These tender turkey breast slices are filled with savory stuffing and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese, then baked in a rich turkey gravy until perfectly juicy. The dish comes together with just five simple ingredients and requires minimal prep work—simply roll, arrange, and bake.
The roll-ups cook covered first to keep everything moist, then finish uncovered for beautifully browned edges. Each serving delivers 36 grams of protein, making this a satisfying main course that works equally well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables to soak up the extra gravy, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
The smell of parsley hitting hot gravy still takes me back to my first apartment kitchen. I was trying to make something impressive for a Tuesday night dinner. These roll-ups came out of nowhere really. Now they are my go to when I need comfort food that actually looks fancy.
Last Thanksgiving my sister asked for the recipe three times. She could not believe something so simple could taste this good. We served them with mashed potatoes and everyone went back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast slices: Thin slices are crucial here. They need to roll easily without tearing.
- Prepared stuffing: Use your favorite boxed mix or homemade leftovers. It should be moist enough to hold together but not soggy.
- Provolone or mozzarella: The cheese melts into the stuffing creating these gooey little pockets of flavor.
- Turkey or chicken gravy: Homemade is great but a good quality jarred gravy works perfectly fine.
- Fresh parsley: Adds that pop of color and a fresh bright taste that cuts through the richness.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil.
- Lay out the turkey:
- Arrange the slices flat on your work surface so they are ready to fill.
- Add the filling:
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of stuffing onto each turkey slice then top with half a slice of cheese.
- Roll them up:
- Start rolling from one end and secure with toothpicks if they feel loose.
- Arrange and pour:
- Place the roll-ups seam side down in your dish then pour that gravy right over the top.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes so everything steams together.
- Finish baking:
- Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the turkey reaches 165°F inside.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top right before bringing them to the table.
My husband actually requested these for his birthday dinner one year. That was the moment I knew this recipe had become part of our family story.
Making Ahead
You can assemble the roll-ups the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold going into the oven.
Freezer Friendly
These freeze beautifully before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic and foil then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before you need them.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes are classic but roasted vegetables work wonderfully too. The gravy from the dish makes its own sauce.
- Steamed green beans with a little butter
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Cranberry sauce for a holiday feel
These roll-ups prove that simple ingredients prepared with care can become something extraordinary.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then add the gravy and bake when ready to serve.
- → What type of stuffing works best?
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Both boxed stuffing mix and homemade stuffing work beautifully. Traditional herb-seasoned varieties complement the turkey perfectly, but cornbread or sage stuffing also make delicious alternatives.
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
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Absolutely. Thin chicken cutlets or pounded chicken breasts work just as well. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → How do I prevent the roll-ups from unrolling during baking?
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Place them seam-side down in the baking dish. You can also secure them with toothpicks before baking—just remember to remove them before serving.
- → What should I serve with these roll-ups?
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Mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the extra gravy. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad also complement the dish nicely.
- → Can I freeze these roll-ups?
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Yes, freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add gravy and bake as directed.