Turkey Roll And Balsamic Sauce
A flavorful turkey roll filled with sausage, sage, and ham, then glazed with balsamic vinegar for a savory, aromatic dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 deboned turkey breast
- 10 oz. Italian sweet sausage (casings removed) ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped juniper berries ⓘ
- 10 fresh sage leaves ⓘ
- 6 oz. Mortadella slices ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the turkey breast so it is as flat as possible.
- Flatten it further with a pounder.
- Mix the sausage, eggs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, and chopped juniper berries.
- Spread this mixture over the flattened turkey breast.
- Cover with sage leaves and then the Mortadella slices or thinly sliced ham.
- Roll the meat tightly and secure the roll with kitchen string.
- Put the butter and olive oil in a heavy roasting pan.
- Season the turkey roll with salt and pepper.
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, adding the white wine gradually to keep the juices moist.
- Baste the roll occasionally with the pan juices during cooking.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, then slice and serve with balsamic vinegar drizzled over.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, ensure the turkey breast is as flat as possible. If you can't find Mortadella, prosciutto or another thinly sliced ham makes a great substitute. To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the sausage mixture. This dish can also be made ahead and served cold, similar to an Italian sausage loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the turkey roll into thick pieces and serve it drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian bread loaf or creamy polenta. A light red wine complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice the turkey roll and place it in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water. Cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Roll And Balsamic Sauce contains roughly 1160 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey roll a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just make sure to cook it on the day you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it's a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of juniper berries?
If you can't find juniper berries, try using a combination of crushed rosemary and a splash of gin, which mimics the flavor. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether; the dish will still be delicious with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the turkey and sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese. Use a similar filling method and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).