Herb-Infused Turkey Roll : A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

There’s something magical about a perfectly rolled turkey, bursting with aromatic herbs, tender meat, and just the right amount of crispy, golden skin. If you’re looking for a show-stopping alternative to a whole bird for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even just a cozy Sunday dinner, this Herb-Infused Turkey Roll is your answer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to dry, boring turkey again.

This recipe takes inspiration from a classic turkey roulade but adds a unique touch that makes it even more flavorful and foolproof. And don’t worry—it may look fancy, but I’ll walk you through every step so you can roll, roast, and serve with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Roll

• Packed with Flavor – A rich herb and garlic paste is massaged into the turkey, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
• Juicy and Tender – Slow roasting locks in moisture, ensuring the most succulent slices.
• Perfect for Small Gatherings – No need to fuss over a whole turkey when you can have a beautifully sliced, evenly cooked roll.
• Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers make the best sandwiches, salads, or even a delicious Turkey Pinwheel (see this guide).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey Roll:

• 1 whole turkey breast (2 connected pieces, bone removed, skin-on)
• 10-12 fresh sage leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil

For the Turkey Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Prepare the Turkey Roll

1. Butterfly and Flatten the Turkey Breast

Lay the turkey breast skin-side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the thickest parts, so it opens up like a book. Then, cover with plastic wrap and pound it gently with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) until it’s evenly about ½-inch thick.

2. Make the Herb Paste

Using a mortar and pestle (or a small food processor), grind the sage, rosemary, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt into a fragrant paste. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until smooth.

3. Spread and Roll

Evenly spread the herb paste over the flattened turkey breast. Starting from one end, roll it tightly like a jelly roll, making sure the skin is wrapped around the outside. Use kitchen twine to secure the roll at 1-inch intervals.

Need rolling inspiration? Check out this step-by-step on Rolled Tacos for a similar technique!

How to Cook the Turkey Roll

4. Sear for a Crisp Exterior

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the rolled turkey in a roasting pan, drizzle a little olive oil on top, and sear it in the oven for 15 minutes until the skin turns golden brown.

5. Slow Roast for Maximum Juiciness

Lower the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check—once the internal temperature reaches 162°F (72°C), it’s ready to come out! The residual heat will bring it up to the perfect 165°F (74°C).

Want extra flavor infusion? Try injecting a little seasoned broth into the turkey before roasting! Learn more about Turkey Injection for juicy results.

6. Rest and Slice

Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This is crucial for juicy meat! Once rested, cut into beautiful even slices.

Turkey Roll

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This Slow-Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Roll is a mouthwatering twist on the traditional turkey roulade, packed with the rich flavors of sage, rosemary, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. The turkey breast is butterflied, coated with a fragrant herb butter, rolled tightly, and roasted low and slow to achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an elegant dinner, this turkey roll is easier to carve, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress.

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Turkey Roll:

• 1 whole turkey breast (about 5–6 lbs, boneless, skin-on)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Turkey Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

1. Lay the turkey breast skin-side down on a clean cutting board.
2. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the thickest parts of the breast, so it opens up evenly.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound it with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) until it’s an even ½-inch thick.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Spread

4. In a small bowl, mix together butter, sage, rosemary, garlic, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
5. Spread this flavor-packed herb butter evenly over the butterflied turkey breast.

Step 3: Roll and Secure the Turkey

6. Starting from one end, roll the turkey breast tightly, making sure the skin is wrapped around the outside.
7. Secure the roll with kitchen twine, tying at 1-inch intervals to maintain its shape.

Step 4: Sear for a Crispy Skin

8. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
9. Place the turkey roll in a roasting pan and drizzle olive oil on top.
10. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes until the skin is golden brown.

Step 5: Slow Roast to Perfection

11. Lower the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours.
12. Use a meat thermometer—once the internal temperature reaches 162°F (72°C), remove from the oven.
13. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes (it will continue cooking to 165°F due to residual heat).

Step 6: Make the Turkey Gravy

14. While the turkey rests, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
15. Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown.
16. Slowly add chicken stock, whisking constantly, and simmer until thickened.
17. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

18. Remove the twine and slice the turkey roll into even pieces.
19. Serve with warm turkey gravy and your favorite sides!

Notes

• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, wrap the rolled turkey in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before roasting.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The key to juicy turkey is not overcooking—check the internal temp!
• Alternative Cooking Method: You can also cook this turkey roll in a slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours, then broil for a crispy skin.

• Author: L. L. Sofia
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Comfort Foods
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 oz
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 48g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Pro Tips for a Juicy, Succulent Turkey Roll

• Use a Meat Thermometer: The secret to perfectly cooked turkey is temperature, not time. Overcooking leads to dryness, so take it out at 162°F and let carryover cooking do the rest.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the turkey rest after roasting redistributes the juices, ensuring every bite is moist.
• Keep the Skin On: The skin locks in moisture and crisps up beautifully in the oven. No skin? Wrap the roll in bacon!
• Marinate Overnight: Letting the herb paste sit on the turkey for at least 12 hours deepens the flavor.
• Baste for Extra Moisture: Spoon some pan drippings over the turkey every 20-30 minutes while roasting.

Flavor Variations

This turkey roll is a blank canvas for delicious flavors. Try these ideas:

1. Citrus & Herb Twist

• Add lemon zest, orange zest, and thyme to the herb paste.
• Baste with fresh orange juice for a tangy glaze.

2. Spicy Cajun Turkey Roll

• Mix in smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder to the herb rub.
• Serve with a side of spicy Creole gravy.

3. Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Roll

• Instead of skin, wrap the roll in thin bacon strips.
• The fat will keep the meat extra juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve This Turkey Roll

This dish pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern sides. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes & Turkey Gravy – The ultimate classic pairing.
• Cheddar Cheese Rolls – A delicious twist! Check out this Cheese Roll recipe.
• Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A slightly sweet and crispy side.
• Garlic Butter Green Beans – Bright and fresh flavors complement the richness of the turkey.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover turkey slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap slices in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F to avoid drying out.

Want easy leftovers? Slice and roll the turkey into tortillas for a delicious Turkey Pinwheel.

Making the Perfect Turkey Gravy

Nothing completes a turkey roll like a rich, velvety gravy. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
3. Slowly pour in the pan drippings and chicken stock, whisking continuously.
4. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Serve this over the turkey roll and prepare for everyone to beg for seconds!

Serving Ideas

This turkey roll is stunning on its own, but let’s take it up a notch with perfect pairings:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Because what’s turkey without them?
• Roasted Vegetables – Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash for a colorful spread.
• Stuffed Cheese Rolls – A fun twist! You might love this Cheese Roll recipe.
• Cranberry Sauce – The sweet contrast is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Roll

Leftover turkey roll is a goldmine for easy, delicious meals. Don’t let a single slice go to waste—here are some fantastic ways to transform leftovers into new and exciting dishes:

1. Turkey & Cheese Panini

• Layer thin slices of turkey with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and Dijon mustard between two slices of crusty bread.
• Grill on a panini press or in a skillet until golden and crispy.

2. Creamy Turkey Pasta

• Toss shredded turkey with al dente pasta, a garlic cream sauce, and fresh parsley for a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness.

3. Thanksgiving Leftover Quesadilla

• Use turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and shredded cheese between tortillas.
• Toast on a skillet until crispy and golden, then serve with sour cream or gravy for dipping.

4. Turkey & Spinach Breakfast Wrap

• Scramble some eggs and mix with turkey, sautéed spinach, and feta cheese.
• Roll it all into a whole wheat tortilla for a high-protein breakfast on the go.

5. Savory Turkey & Rice Soup

• Simmer shredded turkey with chicken broth, wild rice, carrots, celery, and thyme for a nourishing soup that’s perfect for cold days.

Want more creative turkey roll ideas? Try turning it into bite-sized appetizers like Turkey Pinwheels!

Pairing Drinks with Turkey Roll: The Perfect Beverage Guide

A beautifully roasted turkey roll deserves the perfect drink pairing to enhance its flavors. Here’s what to serve alongside your dish for a well-balanced meal:

1. Classic White Wine Pairings

Turkey pairs wonderfully with medium-bodied white wines that complement its richness:

• Chardonnay – A buttery, oaky Chardonnay enhances the herbaceous turkey flavors.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, it cuts through the richness of the meat.

2. Red Wine Options for a Bolder Pairing

If you prefer red wine, go for lighter, fruit-forward reds:

• Pinot Noir – With its soft tannins and bright berry notes, it won’t overpower the turkey.
• Grenache – A smooth, spicy red that complements rosemary and sage flavors.

3. Non-Alcoholic Pairings

For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, try:

• Apple Cider – Its natural sweetness balances out the savory turkey roll.
• Herbal Iced Tea – A chilled chamomile or ginger tea adds a light, soothing touch.

4. Holiday-Inspired Cocktails

Elevate your feast with seasonal cocktails:

• Cranberry Mimosas – Sparkling wine mixed with cranberry juice makes a festive, bright pairing.
• Spiced Old Fashioned – A bourbon cocktail with orange and cinnamon for a warm, cozy feel.

Hosting a holiday dinner? Pair your turkey roll with a side of Cheese Rolls for a well-rounded meal.

Now, you’re not only making an incredible turkey roll—you’re curating an unforgettable dining experience!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Herb-Infused Turkey Roll is an absolute game-changer—moist, flavorful, and perfect for any holiday or special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a cozy meal for two, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So, grab your apron, roll up that turkey, and get ready for some seriously delicious, foolproof turkey magic. Happy cooking!