Save to Pinterest These turkey roll ups feature thin cutlets wrapped around a savory homemade stuffing made with fresh breadcrumbs, aromatic vegetables, and classic herbs like sage and rosemary. The turkey is seasoned with garlic and thyme, then rolled tightly around the filling and baked in chicken broth until tender and golden brown.
The result is an impressive main dish that looks beautiful on the plate but comes together with straightforward techniques. The broth keeps the turkey moist while creating a flavorful base for gravy. Perfect for holidays or special Sunday dinners when you want something that feels festive without spending all day in the kitchen.
Each roll delivers lean protein combined with the comfort of traditional stuffing flavors. The outside gets lightly golden while the inside stays juicy and infused with herbs.
My neighbor Sarah brought these over last Thanksgiving when I was too exhausted to cook anything elaborate. I remember standing at my kitchen counter, skeptical that something so simple could taste so special. One bite changed my entire perspective on weeknight entertaining. Now they are my go-to when I want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Last month I made these for a dinner party and watched my normally picky eater friend go back for thirds. The way the kitchen smells when these come out of the oven is the kind of memory that sticks with you through winter.
Ingredients
- Turkey cutlets: These thin cuts cook quickly and roll beautifully around the stuffing without needing pounding
- Olive oil: Creates a beautiful golden exterior and keeps the meat incredibly moist
- Fresh breadcrumbs: I have learned the hard way that fresh makes a huge difference in texture
- Parsley: Adds little green flecks that make the dish look as good as it tastes
- Chicken broth: Adding it to the baking dish creates its own light sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Get your oven to 375 degrees and give your baking dish a quick spray or slick of oil.
- Season the turkey:
- Whisk the oil with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper then brush it generously over both sides of each cutlet.
- Make the stuffing:
- Combine all your stuffing ingredients until the mixture holds together when you press it.
- Roll them up:
- Lay each cutlet flat, pile a quarter of the stuffing at one end and roll tightly.
- Bake until golden:
- Pour the broth around the roll ups, cover with foil for 25 minutes, then uncover for 15 more minutes.
Save to Pinterest My 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 our own kitchen table.
Making Ahead
You can assemble the roll ups up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop better when they have time to sit together before baking.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Some crusty bread to soak up that flavorful broth is absolutely essential.
Variations To Try
Sautéed mushrooms or dried cranberries in the stuffing add wonderful depth. Sometimes I add a little grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for extra umami.
- Sweet Italian sausage mixed into the stuffing turns this into a completely different dish
- Swap sage and thyme for poultry seasoning if that is what you have on hand
- Thin chicken breasts work beautifully if turkey cutlets are hard to find
Save to Pinterest These roll ups have become my answer to feeding a crowd with minimal stress and maximum flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the roll ups from falling apart while baking?
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Roll the turkey tightly around the stuffing and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. Use toothpicks to secure if needed. The baking process helps the meat hold its shape as it cooks.
- → Can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.
- → What can I serve with turkey roll ups?
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Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, butternut squash, or a simple arugula salad complement the dish well. The pan juices make an excellent base for homemade gravy to drizzle over everything.
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
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Thinly sliced chicken breasts work beautifully as a substitute. Pound them to an even thickness if they're too thick, and adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
- → How do I know when the roll ups are fully cooked?
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a roll up — it should read 165°F (74°C). The turkey should feel firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when pierced.
- → Can I freeze uncooked turkey roll ups?
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Wrap each roll up individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
