Save Tender turkey breast fillets rolled around creamy macaroni and cheese, baked until golden and bubbling. A fun, comforting twist on classic family favorites.
I first made Mac and Cheese Stuffed Turkey Rolls for a Sunday dinner, and my family loved how each roll delivered cheesy goodness in every bite. It quickly became a requested meal for special occasions.
Ingredients
- Turkey: 4 large turkey breast cutlets (about 150 g each), 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Mac and Cheese Filling: 120 g (1 cup) elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 100 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 50 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Coating & Topping: 50 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp melted butter, fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Cook macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, 2–3 minutes.
- Combine filling:
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare turkey cutlets:
- Place turkey cutlets between two sheets of parchment. Pound to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Roll and fill:
- Spoon a generous mound of mac and cheese onto the short end of each turkey cutlet. Roll up tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place seam-side down in prepared baking dish.
- Top and bake:
- In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle over turkey rolls. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and topping is golden. Let rest 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, slice, and serve garnished with parsley if desired.
Save Serving these turkey rolls always sparks smiles around our table. My kids love helping with rolling and adding the cheesy filling, making dinner prep a bonding moment.
Required Tools
Meat mallet or rolling pin, saucepan, baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board, toothpicks (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter), gluten (wheat flour, macaroni, panko), and eggs (potential in pasta or panko). Always check packaging for allergen details.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approx 540 calories, 23 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 48 g protein.
Save Mac and Cheese Stuffed Turkey Rolls are a memorable dish and sure crowd-pleaser for weekends or holidays. Enjoy with a crisp salad or your favorite vegetable side.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep turkey rolls from unrolling while baking?
Secure each roll with toothpicks before baking. Place seam-side down for added stability, then remove toothpicks before serving.
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, thinly pounded chicken breast works well and delivers a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms to the macaroni before rolling for a richer taste.
- → What is the best cheese combination for the filling?
Sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with mozzarella, but you can mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor.
- → What side dishes go well with turkey rolls?
Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.
- → Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Use gluten-free macaroni, flour, and breadcrumbs in the filling and coating to make the dish gluten-free.