If you’re craving a show-stopping dish that brings together cozy fall flavors and succulent turkey, the Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dazzling roulade is a delightful combination of juicy turkey breast wrapped around a savory stuffing bursting with sausage, sweet-tart apple, fresh herbs, and crumbly cornbread, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will impress guests and family alike. Whether it’s for a special holiday or a comforting weekend feast, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delectable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, working together to build layers of flavor and texture that make this roulade unforgettable. From the fresh herbs that brighten the stuffing to the sweet apple adding a pop of freshness, each component plays a starring role.
- Celery (2 medium stalks, finely chopped): Adds a crisp, aromatic base to the stuffing that balances the richer ingredients.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Sweet-tart apple (1 medium, chopped): Brings a refreshing, fruity note that contrasts beautifully with savory sausage.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the stuffing with its unmistakable warm and fragrant flavor.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, plus garnish): Offers a bright, herbal lift that keeps flavors lively.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped, plus garnish): Imparts earthiness and a classic poultry pairing to the mix.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped, plus garnish): Adds subtle complexity and a hint of lemony zestiness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing and enriching the stuffing’s moist texture.
- Kosher salt (3 teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the natural flavors with a perfect savory balance.
- Uncooked pork sausage (8 ounces, casings removed): Builds the hearty, meaty backbone of the stuffing that keeps every bite satisfying.
- Cornbread (4 ounces crumbled, about 1 1/2 cups): Adds tender crumbs that soak up the juices and provide a lovely texture contrast.
- Whole skin-on, boneless turkey breast (about 5 pounds): The star protein that encases the stuffing and bakes to juicy perfection.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the roulade moist in the oven and infuses subtle savory notes.
- Olive or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Used to rub the turkey, ensuring a golden, flavorful crust.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and seasoning to finish the roulade beautifully.
How to Make Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and placing a rack in the middle. This temperature allows the roulade to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring the turkey stays juicy and the stuffing inside gets deliciously warm without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Stuffing
In a large skillet, melt part of the butter and sauté the finely chopped celery, onion, and apple until they become tender and aromatic. Then add the sausage, cooking it thoroughly until browned; this step builds the savory base of the stuffing. Mix in the crumbled cornbread and the trio of fresh herbs—parsley, sage, and thyme—plus salt to bring all the flavors together in one delightful filling.
Step 3: Pound and Season the Turkey Breast
Lay the turkey breast skin-side down on a clean surface and gently pound it to an even thickness. This evens out cooking time and makes rolling easier. Season the turkey generously with salt then spread your prepared stuffing evenly over the meat, leaving a small border on the edges for sealing.
Step 4: Roll and Tie Into a Roulade
Carefully roll the turkey breast up tightly, encasing the stuffing inside like a delicious log. Use kitchen twine to secure the roulade at 2-inch intervals to maintain its shape during roasting. This step also ensures even cooking and makes slicing a dream at the end.
Step 5: Roast to Juicy Perfection
Place the roulade in a baking dish with a cup of low-sodium chicken broth, then rub the outside with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Roast in your preheated oven for about 70 to 80 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The broth helps maintain moisture and catches flavorful drippings that can be used for gravy or sauce.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Allow the roulade to rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven; this resting period lets juices redistribute for moist, tender slices. Remove the twine carefully, then cut into thick slices to showcase the beautiful swirl of stuffing inside. Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for that irresistible fresh finish.
How to Serve Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, sage, and thyme over slices of roulade not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the herbal flavors. A drizzle of pan jus or gravy made from the roasting juices complements the dish beautifully, giving it a glossy finish and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This roulade pairs perfectly with classic roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips or a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree provide a smooth counterpoint to the textured stuffing, making every bite cozy and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of the roulade atop a bed of wilted baby spinach or alongside a tangy cranberry relish to brighten the plate. For a festive touch, arrange individual roulade slices with small dollops of fresh apple chutney and toasted pecans, turning a simple plate into a gourmet experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover roulade slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, they stay fresh for up to 3 days, making an excellent second-day meal that tastes just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for convenience and quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat roulade slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to maintain moisture, or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I make this Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roulade a day in advance, keep it wrapped in the fridge, then roast it fresh when you’re ready. This cuts down on day-of prep and makes entertaining much easier.
What type of apple works best in this recipe?
Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala are ideal—they hold their shape when cooked and add a balanced sweetness that complements the savory sausage perfectly.
Can I substitute the sausage with a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, though the flavor profile will shift a bit. Using a plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with sage and thyme can still produce a tasty stuffing but keep in mind the texture and fat content will differ.
How do I ensure the turkey remains moist during roasting?
Using a meat thermometer to monitor when the internal temperature hits 160°F is key. Also, the chicken broth in the roasting pan adds moisture, and letting the roulade rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Is it necessary to tie the roulade with kitchen twine?
While not mandatory, tying the roulade helps maintain its shape and ensures even cooking. It also makes slicing easier and results in those beautiful spiraled slices perfect for presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Its blend of fresh herbs, sweet apple, and savory sausage wrapped in tender turkey makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. I hope you give this recipe a go and find it as rewarding and delicious as I do — it’s a perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable dish that warms the heart.
Print
Herb-Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Sausage, Apple, and Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Roulade recipe features a tender, juicy turkey breast rolled with a savory stuffing of sausage, cornbread, apples, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and impressive main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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 (such as 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 (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle for even cooking.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a large skillet, melt part of the butter and cook the finely chopped celery, yellow onion, and apple until tender. Add the minced garlic and uncooked pork sausage, cooking until the sausage is browned through. Mix the cooked sausage mixture with crumbled cornbread and freshly chopped parsley, sage, and thyme. Season with half of the kosher salt.
- Prepare Turkey: Place the turkey breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it gently until it reaches an even thickness. Remove the plastic wrap, season the turkey breast evenly with the remaining kosher salt, then spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the surface. Carefully roll the turkey breast into a tight log and secure it with kitchen twine at intervals to hold the shape.
- Roast the Roulade: Place the roulade seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the dish around the roulade. 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 (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roulade from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the kitchen twine, slice into thick pieces, garnish with additional fresh parsley, sage, and thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
- Pounding the turkey breast to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and rolls easily.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Letting the roulade rest before slicing helps retain moisture and makes for cleaner slices.
- Leftover stuffing can be used in other recipes or served alongside the roulade for extra flavor.
- If cornbread is not available, substitute with bread cubes or a similar base, but cornbread adds a distinctive flavor.
