Succulent Tuscan Turkey Roulade – Holiday Delight

Let’s be honest—turkey doesn’t always get the love it deserves, does it? It’s often overshadowed by the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, or even the dessert table. But what if I told you this Tuscan Turkey Roulade recipe could change all that?

Imagine a turkey dish so flavorful, so visually stunning, that it becomes the talk of your holiday dinner (and maybe even the leftovers the next day).

Oh, and here’s something fascinating I recently learned: wrapping meat in bacon isn’t just delicious—it actually locks in moisture, keeping the turkey tender and juicy. So if you’ve ever worried about dry turkey (haven’t we all?), Turketta has your back.

Why Turketta Steals the Spotlight

Inspired by Italy’s porchetta (recently crowned one of the world’s top comfort foods!), this dish keeps things light and WW-friendly without losing any of that savory charm. Plus, wrapping the turkey in bacon isn’t just for looks—it’s a clever way to keep it moist and tender. Say goodbye to dry turkey disasters!

This recipe is fun to make, rewarding to serve, and downright unforgettable to taste. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday chef or someone who just wants to impress their in-laws, Turketta will be your new secret weapon.

Let’s get started, shall we? 😊

Table of Content

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)

Here’s why Turketta deserves a spot on your table:

• Bursting with Flavor: This isn’t your typical turkey—it’s rolled with fresh herbs, zesty orange, and a dash of spice for bold, Tuscan-inspired taste.
• Wrapped in Crispy Bacon: The bacon not only adds a smoky crunch but also keeps the turkey juicy and tender while it roasts.
• A Show-Stopping Presentation: Sliced into neat rounds, Turketta reveals beautiful layers of herbs and turkey, making it a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
• Easy Yet Impressive: It may look fancy, but this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare—and you’ll love how proud you feel when you serve it!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday feasts to Sunday dinners, Turketta fits every celebration. Plus, it’s just as good the next day for leftovers.

This is turkey done right—simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to have your guests talking (and eating!). 😊

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible dish:

• Garlic: For bold, aromatic depth.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
• Fennel seeds: Adds a subtle anise-like sweetness.
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, and sage: Essential for the Tuscan herb blend.
• Dijon mustard: A tangy base for the herb paste.
• Red pepper flakes: A gentle kick of heat.
• Orange zest: For a burst of brightness and balance.
• Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and a perfect wrapping.
• Turkey breast: Lean protein, tender and juicy when rolled and roasted.

How to Make Tuscan Turketta

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Prepare the Herb Paste: Blend garlic, herbs, orange zest, and spices into a fragrant paste.

Butterfly and Season the Turkey: Flatten the turkey breast and spread the herb paste evenly across the surface.

Roll and Wrap: Roll the turkey tightly and wrap it with strips of bacon. Use twine if needed to secure the roulade.

Roast to Perfection: Bake at 375°F until the turkey is cooked to 165°F and the bacon is crisp and golden.

Rest and Slice: Let the roulade rest before slicing into elegant portions.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Storage Tips

• Leftovers to Savor: Don’t let a single bite of that delicious Turketta go to waste! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. (Trust me, you’ll want them for lunch tomorrow!)
• Reheat Without Regret: Want that bacon to stay crispy and the turkey juicy? Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Skip the microwave unless you like soggy bacon (and who does?).
• Freezer Magic: Too good not to save for later? Wrap individual slices tightly in foil, pop them into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat to perfection.

Serving Tips

• Pair It Like a Pro: Turketta loves company! Pair it with roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp citrus salad for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. The smoky, herby flavors are perfect with fresh and bright sides.
• Bring on the Italian Flair: Elevate your presentation with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or serve slices with a small bowl of garlic-infused olive oil for dipping. It’s like bringing a bit of Tuscany right to your table!
• Leftovers That Wow: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transform them! Layer thin slices into a crusty baguette with arugula and a swipe of mustard for the ultimate sandwich or chop it up into a hearty salad.

Turketta is the dish that keeps on giving—whether you’re savoring it fresh out of the oven or reinventing it the next day, every bite is a reminder of why you made this show-stopper in the first place! 😊

Tips & FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Turkey?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works beautifully as a substitute for turkey. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken may cook slightly faster.

What if I Don’t Have Fennel Seeds?

Fennel seeds add a subtle licorice-like sweetness to the dish, but you can substitute with anise seeds or simply omit them if needed.

How Do I Know the Roulade is Cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I Make Turketta in Advance?

Yes! Prepare and roll the turkey up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.

How Do I Serve Turketta?

Turketta pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bright citrus salad. For an Italian twist, drizzle a balsamic reduction over the slices.

Why Turketta Fits Your Healthy Eating Plan

Turketta is not only delicious but also packed with lean protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a Weight Watchers lifestyle.

By using turkey breast instead of pork, this dish is lower in fat while still delivering incredible flavor. The fresh herbs and orange zest offer vibrant, nutrient-rich additions, while the bacon provides just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard.

Print Recipe

Healthy

Succulent Tuscan Turkey Roulade – Holiday Delight

Author: Julie Recipes Cooking Method: Baking, Roasting Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner, Easy Recipes, High-Protein, Low Carb, Main Course Recipe Keys: Baking High Protein Kid-Friendly Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Cooking Temp: 375  °F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 23 Calories: 140

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Turketta, a Tuscan-inspired turkey roulade, combines fresh herbs, citrus, and crispy bacon for a show-stopping holiday dish that's Weight Watchers-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 large clove Garlic: (large cloves, mashed into a paste for robust flavor.)

• ³⁄₄ tsp Kosher salt: (, to bring out the natural flavors.)

• 2 tsp Fennel seeds: (, coarsely chopped for a subtle sweetness.)

• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley: (tbsp, flat-leaf, finely chopped for brightness.)

• 1 tbsp Rosemary: (, fresh, finely chopped, lending earthy notes.)

• 1 tbsp Sage: (, finely chopped, essential for Tuscan-style seasoning.)

• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp Dijon mustard: (, adding tangy depth.)

• ¹⁄₂ tsp Red pepper flakes: (, or to taste, for a hint of spice.)

• ¹⁄₂ tsp Orange zest: (, grated, providing a fresh, citrusy balance.)

• 8 oz Uncooked center-cut bacon: (, for wrapping the roulade.)

• 2 lbs Turkey breast: (, boneless and skinless, butterflied and flattened to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.)

Instructions

Preparing the Herb Paste

1. Begin by making the flavorful herb paste. Mash garlic with kosher salt until it forms a smooth paste. Add fennel seeds, parsley, rosemary, sage, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly to create a vibrant and aromatic paste.

Prepping the Turkey Breast

1. Butterfly the turkey breast by slicing it horizontally, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. Open it like a book and pound it gently with a meat mallet until it’s about ½-inch thick. Spread the herb paste evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Rolling and Wrapping the Turkey

1. Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the turkey breast into a tight log. Lay out strips of bacon side by side on a flat surface, then place the turkey roll seam-side down on top. Wrap the bacon tightly around the roulade, overlapping the strips slightly. Use kitchen twine if necessary to secure the bacon.

Roasting the Turketta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the roulade seam-side down in a baking dish and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Increase the temperature to 400°F and roast for another 10–20 minutes until the thermometer reads 165°F and the bacon is golden and crisp.

Resting and Slicing

1. Remove the roulade from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the turkey moist. Remove any twine and slice crosswise into 8 pieces for serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 140kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 5g8%

Cholesterol 50mg17%

Sodium 340mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 1g1%

Protein 22g44%

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Points per serving 3

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The first time I made Turketta, I wasn’t sure how it would go over with my family. My husband, who’s usually skeptical of “fancy turkey,” took one bite and went back for seconds—and thirds! My kids, who aren’t always thrilled about herbs, couldn’t stop talking about the crispy bacon and how “fancy” it looked. By the end of dinner, everyone was asking if we could have it again for the next holiday. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. Turketta isn’t just a dish—it’s a memory-maker, and seeing my family light up made it all worth it. 😊

Keywords: turketta, turkey roulade, Tuscan turkey, Italian turkey recipes, stuffed turkey breast, turkey roll, herb-crusted turkey, rolled turkey breast, turkey porchetta, Thanksgiving turkey recipes, holiday turkey dishes