Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the fridge.
Quick Answer
Create a stunning Turkey Roulade by rolling a flavorful filling of ground turkey, spinach, and feta, then baking it to golden perfection for a festive holiday centerpiece.
Introduction: As the crisp air of autumn settles in New York City, I can't help but get excited about the upcoming celebrations that fill our calendars-Thanksgiving and Christmas. These gatherings are perfect opportunities to showcase a feast, and this Turkey Roulade has won my heart (and taste buds) as a delightful centerpiece. It's a dish that not only looks impressive on the table but also combines wonderful flavors that will have your guests raving about your culinary skills!
A Festive Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creates an impressive and beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Combines delightful flavors to impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills.
- Adaptable recipe allows for seasonal ingredient swaps to reflect personal tastes.
- Easy to store leftovers, making for quick weeknight dinners.
- Perfect for any festive occasion, ensuring warmth and connection over meals.
Ingredients
Gather these high-quality ingredients for a standout Turkey Roulade:
Turkey and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds of ground turkey
- 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup of roasted red peppers, diced
Cheese and Binders
- ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a sprinkle of paprika
How to Make Turkey Roulade (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Turkey Roulade.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, and the beaten egg. As I mix these ingredients, the vibrant aromas fill the air. I season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Roulade
On a sheet of plastic wrap, I spread the turkey mixture into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Carefully lifting the edge of the wrap, I roll it tightly, making sure it holds its shape during cooking. It feels nostalgic, reminiscent of holiday baking from my childhood.
Step 3: Brown the Roulade
In a cast-iron skillet heated over medium-high heat, I drizzle olive oil and gently unroll the turkey roulade into the pan. The nutty aroma of browning meat fills my kitchen. I sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, locking in all the wonderful juices.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
After browning, I transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The roulade's golden crust and the gentle jiggle in the center signal success, and its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Letting the roulade rest for about 10 minutes is essential before unwrapping and slicing it into beautiful rounds. Each slice reveals stunning layers of colors that promise a burst of flavor. I serve this with a simple cranberry sauce or a light drizzle of olive oil for a perfect contrast to the savory turkey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the Filling: This can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Not letting the roulade rest can result in a loss of juices when slicing.
- Not Checking Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through but still juicy.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Incorporate seasonal herbs like sage or thyme for a more fragrant experience.
- Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Serve with seasonal vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Variations:
- Use different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
How to Serve:
- Slice the roulade and arrange it on a platter for an appealing presentation.
- Pair with a simple cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast.
- Drizzle with olive oil or a balsamic reduction for added flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the turkey mixture and roll it up a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the fridge.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven until warm.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze the roulade individually for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
One of my favorite lessons from making this Turkey Roulade is how adaptable it can be; you can easily swap in seasonal ingredients to reflect your personal taste. Plus, the joy of presenting a rolled turkey dish surprisingly elevates simple ground meat into a gourmet experience!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~300 calories · 25g protein · 15g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Festive Turkey Roulade for Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, and the beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika.
- On a sheet of plastic wrap, spread the turkey mixture into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Roll it tightly using the wrap to keep its shape.
- In a cast-iron skillet, drizzle olive oil and carefully unroll the turkey roulade into the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the roulade rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it into rounds to reveal layers of colors and flavors.
Notes
FAQs
What can I substitute for the ground turkey in the roulade?
You can substitute ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you prefer a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I prepare the turkey roulade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the roulade a day in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply brown and bake it as directed.
What should I serve with the turkey roulade?
This dish pairs wonderfully with seasonal vegetables or a light salad. A cranberry sauce or a simple drizzling of olive oil also complements the flavors beautifully.
