The scent hits first, buttery, smoky, and just a little bit festive. Then comes the reveal, which is a golden roast wrapped in crisp bacon, sliced open to show layers of turkey, ham, spinach, and melting cheese.
This meal goes hand in hand with Sunday dinners, or any night you want something different and unique. The turkey stays juicy thanks to its rich filling, while the bacon wrap locks in flavor and gives it that irresistible taste.
What is a Stuffed Turkey Roast?
A stuffed turkey roast is a boneless turkey breast that's been slit, layered with fillings, rolled, tied, and finished with a bacon wrap. The method concentrates flavor, keeps the meat moist, and creates a dramatic central slice that shows the spiral of filling.
This version is simple, fast, friendly, and ideal when you want something impressive but achievable.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Stuffed Turkey Roast
- After slicing the breast open, pound gently so the meat is an even thickness that lets the roll stay firm. Use a meat mallet and press from the center outward.
- Drain or wring cooked spinach thoroughly so the filling doesn’t water-log the turkey. Patting the turkey dry before assembling helps the bacon adhere and the exterior brown.
- Roll firmly but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. Tie at 2–3 cm intervals to hold shape during roasting.
- Ham and bacon are salty, so season the turkey sparingly before rolling, then taste and add finishing salt if needed after resting.
- Crisp the bacon if needed: If your bacon isn’t crisp enough at the end, pop the roast under a hot grill for 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible. Then, measure 400g of drained cooked spinach to match the recipe’s volume.
Do I have to use ham and bacon?
No, the ham adds a salty, meaty layer, and the bacon crisps the exterior. You can substitute prosciutto or smoked turkey for ham, and pancetta for bacon. If you skip bacon, brush the roast with melted butter before baking.
How do I know when it’s cooked through?
Insert an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the center of the roll, and it should read 74°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small test slice, the juices should run clear and no pink in the thickest part.
Can I Freeze This Roast?
Yes, just cook first, let cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat in a 160°C oven until warmed through.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for 4 days. Reheat gently, covered with foil to avoid drying it out.
Ingredients
How to Make Stuffed Turkey Roast
Boil the spinach until wilted, then transfer to a sieve and remove as much liquid as possible.
Boil the spinach until wilted, then transfer to a sieve and remove as much liquid as possible.
Slice your turkey breast horizontally and lightly season the interior with salt and pepper. Arrange a single layer of ham slices across the turkey, then add spinach and cheese.
Slice your turkey breast horizontally and lightly season the interior with salt and pepper. Arrange a single layer of ham slices across the turkey, then add spinach and cheese.
Starting from the edge, roll the turkey, securing the roll by tying with kitchen string. Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping on the rolled turkey.
Starting from the edge, roll the turkey, securing the roll by tying with kitchen string. Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping on the rolled turkey.
Put pieces of butter on the rolled turkey and bake at 350°F/180°C for 60 minutes.
Put pieces of butter on the rolled turkey and bake at 350°F/180°C for 60 minutes.
Carefully remove the kitchen string and slice.
Carefully remove the kitchen string and slice.
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