Ina Garten’s Tuscan Turkey Roulade is a flavorful, impressive, and make-ahead-friendly dish that’s perfect for a dinner party or holiday meal. This recipe transforms a simple turkey breast into a succulent roulade, stuffed with prosciutto, fennel seeds, garlic, fresh sage, and rosemary. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. Roasted to golden perfection, this dish brings comfort food to a new level.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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Good olive oil, as needed
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1½ cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
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¾ teaspoon whole fennel seeds
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2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 whole sage leaves
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1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
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1 whole butterflied boneless turkey breast with the skin on (5 to 6 pounds)
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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4 tablespoons (½ stick) cold unsalted butter, grated on a box grater
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4 ounces thinly sliced Italian prosciutto
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1 cup dry white wine, such as Chablis
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel seeds, cooking until the onion is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped sage and rosemary. Let the mixture cool.
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On a cutting board, lay the turkey breast skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper. Once the onion mixture has cooled, spread it evenly over the turkey. Sprinkle grated butter on top, then layer with prosciutto to cover the entire surface.
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Roll the turkey breast up, jelly-roll style, and tie with kitchen twine at 2- to 2½-inch intervals. Slip the whole sage leaves under the twine.
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Place the roulade, seam side down, in a roasting pan. Pat the skin dry and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour wine and 1 cup of water into the pan (avoiding pouring over the turkey). Roast for 1½ to 1¾ hours, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
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Remove the turkey from the oven and cover with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the twine, slice the roulade into ½-inch-thick slices, and serve with the pan juices.
Nutrients
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Calories: 454
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Fat: 22g
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Carbs: 4g
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Protein: 53g
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Sugars: 1g
The Flavorful Layers of the Roulade
What truly sets the Tuscan Turkey Roulade apart is the careful layering of flavors inside the turkey breast. As the turkey roasts, the various ingredients meld together, infusing the turkey with an aromatic richness. The mixture of fennel seeds, garlic, fresh rosemary, and sage creates a herbaceous, savory filling that perfectly complements the lean meat of the turkey. The prosciutto adds an indulgent, salty contrast, while the cold butter sprinkled on top of the stuffing ensures that the roulade remains moist and tender throughout the roasting process.
The fennel seeds, in particular, are a key ingredient that elevates the flavor profile of the dish. Their sweet, slightly licorice-like taste adds a distinctive note that pairs beautifully with the savory herbs and turkey. The garlic enhances the depth of the stuffing, while the prosciutto contributes a delicate richness that contrasts with the lighter turkey. Together, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a roulade that is bursting with flavor, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional turkey dishes.
Ease of Preparation
Despite its impressive appearance and delicious flavors, Ina Garten’s Tuscan Turkey Roulade is surprisingly easy to prepare. The turkey breast is butterflied, which means it is opened up and flattened, making it easier to stuff and roll. The stuffing process is straightforward, and the ingredients require minimal effort to prepare. The onion and fennel seeds are sautéed in olive oil, then mixed with fresh herbs and garlic, creating the perfect aromatic base for the roulade.
Rolling the turkey is also simple. Once the turkey breast is seasoned and topped with the stuffing, it is rolled up like a jelly roll and tied with kitchen twine. This step ensures that the roulade maintains its shape during the roasting process and ensures even cooking. By placing the roulade seam-side down in the roasting pan, the skin stays intact, creating a beautifully golden and crisp exterior. The wine and water in the pan keep the turkey moist as it roasts, adding an additional layer of flavor to the dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly
One of the standout features of this recipe is its make-ahead nature. The Tuscan Turkey Roulade can be assembled hours or even a day before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and the stuffing to settle into the turkey. This advance preparation is especially helpful when hosting large gatherings or preparing for a holiday meal. After assembling the roulade, you can simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast it, ensuring that there’s minimal last-minute effort involved.
Roasting the roulade takes about 1½ to 1¾ hours, during which time you can focus on preparing side dishes or getting the rest of your meal ready. When the turkey is finished, it can be rested for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and making slicing much easier. This added convenience allows you to enjoy your guests’ company without worrying about a lengthy cooking process.
The Roasting Process: Achieving Perfect Golden Skin
Achieving the perfect golden-brown skin on a turkey roulade can often be a challenge, but this recipe ensures a crispy and flavorful exterior. After tying the roulade and placing it in a roasting pan, the skin is patted dry and brushed with olive oil. This step is crucial because it helps to crisp up the skin as it roasts. The seasoning of salt and pepper on the skin enhances the turkey’s natural flavors, giving the final dish a savory crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender meat and stuffing inside.
The addition of wine and water to the roasting pan further elevates the dish. As the roulade roasts, the liquid in the pan creates a moist cooking environment, preventing the turkey from drying out. This also helps to develop the flavorful pan juices, which can be served alongside the roulade to further enrich the dish. The combination of golden, crispy skin and tender, moist turkey ensures a satisfying bite every time.
A Dish That Feels Both Elegant and Comforting
While the Tuscan Turkey Roulade is elegant enough to be served at a dinner party or a holiday feast, it also brings the warmth and comfort of a traditional turkey dinner. The combination of the perfectly roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and crispy skin offers a feeling of indulgence that’s familiar yet refined. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal without being too heavy, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from Thanksgiving to casual family dinners.
The stuffing inside the roulade ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, while the turkey itself remains the star of the dish. The prosciutto adds a touch of luxury, but it’s the careful balance of herbs, garlic, and fennel that gives the dish its true depth of flavor. The final result is a beautifully presented roulade that feels like a celebration, whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or a special family meal.
The Perfect Pairings
Tuscan Turkey Roulade is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it an excellent choice for a full meal. Traditional accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing work beautifully with this roulade. The richness of mashed potatoes complements the savory turkey, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and earthiness that balances out the dish. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can help to cut through the richness, adding a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the roulade.
For a more Italian-inspired twist, consider serving the turkey with a side of roasted polenta or risotto, which will provide a creamy, comforting base for the flavorful roulade. The richness of these sides pairs perfectly with the aromatic turkey, making for a well-rounded and indulgent meal.
Wine pairings are also important to consider when serving Tuscan Turkey Roulade. A light white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the flavors of the turkey without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, a light red wine like Pinot Noir can bring out the earthiness of the rosemary and fennel, offering a balanced pairing.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s Tuscan Turkey Roulade is a show-stopping dish that combines elegance, ease of preparation, and incredible flavor. The combination of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and crispy skin makes this roulade a perfect choice for any special occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a dinner party. The ability to make it ahead of time adds convenience and allows the flavors to meld, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal stress. With its rich flavors, golden skin, and succulent filling, this roulade is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether served with classic sides or creative accompaniments, Tuscan Turkey Roulade is a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for any festive gathering.