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Flaky crescent roll turkey pinwheel with visible cranberry and cheese filling

Leftover Turkey Crescent Roll Pinwheels


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  • Author: Adriana_01
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x

Description

A fast, family-friendly way to transform holiday leftovers into a fresh appetizer. Leftover Turkey Crescent Roll Pinwheels wrap tender turkey, a creamy spread, and a pop of cranberry inside buttery crescent dough. Ready in 30 minutes with simple, slice-and-bake convenience—perfect for party trays, game day, or make-ahead snacking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough sheet (or 8 triangles, seams pressed to seal)
  • 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, finely chopped or thinly sliced
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or ½ cup plain Greek yogurt for lighter version)
  • ⅓ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or jellied)
  • ½ cup shredded Swiss or mild cheddar (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), optional
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard + 1 tsp honey (optional swirl)
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash (optional, for shine)

Instructions

  1. Prep the dough : Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured board. If using perforated triangles, pinch seams to form one rectangle. Gently roll to an even thickness.
  2. Add the creamy layer : Spread cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) in a thin, even layer, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. (For a tangy twist, whisk in the Dijon + honey and spread.)
  3. Layer turkey & cranberry : Distribute turkey evenly over the cream cheese. Dot small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the surface (a thin layer prevents soggy centers). Sprinkle herbs and cheese if using.
  4. Roll it tight : Starting from the long side opposite the clean border, roll into a snug log. Seal the seam by pinching lightly.
  5. Chill for clean cuts : Refrigerate the log 10–15 minutes (or 5 minutes in the freezer) to firm up for tidy slices.
  6. Slice : Using a sharp serrated knife, cut ¾–1-inch pinwheels. Wipe the blade between cuts. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Brush tops lightly with egg wash if desired.
  7. Bake : Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until puffed and golden with bubbling edges.
  8. Serve : Cool 2–3 minutes, then serve warm—or at room temperature on a party board with dips.

Notes

  • Smart swaps: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter spread; try cheddar or Swiss; add baby spinach for color.
  • Variations: Dijon-honey swirl for tangy-sweet; herb & cheese for extra savory; kid-friendly by skipping cranberry and using mild cheese.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble the log, cover, and chill up to 24 hours; slice and bake before serving.
  • Reheat: Oven 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fryer 325°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes—restores crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg