When you want to wow your guests with something impressive yet approachable, this Maple-Glazed Garlic & Parsley Turkey Roulade is just the dish. Juicy turkey breast is filled with a fragrant garlic and parsley mixture, rolled, then glazed with maple syrup to create a beautifully caramelized finish. The roulade is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion when you’re craving something a bit more elegant.
Why This Roulade Will Become a Favorite
- Beautiful Presentation: The rolled turkey breast, sliced into neat rounds, is a showstopper on any table.
- Balanced Flavors: The earthy garlic and parsley filling pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the maple glaze, creating a harmonious and delightful bite.
- Moist and Tender: The roulade method keeps the turkey juicy, even if you’re new to cooking turkey breast.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: With basic ingredients, this roulade looks and tastes gourmet without a complicated process.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Roulade:
- 1 large boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the turkey breast on a large cutting board. Butterfly it by carefully slicing it horizontally, then open it up like a book. Cover with plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Step 2: Make the Garlic and Parsley Filling
- Season the turkey breast on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, melted butter, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread this filling mixture evenly over the turkey breast, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
Step 3: Roll and Secure the Roulade
- Starting from one of the short sides, tightly roll the turkey breast into a log shape. Secure it with kitchen twine at 1- to 1.5-inch intervals to hold the roulade together.
- Trim excess twine, if necessary, for a neat finish.
Step 4: Sear the Turkey Roulade
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the roulade in the skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from heat once all sides are seared.
Step 5: Apply the Maple Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper to create the glaze.
- Brush half of this glaze over the roulade, coating it well.
Step 6: Roast the Roulade
- Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 35-45 minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze halfway through. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If the glaze darkens too quickly, tent the roulade with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
- Remove the roulade from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, ensuring the meat is moist.
- Remove the twine, slice the roulade into 1-inch rounds, and arrange on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for color.
Serving Suggestions
This Maple-Glazed Turkey Roulade shines as a main dish, particularly with seasonal side options like:
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans)
- Mashed cauliflower or potatoes
- A fresh, light salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Tips for Success
- Keep it Tied: Tying the roulade helps it maintain its shape, especially during searing and roasting.
- Watch the Glaze: If the glaze begins to caramelize too quickly, use foil to cover the roulade and prevent burning.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic provide the best flavor, while high-quality maple syrup offers a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Temperature Check: Turkey breast can dry out if overcooked, so using a meat thermometer is key to keeping it juicy.
Variations
- Add Spinach and Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, add a layer of fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of shredded cheese over the garlic and parsley filling before rolling.
- Different Glaze: Substitute the maple glaze with a honey-mustard glaze for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace parsley if you prefer a more earthy or piney flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 290
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 6g net carbs
- Fat: 14g
Final Thoughts
This Maple-Glazed Garlic & Parsley Turkey Roulade is not only beautiful but incredibly flavorful, balancing sweet and savory in every bite. Its tender, juicy texture will make it a memorable centerpiece for any meal, adding a gourmet touch without a complicated process. This is one dish that’s bound to be a hit at holiday gatherings, and it may even become a new favorite tradition!