Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups are the epitome of comfort food—bringing together the heartwarming flavors of turkey and stuffing in a creative and delicious way. Whether you’re repurposing holiday leftovers or creating a new meal from scratch, these roll-ups are perfect for satisfying your craving for something cozy and flavorful.
This recipe not only brings the best of traditional Thanksgiving fare to your table but also offers a twist that is sure to please everyone, from casual dinner guests to picky eaters. It’s a simple yet special dish that’s easy to make but sure to feel like a gourmet treat.
Let’s dive in and explore this irresistible recipe in greater detail so you can make the best Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups for your family or friends.
Why Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups are incredibly versatile and practical. They make great use of leftover turkey and stuffing, so they’re ideal for after-holiday meals. But even if you don’t have any leftovers, this dish can be prepared in no time with freshly made turkey and stuffing.
What makes this recipe so great?
- Comforting flavors: The familiar and heartwarming taste of turkey and stuffing combined in every bite makes this dish a perfect comfort food.
- Great for leftovers: If you’ve got leftover turkey and stuffing from a holiday meal, this recipe is the perfect way to give those leftovers new life in a delicious and satisfying way.
- Kid-friendly: The flavors and presentation are simple enough for younger eaters, making it a great family meal.
- Flexible and customizable: You can adapt this dish with different types of stuffing or seasonings to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups bring out the best flavors of Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy them. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this dish any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
Before we start making the roll-ups, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very straightforward, and most of the ingredients are staples that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients:
- Turkey slices: Choose deli-style turkey or roast turkey, about 8 slices (one per roll-up).
- Stuffing: Use about 2 cups of prepared stuffing. You can use traditional bread stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or any variation that you prefer.
- Gravy: 2 cups of turkey gravy (store-bought or homemade).
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar-jack cheese. This will add flavor and help thicken the gravy for a rich, creamy texture.
Optional Ingredients for Personalization:
- Seasonings: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added to the stuffing or gravy for a more aromatic flavor.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap the cheddar-jack for mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite cheese.
- Greens: Consider adding a thin layer of spinach or arugula between the turkey and stuffing for a light, peppery twist.
This combination of ingredients makes for a flavorful, rich, and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Feel free to adjust the stuffing or gravy to suit your preferences, as this recipe offers plenty of flexibility.
How to Make Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! The process is simple and straightforward, yet the result is a delicious dish that feels special and comforting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare your oven and pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure the roll-ups don’t stick.
- Make the gravy:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the turkey gravy over medium-high heat.
- Add the shredded cheddar-jack cheese to the gravy. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the gravy becomes thicker and creamier.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Set the gravy aside.
- Assemble the roll-ups:
- Lay one slice of turkey flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon about ¼ cup of prepared stuffing onto the center of the turkey slice.
- Shape the stuffing into a log so it runs evenly across the width of the turkey slice.
- Carefully roll the turkey around the stuffing, securing it as tightly as possible without tearing the turkey slice.
- Repeat the process with the remaining turkey slices and stuffing until you have 8 roll-ups.
- Bake the roll-ups:
- Place the rolled-up turkey slices seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the prepared gravy over the top of the roll-ups.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and ensure the roll-ups heat evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the gravy is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the roll-ups from the oven and carefully uncover the foil. Let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with the remaining gravy on the side and accompany it with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Serving Suggestions for Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
These Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups are versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more delightful:
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory turkey and stuffing, giving a balanced flavor profile.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes complement the dish’s richness, adding both color and nutrition to the plate.
- Green Beans Almondine: The crispness of green beans with toasted almonds offers a light, crunchy contrast to the tender turkey rolls.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a great choice. They can soak up the gravy and add to the comforting nature of the dish.
If you’re looking for something lighter, consider serving the roll-ups over a bed of fresh greens like spinach or arugula, adding a fresh and peppery touch to balance out the richness.
Substitutions and Variations for Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
One of the best things about the Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups is how easily they can be customized. Whether you have dietary preferences, leftover ingredients, or simply want to try something new, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your needs.
Substitutions You Can Try:
- Turkey Variations:
- If you’re not a fan of turkey or don’t have it available, you can use chicken breast or deli-sliced ham instead. Both options work well with the stuffing and gravy.
- For a leaner option, you can also try chicken breast slices or lean deli turkey to keep the dish lighter.
- Stuffing Variations:
- The stuffing is the heart of this dish, so feel free to mix it up depending on your flavor preferences. You can opt for cornbread stuffing, wild rice stuffing, or even quinoa stuffing for a healthier alternative.
- If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free stuffing mix made from rice, cornbread, or other gluten-free grains.
- For added texture and flavor, try incorporating sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, or nuts like pecans or walnuts into your stuffing.
- Gravy Adjustments:
- Traditional turkey gravy is delicious, but you can switch it up. Consider making a mushroom gravy or a vegetarian gravy if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker or lighter gravy, simply adjust the amount of cheese you add to the gravy. You can also try using cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Cheese Variations:
- Cheddar-Jack cheese adds a wonderful flavor, but feel free to get creative with the cheese. Try mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese for a different taste experience.
- For a more intense flavor, parmesan or asiago can be used instead of a milder cheese.
- Herbs and Spices:
- Experiment with different herbs in your stuffing or gravy. Fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary will enhance the dish’s depth, especially if you’re using homemade stuffing.
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or paprika to the stuffing for a little extra warmth.
For a Healthier Option:
- Lean turkey slices: Opt for thinner, leaner turkey slices or even turkey breast to reduce the overall fat content.
- Whole-grain stuffing: Use whole-grain bread or quinoa to make the stuffing more nutritious.
- Low-fat cheese: Swap regular cheese for a low-fat version to reduce calories while still getting the creamy texture in the gravy.
For a vegan/vegetarian version:
- Vegan turkey slices: Replace the turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or just use thin slices of roasted vegetables, like eggplant or zucchini, as a base.
- Vegetarian stuffing: Ensure your stuffing is made with vegetable stock and no animal-based products. You can also use plant-based butter or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
- Vegan gravy: Use a mushroom-based or vegetable-based gravy to keep things vegan while maintaining that rich, savory flavor.
Storing and Reheating Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep, and it also makes for great leftovers. If you find yourself with extra Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups, here’s how you can store and reheat them to preserve their taste and texture.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover roll-ups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep any remaining gravy in a separate container to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze these roll-ups, the texture may change slightly when reheated. If you choose to freeze, wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating Instructions:
- From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll-ups in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- From the Freezer: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let the roll-ups thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated leftovers. If reheating from frozen without thawing, increase the baking time to 30-40 minutes.
FAQs On Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups
What is a turkey roll up?
A turkey roll-up is a dish where thin slices of turkey are rolled around a flavorful filling, typically made from stuffing, cheese, or other ingredients. The rolled turkey is then baked, often with gravy poured over the top, to create a savory and comforting meal. It’s a great way to combine classic Thanksgiving flavors in a fun, bite-sized form.
How to make turkey stuffing?
To make turkey stuffing, you’ll need cubed bread (or other preferred base) combined with sautéed vegetables such as onions, celery, and garlic. Then, season with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Add broth (usually turkey or chicken broth) and cook everything together, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors. The stuffing can be baked on its own or used as a filling for dishes like turkey roll-ups. You can also add extras like sausage, cranberries, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
What exactly is turkey stuffing?
Turkey stuffing, sometimes referred to as dressing, is a savory mixture traditionally used to stuff a turkey before roasting. It typically includes bread, vegetables, herbs, and broth, creating a moist, flavorful filling. While it’s often cooked inside the turkey, it can also be prepared separately. The stuffing absorbs the juices from the turkey while it cooks, making it rich in flavor and a classic side dish during holiday meals.
Can you cook stuffing and turkey at the same time?
Yes, you can cook stuffing and turkey at the same time, but there are some important considerations. If you stuff the turkey with stuffing, the turkey needs to be cooked thoroughly, and the stuffing must reach a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C). Alternatively, if you cook the stuffing separately, you can bake it in the oven while the turkey roasts, but keep an eye on cooking times to ensure both are fully cooked without over-baking the stuffing.
Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 8 slices turkey breast (deli-sliced or roast turkey)
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (your choice of stuffing)
- 2 cups turkey gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese (or cheese of your choice)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a medium saucepan, heat the turkey gravy over medium-high heat. Add the shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and the gravy becomes thick and creamy.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay one slice of turkey on a flat surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of prepared stuffing in the center of the turkey. Roll the turkey around the stuffing to form a tight roll.
- Place in the Baking Dish: Arrange the turkey roll-ups seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining turkey slices and stuffing.
- Add Gravy: Pour half of the prepared gravy over the turkey roll-ups in the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the roll-ups with the remaining gravy on the side. Optionally, pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes:
- You can make the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Feel free to swap the cheese for a different variety like mozzarella or provolone.
- If using leftover turkey, this is a great way to repurpose it into a new meal.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 612mg
- Potassium: 83mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 274IU
- Calcium: 123mg
- Iron: 1mg
