Tender Smoked Turkey Roulade

The kitchen was warm with the lingering scent of smoked wood, and a basket of fresh ingredients sat on the counter, daring me to create something extraordinary. I had just unpacked a bone-in turkey breast from the local market, its skin glistening, promising a tender center and golden exterior.

The idea of rolling it with layers of prosciutto, Fontina, and caramelized onions had been swirling in my mind for weeks. That day, I finally had the time to bring it to life. I lined up the spinach, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs, imagining how each bite would blend smoky richness with subtle sweetness and a hint of sharp cheese.

As I pounded the breast flat, the rhythm of the mallet echoed like a drumbeat, each tap marking the start of something special. Even before it hit the smoker, the anticipation in the air was palpable. This was a dish that demanded attention.

By the time the roulade began to cook, the smell of slowly smoking turkey and caramelized onions filled the room, curling around me like a warm blanket. I peeked at the layers peeking through the skin and realized that cooking this roulade was less about following steps and more about creating a sensory experience. It felt like orchestrating a small symphony of flavors that would come together beautifully on the plate.

Short Description

Tender Smoked Turkey Roulade with Red Chimichurri – a tender smoked turkey roulade filled with prosciutto, Fontina, spinach, and caramelized onions, rolled tightly and smoked to perfection, served with vibrant red chimichurri.

Key Ingredients

For the Roulade

• 1 bone-in turkey breast, approximately 5 pounds
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 7 ounces Fontina cheese, grated

For the Red Chimichurri

• 4 whole roasted red peppers
• ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ancho chile powder
• Pinch crushed red pepper

Tools Needed

• Pellet smoker or grill
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Meat mallet
• Kitchen twine
• Large skillet
• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil and paper towels

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Heat your smoker or grill to 275°F. Carefully remove the turkey skin, keeping it intact, and set aside. If bone-in, slice the breast meat away from the bone using long cuts along the ribcage. Lay the breast on a cutting board, skin-side down. Cover with plastic wrap and pound evenly to ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced red onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add spinach to the same pan and cook until wilted and moisture evaporates, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to paper towels to drain.

Step 3: Assemble the Roulade
Pat the turkey breast dry. Layer evenly with prosciutto, Fontina cheese, spinach, and caramelized onions. Starting from a short end, roll the turkey tightly into a log. Lay the reserved skin over the roulade, tucking edges in. Secure firmly with kitchen twine every 2 inches. Rub with remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and olive oil.

Step 4: Smoke the Turkey
Place the roulade on the smoker at 275°F. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 150°F, about 1 hour. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent heat.

Step 5: Make the Red Chimichurri
While smoking, blend roasted peppers, parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt, ancho chile powder, and crushed red pepper. Pulse until coarse—do not over-blend. The texture should remain rustic.

Step 6: Crisp and Finish
Transfer the roulade to a platter and increase smoker heat to 475°F. Return the roulade and cook 20–25 minutes until the skin crisps and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 15 minutes before removing twine. Slice into ½-inch pieces and serve with chimichurri.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant centerpiece worthy of holidays or celebrations

Smoky flavor with creamy, savory filling

Impressive swirl presentation on every slice

Make-ahead friendly with reheating options

Rich flavor without being overly heavy

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Uneven Rolling
Filling spilling or lopsided shape.
Solution: Roll tightly from the short end and tie securely in multiple sections.

Dry Roulade
Leaning too long or high heat smoking.
Solution: Monitor internal temperature; pull at 150°F before crisping.

Torn Skin
Skin can shrink or tear while cooking.
Solution: Lay skin carefully and tuck edges under twine to secure.

Over-blended Chimichurri
Becomes watery like purée.
Solution: Pulse only until coarse; texture adds character.

Soggy Spinach Layer
Excess moisture causes soggy slices.
Solution: Drain spinach on paper towels thoroughly before layering.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Slice and arrange the roulade on a white platter to showcase the swirl.

Drizzle red chimichurri over the slices or serve it on the side.

Pair with roasted root vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp fennel salad.

Serve drinks like Pinot Noir, sparkling cider, or herbal iced tea.

Perfect for buffet spreads or plated dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze slices with parchment paper between layers.

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven while wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.

Avoid microwaving, as it can make the turkey tough.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare it a day ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate uncooked roulade overnight. Smoke the next day.

2. Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Absolutely, it saves prep time. Ensure it’s pounded evenly.

3. What wood chips are best?
Apple or cherry wood adds mild sweetness that complements turkey.

4. Can I replace Fontina cheese?
Use provolone or mozzarella for similar melt and creaminess.

5. How do I get extra crispy skin?
Finish at high heat (475°F) and ensure roulade surface is dry before crisping.

Tips & Tricks

Chill roulade 30 minutes before smoking to hold its shape

Use long knife slices for clean swirl presentation

Add a thin mustard layer inside for tang

Resting is crucial—do not rush slicing

Recipe Variations

Herb & Mushroom Roulade: Replace onions with sautéed mushrooms and add fresh sage. Prepare same way for earthy flavor.

Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Roulade: Swap Fontina for sharp cheddar and add diced pickled jalapeños for heat.

Mediterranean Roulade: Use feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Add lemon zest to chimichurri.

Final Thoughts

Serving this roulade is a chance to show how elevated simple ingredients can feel. The smoky richness of the turkey pairs seamlessly with the salty, savory layers inside, while the red chimichurri adds a bright, fresh counterpoint. Watching each slice reveal the spiral of cheese, prosciutto, and vegetables always draws a little awe at the table.

Cooking this dish underscores the power of patience in the kitchen. From preparing the filling to the slow smoke and final crisp of the skin, each step builds toward a perfectly balanced, flavorful experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s an event, a reason to gather people around the table, share stories, and savor something both familiar and surprising. The roulade encourages creativity, and the process itself leaves a lingering sense of accomplishment that makes every bite even more satisfying.