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Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets

Everyone will love these Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets, which are a juicy, flavorful alternative to cooking a full turkey.

A Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlet sits on a green plate with salad nearby. The table is covered in a red tablecloth and a tan napkin and fork sit near the plate.

The first Thanksgiving after I graduated college was so disappointing. I was working as a reporter at my first newspaper and couldn’t travel with my immediate family. Instead, I’d made plans to spend Thanksgiving with my cousins, which I was so looking forward to. Unfortunately, my plans were totally detailed when my car died suddenly.

With my plans canceled and no transportation, I couldn’t have Thanksgiving with my cousins. And since I didn’t get know how to cook (serious, I didn’t learn to cook until I was in my mid-20s), I couldn’t make a full turkey. Instead, I ended up eating a sad frozen chicken dinner.

No turkey, cranberries or a million side dishes.

I wish I’d known about turkey cutlets back then. The boneless, thin cuts of turkey breast are easy and fast to cook. If I had, I could have whipped up a super easy stress-free last-minute Thanksgiving dinner. Hindsight, right?

A foil-lined baking sheet holds four turkey cutlets covered with breadcrumbs, cheese and more.

These days, I am in the business of teaching others how to cook a turkey. But I still love the ease and flavor of these juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving (or any day) — at every skill level. To make these, you start by mixing together a paste of rosemary, salt, garlic powder and a little mayo. Spread that onto one side of a turkey cutlet. Then top it off with breadcrumbs and a little Romano cheese before baking.

So easy. And did I mention this takes about 30 minutes to make — tops?

The mayo mixture, which locks in the moisture, is the secret to the juiciness of these turkey cutlets. Rosemary and a hint of garlic give these a burst of flavor. Plus the rosemary along with the breadcrumbs add just the right amount of texture and saltiness to the turkey cutlets.

Whether you are looking for a last-minute turkey solution or just looking for something easier than a whole turkey, these Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets are a great option that won’t disappoint.

A Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlet sits on a cream colored plate with salad nearby.

Of course, these aren’t just good for Thanksgiving. Really, turkey cutlets can be enjoyed all year long. Why not make some tonight?

To serve: These Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets are great alone, but they are also amazing drizzled with Foolproof Herbed Turkey Gravy.

Yield: 4 servings

Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets

Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise, recommended: Hellmann's
  • 4 turkey cutlets, about 1 lb
  • 4 tsp plain breadcrumbs
  • freshly grated Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the rosemary, salt, garlic powder and mayonnaise until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Rinse the turkey cutlets under cool water, then pat dry. Place the cutlets on the baking sheet.
  4. Divide the herb mixture evenly among the four cutlets, spreading it out all over the side of the cutlet facing up. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of breadcrumbs onto each cutlet and then sprinkle with Romano cheese.
  5. Bake the turkey cutlets for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.

Love this recipe?

Then you’ll want to check out my cookbook, The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook, published by Rockridge Press. It’s all about cooking well, easily and simply. It’s filled with easy, accessible recipes that the whole family will love. We’re talking one-pan, 30-minute and no-cook recipes for every meal of the day.

Renate

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

These turkey cutlets are so delicious and easy to make, great for a 'reluctant entertainer' like me. I'm so happy I found this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Ron

Saturday 22nd of May 2021

I'd just suggest to double the quantity of mayo and spices to make more of the paste. The given amounts weren't quite enough to coat both top and sides of a pound of cutlets.

Sarah Walker Caron

Sunday 23rd of May 2021

Hi Ron, hmm ... I have questions. For this recipe, the mixture is spread ONLY on the top of the cutlet and the amount does work for that. It's a thin layer of the mayo-based spread. Are you sure you were only using 1 lb of turkey cutlets? Were they the thin ones as pictured? I've noticed that turkey companies are selling cuts like "turkey steak" now that are different sizes and shapes and that could impact the effectiveness of this spread. Did your cutlets have substantial sides that made you want to slather them too?

In any case, so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

Irene taylor

Tuesday 15th of December 2020

I am looking for something different to cook for christmas. I hope my finance likes it

Sarah Walker Caron

Friday 18th of December 2020

Wonderful, Irene! I hope you both love it!

Kahie

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

Family members don’t like mayo-could I substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream?

Sarah Walker Caron

Thursday 5th of March 2020

Hi Kahie, I am not a mayo fan either, so I can say with confidence that you cannot taste it in this recipe — it works as a binding agent and keeps the turkey moist. I can't say with certainty how the recipe will turn out with a substitute, as I haven't tried that. But of the two options, Greek yogurt is the one I would recommend — with a caveat: You will taste the tanginess of it. If that's something your family doesn't mind, then try it.

Farida

Saturday 23rd of November 2019

I am also curious why apply mixture on one side of the cutlet.

Sarah Walker Caron

Saturday 23rd of November 2019

Hi Farida, the seasoning is really a topping of sorts — and by applying it to one side (the top side) it ensures that the topping will cook properly without coming off. Hope that helps!

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