If you are searching for a show-stopping dish that combines savory goodness with a touch of sweetness, the Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Apple and Sausage Recipe is your new best friend. This elegant yet comforting roulade blends tender turkey breast with a fragrant stuffing of apples, sausage, fresh herbs, and cornbread, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s perfect for holidays, special dinners, or any time you want to impress with a homemade meal that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this roulade unforgettable. From the fresh herbs to the sweet-tart apples and hearty sausage, these simple components come together to create an extraordinary dish.
- Celery (2 medium stalks, finely chopped): Adds a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness to the stuffing.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Sweet-tart apple (1 medium, chopped): Infuses the stuffing with bright, fruity notes that cut through the richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers an aromatic kick that enhances all the savory flavors.
- Fresh parsley, sage, and thyme (various tablespoons, chopped): These herbs add vibrant color and boost the herbal fragrance in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking the stuffing ingredients, it enriches the textures and adds a velvety finish.
- Kosher salt (3 teaspoons, divided): Essential for seasoning both the stuffing and turkey perfectly.
- Uncooked pork sausage (8 ounces, casings removed if needed): Provides hearty, savory flavor and juicy pockets inside the stuffing.
- Cornbread (4 ounces, crumbled): Acts as a comforting binder that soaks up the flavors while adding tender crumbs.
- Whole skin-on, boneless turkey breast (about 5 pounds): The star of the roulade, it must be pounded to an even thickness for rolling and even cooking.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the roulade moist during roasting and adds a subtle base flavor.
- Olive or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Used for the final rub to create a beautifully golden turkey skin.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice for balance.
How to Make Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Apple and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution. This step gets your kitchen ready to roast the roulade to perfection, ensuring a juicy, golden exterior and thoroughly cooked center.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
Heat a skillet and melt half the butter to sauté the chopped celery, onion, and apple until they become tender and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for a burst of aroma before adding the sausage. Cook the sausage through until nicely browned. Then, combine this savory mixture with crumbled cornbread and your fresh herbs—parsley, sage, and thyme—along with a pinch of salt for seasoning. This stuffing will be the heart and soul of your roulade.
Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Lay the turkey breast onto a cutting board and pound it evenly. This step is key to making rolling the roulade easier and ensuring uniform cooking. Season the flattened turkey lightly with salt and pepper, then spread the prepared stuffing evenly across the surface. Roll the turkey carefully into a tight log and secure it firmly with kitchen twine. This creates a neat package that locks in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Roast the Roulade
Place the roulade in a baking dish, pour the chicken broth around it to help keep things moist, then rub the outside with olive or vegetable oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 70 to 80 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F. This slow roasting allows the stuffing to meld beautifully with the juicy turkey.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once roasted, let the roulade rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Resting locks in those flavorful juices, making each slice tender and moist. Remove the twine, garnish with extra chopped herbs, and prepare to wow your guests!
How to Serve Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Apple and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness on top makes all the difference. Sprinkle the roulade slices with extra parsley, sage, and thyme leaves to enhance the herbal notes and add a lovely pop of green. A drizzle of pan juices or a light gravy can also bring beautiful shine and richness to the plate.
Side Dishes
This roulade pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. For a little extra color and texture contrast, consider a tangy cranberry relish or a simple apple and fennel salad to echo the apple flavors inside the roulade.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, serve the roulade whole on a large wooden board with herb sprigs scattered around. Alternatively, arrange individual slices fan-style on plates garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Serving with small ramekins of complementary sauces invites everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining great texture and flavor. You can enjoy them cold for sandwiches or reheat gently.
Freezing
If you want to save the roulade for later, wrap it well in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for 20–25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, slice and reheat gently in a skillet with a dash of broth or butter to keep the roulade moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for the stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage variety, such as spicy Italian or maple-flavored breakfast sausage, to tailor the flavor profile to your taste. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments since some sausages can be saltier than others.
Is it necessary to pound the turkey breast before rolling?
Yes, pounding the turkey breast is important because it creates an even thickness that makes rolling easier and ensures the roulade cooks uniformly. Without pounding, thinner sections might overcook while thicker parts remain underdone.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the roulade a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to roast. This allows the flavors to meld slightly and makes the cooking process smoother. Just bring it back to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
While fresh herbs add brightness and aroma, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, and add them during the cooking of the stuffing so they have time to rehydrate and infuse their flavors.
How do I know when the roulade is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure perfect doneness is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey roulade should reach 160°F. This guarantees the turkey is safe to eat but still juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Apple and Sausage Recipe that transforms a simple meal into a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings warmth, joy, and a touch of sophistication to every bite. Don’t hesitate to try it out and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Apple and Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Turkey Roulade recipe features a juicy, boneless turkey breast rolled around a savory stuffing of sausage, cornbread, apples, and fresh herbs. Oven-roasted to perfection, this impressive dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, offering a flavorful twist on traditional roasted turkey.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
- 2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium sweet-tart apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped (about 1 cup, no need to peel)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 8 ounces uncooked pork sausage (casings removed if necessary)
- 4 ounces cornbread (store-bought or homemade), crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
For the Roulade:
- 1 whole skin-on, boneless turkey breast (about 5 pounds)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle to ensure even roasting of the turkey roulade.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a large skillet, melt part of the butter and cook the finely chopped celery, yellow onion, and sweet-tart apple until tender. Add the minced garlic and then incorporate the pork sausage, cooking until browned. Remove from heat and mix in crumbled cornbread along with chopped parsley, sage, thyme, and season with kosher salt.
- Prepare Turkey: Lay the turkey breast flat and pound it gently to an even thickness to facilitate rolling. Season the turkey evenly with salt. Spread the prepared stuffing over the turkey breast, then carefully roll it into a log shape. Secure the roulade tightly with kitchen twine to hold its shape while roasting.
- Roast the Roulade: Place the roulade seam side down in a baking dish and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. Rub the outside of the roulade with olive or vegetable oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 70 to 80 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: After removing the roulade from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the kitchen twine, slice the roulade into medallions, garnish with additional fresh parsley, sage, and thyme leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the turkey evenly to ensure it rolls smoothly and cooks evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roulade to avoid under- or overcooking.
- The stuffing can be customized by adding nuts or dried fruit for additional texture and flavor.
- Letting the roulade rest before slicing helps retain its juiciness.
- If preferred, substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
