Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups with Creamy Gravy
These Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups with Creamy Gravy are a wonderful twist on classic holiday flavors all rolled into one easy dish. Tender slices of turkey wrap around savory…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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These Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups with Creamy Gravy are a wonderful twist on classic holiday flavors all rolled into one easy dish. Tender slices of turkey wrap around savory stuffing, baked to a golden brown, and then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy that brings everything together perfectly. It’s like your favorite Thanksgiving dinner, but quicker to make and fun to serve.
I love making these roll ups when I want to treat my family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The idea of combining turkey and stuffing in a neat roll is such a simple but tasty way to use leftovers or fresh ingredients alike. I always make sure to have extra gravy on hand because it’s the best part to spoon over each serving. It makes the whole dish feel cozy and filling.
My favorite way to enjoy these roll ups is with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp salad to balance out the meal. They’re great for dinner any time of year, but especially comforting in cooler months when you want something warm and satisfying. Every time I make them, they remind me of family gatherings and sharing good food around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey breast cutlets: These are perfect for rolling because they’re thin and cook quickly. If you can’t find cutlets, slice regular turkey breast thinly or butterfly it. Chicken breasts work well too as a substitute.
Stuffing: You can use leftover stuffing or a boxed mix. Homemade stuffing adds freshness, but store-bought is super convenient. Feel free to add extra herbs or sausage to boost flavor.
Broth: Turkey or chicken broth makes the gravy rich. Vegetable broth works for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt better.
Heavy cream: This gives the gravy a creamy texture. You can swap it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as thick and silky.
How Do You Roll and Cook Turkey Without It Falling Apart?
The key to neat roll ups is prepping your turkey and securing it well before cooking:
- Pound turkey thinly: Even thickness helps it roll easily and cook evenly. Use a meat mallet with gentle taps.
- Use an even layer of stuffing: Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting while cooking.
- Secure the rolls: Toothpicks or kitchen twine keep the rolls tight. Don’t skip this step.
- Browning before baking: Searing each roll seals in juices and creates a nice color.
- Bake at the right temperature: 375°F cooks the turkey through without drying it out.
Following these steps helps keep your roll ups looking great and tasting juicy every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – perfect for browning the roll ups on the stove and finishing them in the oven without extra dishes.
- Meat mallet – helps you pound the turkey cutlets thin and even, making rolling easier.
- Whisk – essential for making a smooth, lump-free creamy gravy.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine – keeps the stuffing inside the turkey roll ups while cooking.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check that the turkey is cooked safely to 165°F without overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey with chicken breast for a sweeter, milder flavor that cooks faster.
- Add cooked sausage to the stuffing mix to boost savory depth and add texture.
- Stir in dried cranberries or chopped apples in the stuffing for a touch of sweetness and festive flair.
- Use herb cheese (like herbed cream cheese) inside the roll ups for creamy, tangy bites.
Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups with Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 4 medium skinless, boneless turkey breast cutlets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to bake, and 10 minutes to make the creamy gravy. In total, expect around 50 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect dish for a cozy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Roll Ups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the turkey cutlets flat on a cutting board and, if needed, gently pound them until they’re about ¼ inch thick to even them out. Season each cutlet with salt and pepper on both sides. Spread a layer of stuffing evenly over each cutlet.
2. Roll and Brown the Turkey:
Carefully roll each cutlet up from the short side to enclose the stuffing. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the rolls intact. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roll ups on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden.
3. Bake and Make the Gravy:
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the roll ups for 20-25 minutes, until the turkey is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the rolls from the skillet and keep warm under foil. For the gravy, melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and poultry seasoning if you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the roll ups and place them on a serving plate. Pour the creamy gravy over the top, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and serve alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and baked beans or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast Cutlets for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This helps ensure even cooking and makes pounding the cutlets easier.
What Can I Substitute for the Stuffing?
If you don’t have stuffing on hand, you can use cooked rice mixed with herbs, sautéed vegetables, or even a breadcrumb mixture seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey roll ups and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Can I Make the Gravy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the gravy ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving, whisking occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.