The day after a big holiday feast, the refrigerator is packed with containers, but the inspiration to cook is often low. That’s where this recipe shines. Imagine taking those classic Thanksgiving flavors—savory turkey, herby stuffing, rich gravy—and transforming them into a new, comforting dish that feels special, not just reheated.
These Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups are my go-to solution, a recipe born from years in professional kitchens where maximizing flavor and minimizing waste is key. They bake up golden and bubbly, with the creamy sauce tying everything together into a cozy, satisfying dinner that everyone will ask for, long after the holiday is over.
This dish turns the obligatory “leftover night” into a meal you’ll genuinely look forward to. Here’s why it works so well:
- Transformative & Efficient: It creatively repurposes two main leftovers into a completely new dish, solving the “what’s for dinner?” question effortlessly.
- Comfort Food Perfection: You get all the beloved flavors of a holiday plate—savory, creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous—in one delicious bite.
- Surprisingly Simple: The assembly is straightforward, like making little savory burritos, and the oven does most of the work.
- Family-Friendly Winner: The familiar flavors and fun roll-up shape are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable Canvas: Easily adapt the stuffing, sauce, or cheese to match what you have on hand or suit different dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire dish hours ahead, refrigerate it, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is a beautiful example of how a few simple components, when combined thoughtfully, create something greater than the sum of its parts. The key is using your leftover turkey and stuffing as the flavorful foundation.
You’ll need about 1.5 cups of leftover prepared stuffing. Whether it’s a classic herb-bread stuffing or a cornbread version, both work wonderfully. For the turkey, aim for 12 thin slices from the breast meat.
If your slices are thick, don’t worry—a quick gentle pounding will make them pliable. The creamy sauce is a simple mix of condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken is a fine substitute), sour cream for tang and richness, and a bit of chicken or turkey broth to loosen it to the perfect saucing consistency. We’ll season it simply with dried thyme and garlic powder to complement the stuffing’s herbs.
A topping of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan creates that irresistible golden crust. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, finishing touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need any specialty gear for this recipe. A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for holding all the rolls snugly. You’ll need a medium mixing bowl and a whisk for combining the sauce smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons will ensure the sauce has the right balance. That’s truly it. While not mandatory, a small offset spatula can be helpful for spreading the sauce in the dish, and kitchen twine is an option if you’re worried about rolls staying closed, but the seam-side-down method works perfectly.
How to Make Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish. Now, let’s build the sauce that will keep our rolls incredibly moist.
In a bowl, whisk the condensed soup, sour cream, broth, thyme, garlic powder, and pepper until completely smooth—no lumps. Pour half of this creamy mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish, spreading it into an even layer. This isn’t just to prevent sticking; it creates a self-basting environment where the rolls will simmer gently in flavor from the very start.
Step 2: Roll and Assemble
Lay a slice of turkey flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of stuffing in a line along one short end. Gently but firmly roll the turkey around the stuffing, just like a mini burrito.
Place the roll, seam-side down, into the sauced baking dish. Repeat with all slices, arranging the rolls snugly side-by-side. Trust me, packing them in helps them support each other and stay upright, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from unraveling.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese Topping
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over all the assembled rolls. Make sure to cover the exposed ends, as this is the part most prone to drying out. In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Sprinkle this blend generously and evenly over the entire dish. Believe me, this combination melts beautifully—the mozzarella gives you that iconic stretch, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth and promotes browning.
Step 4: The Two-Stage Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
This allows the rolls to heat through thoroughly and the flavors to meld without the direct oven heat drying out the turkey or burning the cheese. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the hot, steamy foil (use mitts!). Tip from me: this is when the wonderful aroma will really start to fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Brown, Rest, and Serve
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 8-12 more minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted, bubbly, and developing golden-brown spots, with the sauce bubbling around the edges. Once achieved, take it out and let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes.
This short rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with fresh parsley, step back and admire your creation, then serve immediately.
A few insights from the kitchen can elevate your results from good to great.
- Turkey Texture is Key: If your leftover turkey slices are thick or prone to breaking, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This makes them more pliable for rolling.
- Stuffing Consistency: If your leftover stuffing seems very dry, sprinkle it with a tablespoon or two of broth and mix gently before using. If it’s very wet, it may make rolling messy.
- Sauce Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth sauce, ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before whisking it with the soup. Cold sour cream can sometimes cause slight curdling when mixed, though it will bake out fine.
- The Golden-Brown Finish: For a more dramatic, restaurant-style finish, after the final bake, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch it like a hawk—the cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time are not just for show. They allow the proteins in the sauce to set slightly, so it clings to the rolls instead of running all over the plate when you scoop.
Recipe Variations
- This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tested variations to match what you have or crave.
- Creamy Herb & Spinach: Mix 1/2 cup of thawed and squeezed-dry chopped spinach and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill into the stuffing before rolling.
- Thanksgiving Remix: Add 1/4 cup of chopped leftover cranberry sauce to the stuffing for sweet and savory pockets.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free stuffing and a gluten-free condensed soup. Check labels carefully.
- Mushroom & Swiss: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and mix into the stuffing. Use Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella for the topping.
- Spicy Southwest: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin to the sauce. Use a pepper jack and cheddar cheese blend for topping.
- Lighter Version: Substitute the condensed soup with a mixture of 1 cup Greek yogurt thinned with 1/4 cup broth, and use a reduced-fat cheese blend.
- From Scratch (No Leftovers): Use thinly sliced, lightly pounded raw turkey cutlets. Season and sear them quickly on both sides before rolling. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered bake time.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These roll ups are a complete meal in a dish, but a few simple sides can round out your plate beautifully. For a classic holiday vibe, serve with a side of warmed turkey gravy and cranberry sauce for dipping. A bright, crisp vegetable is the perfect contrast—try roasted green beans with almonds, garlic sautéed spinach, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are ideal for soaking up the extra creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a casual weekend family dinner or even a cozy potluck contribution.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- This dish stores and reheats remarkably well.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish completely (through the cheese topping step) but do not bake. Wrap the entire dish tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered bake time if needed.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For best texture, reheat larger portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My turkey slices keep tearing. What can I do?
A: This is common with drier leftover turkey. Try pounding them gently between plastic wrap to make them more pliable. If a tear happens, don’t stress—just place the roll seam-side down in the dish; the baking sauce will help “glue” it together.
Q: Can I use dark meat turkey instead of breast?
A: Absolutely. Shredded dark meat can be mixed directly into the stuffing before rolling. Just ensure you have about 1.5 cups total of the combined stuffing and meat mixture.
Q: I don’t have condensed soup. What’s a good substitute?
A: You can make a quick white sauce: melt 3 tbsp butter, whisk in 3 tbsp flour, cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk or broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Use this in place of the soup/broth mixture.
Q: How do I know when the roll ups are done baking?
A: They are done when the cheese is fully melted and golden, and the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges of the baking dish. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use large, lightly steamed cabbage leaves or wide strips of roasted eggplant or zucchini as the wrapper. Fill with a vegetarian stuffing (like wild rice and mushroom).
Q: The top isn’t browning to my liking.
A: The cheese layer can sometimes insulate the top. For more browning, use the broiler method for the final 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it.
Q: Can I prepare and freeze individual portions?
A: Yes. Assemble individual rolls and place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
To cook, place the frozen rolls in a baking dish with sauce and cheese, and bake covered for 40-45 minutes, then uncovered as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups recipe is more than just a clever way to handle leftovers; it’s a celebration of comfort and practicality. It takes the nostalgic flavors we love and presents them in a new, delightful form that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying to eat. As a professional, I appreciate recipes that respect ingredients, minimize waste, and deliver consistent, delicious results—this one checks all those boxes.
I hope it becomes a trusted staple in your post-holiday routine, or even a reason to roast a turkey just for the sake of making these rolls. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out for you. Share your creations online and tag me—I love seeing your kitchen successes!
Turkey & Stuffing Roll Ups
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups leftover prepared stuffing Classic herb or cornbread stuffing works best.
- 12 slices leftover roasted turkey breast Thinly sliced, about 1/4-inch thick.
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup Or cream of chicken soup.
- 1/2 cup sour cream Full-fat for best texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, broth, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Pour half of this sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. This creates a flavorful base that prevents sticking and infuses the rolls from the bottom up.
- Lay a slice of turkey flat on your work surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the leftover stuffing in a line along one of the shorter ends. Gently but firmly roll the turkey slice around the stuffing, creating a neat cylinder. Place the roll, seam-side down, into the sauced baking dish. Repeat with the remaining turkey slices and stuffing, arranging the rolls snugly in the dish. Trust me, packing them in helps them stay moist and upright during baking.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of all the turkey rolls, making sure to cover the ends to prevent drying out. In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the entire dish. Believe me, this double-cheese topping creates a gorgeous, golden-brown crust that adds fantastic texture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This covered baking time allows the rolls to heat through gently and the flavors to meld without the cheese burning. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Tip from me: the foil will be hot and steamy, so use oven mitts.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots. The sauce around the edges should be bubbling vigorously. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This rest time allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making serving much easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
