As the holiday season approaches, the excitement in the kitchen is palpable. I still remember the exhilarating moment when I discovered the Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade—a stunning alternative to the classic roast. The beautiful spiral of tender turkey, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs not only looks impressive but also tastes divine. It’s like a festive gift for your taste buds!
But what truly captured my heart is how unfussy this dish is to prepare. No more wrestling with a whole turkey or worrying about uneven cooking. This roulade is a brilliant solution for those moments when you want a holiday centerpiece that dazzles without the stress. Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your home as it roasts—this is a dish that will have everyone gathering around the table with eager anticipation.
Join me in creating this unforgettable Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering—and it promises to quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that brings flavor, flair, and ease right to your holiday table.
Why is Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade so special?
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it accessible for everyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs.
Aromatic Delight: The combination of garlic and fresh herbs offers a fragrant explosion of flavor that elevates your holiday meal.
Visually Stunning: The enticing spiral of the roulade creates an impressive centerpiece that will wow your guests.
Versatile: Easily customize the filling with your favorite cheeses or vegetables, making it adaptable for any holiday gathering.
Time-Saving: Forget the hassle of roasting a whole turkey; this dish cooks evenly and quickly, giving you more time to enjoy with family.
Crowd-Pleaser: The juicy, flavorful turkey appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied!
Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade Ingredients
For the Roulade
• Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breasts – This main protein will roll beautifully and hold the flavorful filling.
• Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing the turkey’s natural flavor.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds depth and a gentle kick to the overall taste.
• Butter – Contributes moisture and richness; olive oil can be used for a lighter option.
For the Filling
• Panko Breadcrumbs – These provide a delightful texture; you can substitute with traditional breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Thyme Leaves – Aromatic and complements turkey perfectly; feel free to substitute with rosemary or oregano.
• Sage – Brings a savory flavor, with fresh being the best choice, though dried can work in a pinch.
• Parsley Leaves – Offers a fresh brightness to the filling; cilantro is a great substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Clove Garlic – The star ingredient for that aromatic essence; roasted garlic can sweeten the flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a touch of heat; adjust to suit your spice level preference.
For Cooking
• Vegetable Oil – Use for searing the roulade; olive oil or butter can replace it for added flavor.
This Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade is bound to be a showstopper at your holiday feast, leaving everyone eager for seconds!
How to Make Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it, ensuring the roulade won’t stick during roasting. The warm oven will help lock in those delicious flavors!
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Flatten the turkey breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness of about ½ inch; this helps the turkey cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
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Mix the filling by combining butter, panko breadcrumbs, thyme, sage, parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir until evenly blended—this mixture should be fragrant and slightly moist.
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Spread the filling uniformly over the flattened turkey breasts, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor while allowing for room to roll.
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Roll the turkey tightly from one side to the other, creating a tight cylinder. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you roll.
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Secure the roulade with kitchen twine at intervals to hold its shape during cooking. This step also keeps the filling intact, so be generous with your twine!
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Sear the roulade in a hot skillet with vegetable oil, turning it so that all sides achieve a golden brown crust. This adds flavor and texture, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
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Transfer the turkey roulade to the prepared baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Rest the roulade for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. This step makes every slice juicy and flavorful!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of gravy for extra flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade
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Even Thickness: Ensure turkey breasts are pounded to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This promotes even cooking and prevents dry spots.
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Secure with Twine: Use kitchen twine generously to secure the roulade. This prevents the filling from spilling out during cooking and helps maintain its shape.
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Internal Temperature: Always monitor the internal temperature closely. The Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
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Rest Before Slicing: Let the roulade rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in each slice being juicy and flavorful.
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Customize Wisely: While the filling is delicious, avoid overstuffing the roulade. Keeping the filling proportionate ensures easy rolling and evenly distributed flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade
Room Temperature: If serving immediately, let the roulade sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
Fridge: Store any leftover Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the roulade tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic-Herb Turkey Roulade?
Create a delightful holiday feast by pairing scrumptious sides with this elegant centerpiece.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes complement the savory roulade, making for a comforting classic.
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Cranberry Sauce: Its tartness balances the richness of the turkey, adding a refreshing brightness that enhances each bite. Don’t forget to serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast!
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized veggies introduce a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the tender turkey.
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Stuffing: A warm, herb-infused stuffing brings homey flavors to the table, tying in with the aromatic elements of the roulade. It’s a comforting addition that everyone loves!
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Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and a hint of lemon, these vibrant green beans provide a fresh, zesty side that adds color and pops of flavor to your plate.
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Herbed Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for mopping up juices and sauces, offering a satisfying texture that rounds out the meal.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this classic holiday favorite adds a touch of sweetness and spices that perfectly harmonizes with the savory flavors of the meal.
Add these delightful dishes to your holiday spread, creating a memorable experience that invites everyone to linger a little longer at the table.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Garlic-Herb Turkey Roulade in advance is a fantastic time-saver for those bustling holiday moments! You can assemble the roulade, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring it’s just as delicious when cooked. On the day of serving, simply preheat your oven, remove the roulade from the fridge, and roast it according to the recipe instructions. For even better texture, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before searing. This will help maintain juiciness and flavor—perfect for creating a stunning centerpiece with minimal stress!
Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your roulade to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Chicken Option: Replace turkey with chicken breasts for a lighter meal that’s equally delicious. Take advantage of the flavor variations in texture and taste.
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Cheesy Delight: Incorporate your favorite cheese such as mozzarella or feta into the filling for an extra indulgent touch. This melts beautifully, adding creaminess to each bite.
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Spinach Boost: Fold in chopped spinach or kale into the filling for a nutritious twist that not only enhances color but also packs in health benefits.
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Mediterranean Flair: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that elevates the dish with a burst of zest.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in slivered almonds or chopped walnuts into the filling to add a delightful crunch and richness that balances the smooth textures.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes to bring a spicy twist that will warm up your taste buds during those festive gatherings.
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Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different herbs—basil, dill, or even a hint of tarragon could provide an exciting new flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
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Fruit & Herb Fusion: Add finely diced apples or cranberries to the filling for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and herbs.
Explore these variations to craft a roulade that tells your culinary story at every gathering!
Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade Recipe FAQs
What kind of turkey should I use?
Absolutely! For this Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade, boneless, skinless turkey breasts are the best choice. They’re lean, easy to roll, and will hold the flavorful filling perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute chicken breasts instead.
How should I store leftovers?
Very simply! Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, store the leftover Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the turkey to stay juicy while keeping it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently to keep that delightful tenderness.
Can I freeze the turkey roulade?
Absolutely! You can wrap the cooled Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, freezing it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, bake it covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until it’s warmed through and juicy again.
What should I do if my turkey roulade is dry?
If you find yourself with a dry roulade, worry not! This can often happen if the turkey is overcooked. Next time, ensure you’re monitoring the internal temperature closely and pull it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you accidentally serve a dry roulade, try slicing it and drizzling a bit of gravy or some broth over the top to bring back moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should take into account?
Very much so! If you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that this dish contains gluten from the panko breadcrumbs. You can easily switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, if anyone has allergies to specific herbs like sage or garlic, those can be omitted or substituted with other flavors like lemon zest or sunflower seeds for a nutty touch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Indeed! You can prepare the Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade a day in advance. Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just roast it before your guests arrive. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that saves time on the day of your celebration.
Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade: A Showstopper for Your Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.
- Flatten the turkey breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin to about ½ inch thickness.
- Mix the filling by combining butter, panko breadcrumbs, thyme, sage, parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Spread the filling uniformly over the flattened turkey breasts, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the turkey tightly from one side to the other, creating a tight cylinder.
- Secure the roulade with kitchen twine at intervals to hold its shape during cooking.
- Sear the roulade in a hot skillet with vegetable oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the turkey roulade to the baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes.
- Rest the roulade for 10 minutes before slicing.