If you’re looking to wow your family or guests with something that feels festive yet comes together so much easier than a whole roast, this Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love this because it’s juicy, flavorful, and the sausage stuffing gives it that comforting, savory punch — it’s like Thanksgiving dinner all rolled into one gorgeous presentation. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for holidays or any special Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simpler Than Roasting a Whole Bird: You get all the flavor without the day-long wait or dry meat worries.
- Juicy & Flavorful: The sausage stuffing locks in moisture and adds an irresistible savory punch.
- Impressive Presentation: It looks fancy but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about an hour, perfect for last-minute planning or busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe come together beautifully — fresh turkey breast for a lean, tender base and a rich, herby sausage stuffing that brings everything to life. When you shop, look for a fresh turkey breast, not frozen if possible, and good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Skinless Boneless Turkey Breast: Flattening it makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll use this for richness inside and out — don’t skip softening it first.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, enhances all the flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly cracked works best for a bright kick.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overpowering the natural turkey flavor.
- Italian Sausage (Casings Removed): The sausage stuffing star—choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced to soften and melt into the stuffing.
- Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness to stuffing.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Herb Stuffing Mix: I use Pepperidge Farm—it’s convenient and the herbs give that classic taste.
Variations
I love how versatile this Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe is. You can easily tweak it for different tastes or diets without losing that cozy, comforting feeling. Feel free to make it your own!
- Herb Swap: I’ve tried adding sage or thyme fresh out of my garden, which amps up the aroma in a delicious way.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture makes it a little lively, perfect for spice lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the stuffing mix for gluten-free breadcrumbs or a homemade blend — it still tastes fantastic!
- Vegetable Boost: I like adding chopped mushrooms or spinach into the stuffing for extra texture and nutrients.
How to Make Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Flatten the Turkey Breast
Start by laying your turkey breast flat on a cutting board and covering it with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to an even thickness — about ½ inch. This helps the roulade roll smoothly and promotes even cooking without drying out the edges. Don’t rush this step; tender care here really makes a difference.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Stuffing Filling
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spatula. Once browned (about 5 minutes), stir in the diced onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, around 4 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, then add the box of herb stuffing mix. Stir well and let it absorb the broth for a few minutes until perfectly moist but not soggy. This step creates that luscious stuffing that locks in moisture and flavor inside the turkey.
Step 3: Assemble the Roulade
Remove the stuffing from heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, spread softened butter all over the flattened turkey breast and season it generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Now spread the sausage stuffing evenly over the turkey, leaving a small border on the edges. Then, carefully roll the turkey breast up tight, starting from the long edge, tucking the ends under so it keeps its shape.
Step 4: Secure and Roast
Use kitchen twine to tie the roulade at 1½-inch intervals to hold the roll together during roasting. Place it seam-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish, pat with a bit more butter on top, and pop it in the oven preheated to 375°F. Roast for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The butter and sausage juices keep everything moist and flavorful — it’s magic.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Here’s what I’ve learned — don’t skip the resting! Let the roulade rest wrapped loosely in foil for 10-15 minutes after baking. This step helps the juices redistribute, so when you slice it, you’ll get beautiful, juicy pieces that don’t dry out. Then, slice into thick rounds and watch your family go crazy.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Flatten your turkey properly for even cooking and an easier roll.
- Don’t Overstuff: Leave a border around the edges to prevent stuffing from leaking during roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to know when your roulade is perfectly cooked without guessing.
- Rest Before Slicing: This tip changed my game — juicy slices every time without drying out.
How to Serve Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the slices with a little fresh parsley — it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of pan jus made from the roasting drippings brightens it up as well. Sometimes, I add a few dried cranberries for that subtle holiday sweetness that pairs surprisingly well.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this roulade are classic mashed potatoes (buttery and smooth, of course), roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic, and a crisp green apple & fennel salad to lighten things up. The balance between creamy, savory, and fresh keeps the meal exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I slice the roulade into medallions and arrange them standing upright on a serving platter, fanning out around a little bowl of gravy. It’s such a pretty presentation and makes guests feel like they’re at a fancy restaurant, but without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days when stored this way.
Freezing
I like to freeze any extra roulade slices individually wrapped in parchment and foil, then placed in freezer bags. This way, they don’t stick together and you can defrost just what you need — they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To keep the roulade from drying out on reheating, I cover slices with foil and warm them gently in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel works if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
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Can I use a whole turkey breast with skin on for this roulade?
Yes, you can use a skin-on turkey breast, but I recommend removing the skin for easier rolling and a cleaner presentation. If you do keep the skin, you’ll want to secure it tightly to the roll and be mindful that it may affect cooking time and texture.
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What if I don’t have Italian sausage? What can I substitute?
You can swap Italian sausage for any mild or spicy sausage you prefer, or even ground pork seasoned with fennel, garlic, and herbs. The idea is to have a savory, flavorful filling to complement the turkey.
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How do I know when the roulade is fully cooked?
The best way is using a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the roulade; it should read 165°F for perfectly cooked turkey. This helps prevent drying out or undercooking.
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Can I make the sausage stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the stuffing a few hours ahead keeps things simple on cooking day. Just let it cool completely and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the roulade.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe has become a comfort food staple for me — it’s quick enough to make during the busy holidays, yet so special it feels like a celebration. I still remember the first time I served it and how impressed everyone was, even my picky eaters. Give it a try and I promise you’ll love how effortlessly it brings warmth and joy to your table. You’ve got this!
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Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful turkey roulade stuffed with savory Italian sausage and herb stuffing, perfect for a festive Thanksgiving main dish that cooks quickly in under an hour. This recipe combines juicy turkey breast with a rich, buttery sausage filling for an impressive yet manageable celebration centerpiece.
Ingredients
Turkey Roulade
- 1 3-pound skinless boneless turkey breast
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sausage Stuffing
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- 1 cup chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 1 (6-ounce) box herb stuffing mix (such as Pepperidge Farm brand)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the roulade.
- Prepare Sausage Mixture: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up and cooking until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and mix in the herb stuffing mix, combining thoroughly and adding more broth if the mixture is too dry.
- Prepare Turkey Breast: Lay the turkey breast flat on a clean surface. Using a meat mallet or the back of a knife, gently flatten it further if needed to an even thickness. Season the turkey evenly with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Spread the softened butter evenly over the turkey surface.
- Assemble the Roulade: Spoon the sausage stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the turkey breast tightly around the stuffing, securing it with kitchen twine or toothpicks to maintain the shape during cooking.
- Bake the Roulade: Place the roulade seam-side down on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the turkey is fully cooked. If the roulade begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the roulade from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into approximately 2 slices per serving and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish offers a fast alternative to roasting a whole turkey with a cooking time of about one hour.
- To ensure even cooking, flatten the turkey breast evenly before stuffing and rolling.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness — the internal temperature should be 165°F.
- Let the roulade rest after baking to keep it juicy and easier to slice.
- Optional: add fresh herbs like sage or thyme to the stuffing for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 901 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 192 mg