Roll is a delightful alternative to traditional whole turkey, offering all the flavors of a classic roast in an easy-to-serve dish. Tender turkey breast is rolled around a savory filling of creamy cheese, spinach, and olives, seasoned with aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for small gatherings, elegant weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and is both flavorful and moist.

Stuffed Turkey Roll

Ingredients

For the Turkey Roll:

3 lb boneless turkey breast, skin on

For the Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup spinach, chopped
⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Outer Seasoning:

2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Slice it horizontally to butterfly it open, then pound it to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped spinach, sliced kalamata olives, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Roll: Spread the filling evenly over the prepared turkey breast. Starting from one end, roll the turkey tightly to enclose the filling.
Season the Outside: Brush the outside of the turkey roll with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey roll.
Tie and Roast: Secure the roll with kitchen twine and place it on the prepared baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For a golden finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey roll from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Filling Options: For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the spinach and olives with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.
Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes to the filling for a hint of heat.
Meat Alternatives: Use boneless chicken breasts for individual servings. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make the stuffed turkey roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey roll up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the roll, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I keep the turkey moist?

Basting with butter or broth while roasting helps keep the turkey moist. Covering with foil for the first half of the cooking time also helps prevent dryness.

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute a large boneless chicken breast for the turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook slightly faster.

What can I use instead of twine?

If you don’t have twine, use toothpicks to secure the roll or place it seam-side down in the pan.

Can I freeze the stuffed turkey roll?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked roll by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before roasting.

Conclusion

The Stuffed Turkey Roll is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for small gatherings or a special weeknight dinner. Its versatility allows for various filling options to suit different tastes. With its moist texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.