Mac and Cheese Stuffed Turkey (Printable Version)
Tender turkey wrapped around macaroni cheese and baked crisp for a comforting family favorite.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Turkey
01 - 4 large turkey breast cutlets (approximately 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Mac and Cheese Filling
05 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Coating and Topping
15 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
18 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
02 - Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Add cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Arrange turkey cutlets between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until each is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
06 - Place a generous scoop of macaroni and cheese filling on one short end of each turkey cutlet. Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Position seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
07 - Blend panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Evenly sprinkle over the assembled turkey rolls.
08 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the turkey is cooked through and the coating turns golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks, slice, and garnish with parsley before serving if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Creative comfort food combining two classics
- Perfect for family dinners and gatherings
02 -
- Check ingredient labels if serving guests with allergies as the recipe contains dairy and gluten
- Pounding turkey evenly helps rolls cook uniformly and stay juicy
03 -
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions to the mac and cheese for extra flavor
- Substitute chicken breast for turkey when preferred or unavailable