Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls

Let’s talk about the ultimate post-Thanksgiving (or any leftover-friendly) game-changer: Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls. Picture this—flaky, buttery crescent dough hugging tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and a hint of sweet-tart cranberry. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner got a cozy, portable upgrade. Trust me, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for turning leftover turkey into something exciting instead of just reheated slices.

These crescent rolls are easy, fun to make, and downright addictive. The combination of textures—the crisp outer layer of the dough, the soft potatoes and turkey inside, and the little bursts of cranberry sweetness—is irresistible. You’re going to want to make extra, just to have them around for snacks later.

Recipe Origin

This recipe was born from the age-old tradition of reinventing Thanksgiving leftovers. Instead of the standard cold turkey sandwich, we’re rolling everything up into individual bites of comfort. It’s inspired by the classic American idea of a “leftovers casserole” but in a cute, handheld form that’s perfect for lunchboxes, brunches, or casual dinners.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional, but makes cleanup a breeze)
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter (for trimming dough, if needed)
• Spoon or small spatula (for filling the crescents)

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Why You’ll Love Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls

This recipe is all about taking something ordinary and turning it into extraordinary. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack on the go. These rolls are easy to transport and reheat beautifully.

Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce—you’re basically making gourmet bites out of what’s already in your fridge.

Quick and Easy: Crescent roll dough does most of the heavy lifting, so even if you’re not a baker, these are foolproof.

Customizable: Swap out the fillings to suit your taste—add cheese, veggies, or even a little gravy drizzle inside.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves handheld comfort food, especially when it’s packed with the flavors of a holiday feast.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can make the rolls messy or prevent the dough from baking evenly.
• Brush with butter: A little melted butter on top gives them a golden shine and extra flavor.
• Add seeds for crunch: Poppy seeds are classic, but sesame or everything bagel seasoning works beautifully.
• Serve warm: These taste best fresh out of the oven, but they reheat well in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Ingredients in Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls

Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s simple, but each component brings its own little burst of flavor. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery blanket that holds everything together. It’s golden, soft, and melts in your mouth.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they add richness and help bind the fillings together.

Cooked Turkey: Tender, flavorful, and the hero of this dish. Leftovers work perfectly here.

Stuffing: Adds savory depth and that nostalgic holiday flavor we all crave.

Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tart, it gives little pops of brightness in every bite. Save extra for dipping—it’s addictive.

Butter: Brushed on top for golden color, shine, and richness.

Poppy Seeds: Adds subtle crunch and a classic finishing touch.

Dried Parsley: Just a sprinkle for color and mild herbaceous flavor.

Instructions

Let’s roll these up and bake some magic:

Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even baking and the perfect golden finish.

Prepare Your Dough: Unroll your crescent dough and separate into triangles. If needed, gently press seams to close.

Assemble the Rolls: Spoon a little mashed potatoes onto each triangle, add turkey, stuffing, and a small dollop of cranberry sauce. Fold over the dough and pinch edges to seal.

Brush With Butter: Use a pastry brush to coat each roll with melted butter. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and dried parsley.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, with extra cranberry sauce for dipping. Watch them disappear in minutes!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~320 (approx., depending on filling amounts)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls

With Cranberry Sauce: Extra sauce on the side adds sweetness and moisture.

Fresh Salads: A crisp salad balances the richness of the rolls.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots or green beans, complement the flavors beautifully.

As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these handheld rolls are easy to pass around.

With Soup: Pair with a warm bowl of soup for an extra cozy meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble rolls and store unbaked in the fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh crispiness.
• Freezing: Rolls can be frozen before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese inside the roll for gooey goodness.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce into the mashed potatoes.
• Veggie Version: Use roasted veggies instead of turkey for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Sweet Savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for a slightly sweet finish.

Additional Tips

• Avoid overstuffing to keep the dough from tearing.
• Use small portions of cranberry sauce inside to prevent sogginess.
• Brush generously with butter for golden color and flavor.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use refrigerated leftover turkey?
A1: Yes! Cold turkey works perfectly, just make sure it’s chopped into small pieces.

Q2: Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes and stuffing?
A2: Absolutely. This recipe is designed for convenience, so leftovers or store-bought options are great.

Q3: How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
A3: Don’t overfill and make sure edges are sealed well. Bake immediately after assembling if possible.

Q4: Can I make these vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Use roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and stuffing instead of turkey.

Q5: Can I freeze baked rolls?
A5: They’re best frozen unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A6: Yes, assemble rolls and keep in the fridge. Bake 10–15 minutes before serving.

Q7: What’s a good dipping sauce?
A7: Extra cranberry sauce is perfect. You can also try a light gravy or aioli.

Q8: Can I add cheese?
A8: Definitely! Shredded cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella all work beautifully.

Q9: Can I use crescent roll dough from a tube?
A9: Yes, that’s perfect for this recipe. It’s convenient and bakes beautifully.

Q10: How long do these keep?
A10: Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey has never been this fun—or delicious! With flaky crescent dough, creamy potatoes, savory stuffing, tender turkey, and a little pop of cranberry, these rolls are the perfect way to reinvent your holiday feast. They’re easy, quick, and irresistible, and they’ll make you look like a culinary genius without any stress.

Next time you find yourself staring at leftover turkey, skip the boring sandwich and roll it up into something spectacular. Trust me—you’ll be reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into these tasty crescent rolls: