Save These impressive turkey roll ups feature tender cutlets wrapped around a savory mixture of fresh breadcrumbs, celery, onion, and aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary. After brushing with olive oil and garlic, the cutlets are rolled tight and baked in chicken broth until the meat stays juicy while developing a beautiful golden exterior.
The preparation takes about 20 minutes, then hands-off baking does the rest. The stuffing mixture binds together perfectly with melted butter and broth, creating a moist filling that complements the lean turkey. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for a complete meal that looks elegant but comes together with simple techniques.
The first time I made turkey roll ups was entirely by accident after buying too many cutlets on sale. My kitchen smelled incredible thanks to that sage and thyme wafting through the air while they baked. Now they have become our go to when we want something that feels special without spending all day at the stove.
Last Thanksgiving I served these instead of the traditional whole turkey and everyone actually asked for the recipe. My brother who usually picks at his food went back for seconds. Sometimes the simplest dishes create the biggest memories.
Ingredients
- Large turkey cutlets: These cook quickly and roll easily around the stuffing filling
- Olive oil: Creates a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the meat tender
- Fresh breadcrumbs: Absorb the flavors and seasonings better than dried ones
- Celery and onion: Provide that classic stuffing base with texture in every bite
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the rich stuffing with a fresh herbal note
- Dried sage and rosemary: These aromatic herbs are what make it taste like the holidays
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to both the stuffing and baking liquid
Instructions
- Prep your oven and dish:
- Get your oven to 375F and coat a baking dish with spray or a light swipe of oil.
- Season the turkey:
- Mix oil with garlic powder thyme salt and pepper then coat every cutlet thoroughly.
- Make the stuffing:
- Combine breadcrumbs celery onion parsley butter broth sage rosemary pepper and salt until the mixture clumps together when pressed.
- Roll them up:
- Lay cutlets flat place stuffing at one end roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake until golden:
- Arrange seam side down pour broth around the roll ups cover with foil for 25 minutes then uncover and bake 15 more minutes.
Save My youngest daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. Something about the presentation makes her feel like we are dining at a fancy restaurant right at home.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these roll ups the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking them cold from the refrigerator.
Stuffing Variations
Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth or dried cranberries for a sweet pop of flavor. Apples work beautifully too especially during fall months when you want extra warmth and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These roll ups pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The pan juices create an instant sauce you can drizzle right over everything.
- Cranberry sauce adds the perfect tangy contrast
- A simple green salad balances the richness
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Save These roll ups have become my secret weapon for dinner parties because they look impressive but are so forgiving to make. Hope they become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the turkey roll ups from drying out?
-
Baking in chicken broth creates steam that keeps the turkey moist. Covering with foil for the first 25 minutes also traps moisture, then removing it allows the exterior to brown while the interior stays juicy.
- → Can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time?
-
Yes, assemble the roll ups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the oven to ensure even cooking.
- → What can I use instead of turkey cutlets?
-
Thinly sliced chicken breasts work perfectly as a substitute. Pound them slightly to an even thickness and follow the same instructions for similar results.
- → How do I know when the roll ups are fully cooked?
-
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The exterior should be golden brown and the meat should feel firm but springy to the touch.
- → Can I add extra ingredients to the stuffing?
-
Absolutely—sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or grated cheese all complement the flavors. Just keep the total stuffing amount similar so the roll ups close properly.
