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
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Roll it tight : Starting from the long side opposite the clean border, roll into a snug log. Seal the seam by pinching lightly.
- Chill for clean cuts : Refrigerate the log 10–15 minutes (or 5 minutes in the freezer) to firm up for tidy slices.
- 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.
- Bake : Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until puffed and golden with bubbling edges.
- 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