Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer: A Cozy Delight for Any Gathering
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, I find myself yearning for the comforting flavors of fall, and nothing brings that warmth quite like baking with crescent rolls! These flaky pockets of goodness are a delightful canvas for all sorts of savory fillings, and they remind me of family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious food. Today, I’m sharing my Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer — an easy weeknight dinner favorite that is perfect for cozy evenings, festive parties, or even a casual get-together with friends. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, anyone can whip these up in no time. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Crowd-Pleasing: This appetizer is so creamy and flavorful that it will be a hit at any party. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Versatile: With the option to customize the filling, you can tailor it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender turkey, savory cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce creates an indulgent bite every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these rolls in advance and pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer
Gather these simple ingredients to create this delightful dish:
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
Let’s Make It Together
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Carefully separate the crescent rolls, placing the widest portion inside so that the edges overlap slightly. This will create a lovely base for our filling!
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of your chosen rosemary or thyme until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a delicious tangy flavor!
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent rolls, and then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey center.
- Next, arrange the turkey slices over the cheese, ensuring an even layer of tender turkey for every bite.
- Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey, which will provide a burst of sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- Now, finish with the remaining cheese, sprinkling it generously over the top for that golden melt.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with poppy seeds, garlic, and salt. Brush this flavorful mixture over the prepared crescent rolls for an extra touch of zest.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and irresistible!
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is delightful as is, here are a few fun ways to put your twist on it:
- Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce with the cream cheese for a zesty kick!
- Veggie Delight: Incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers or spinach for a fresh crunch and added color.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out Gruyere for a sharp cheddar or a creamy mozzarella for a twist on the classic taste.
- Sweet Crunch: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for a delightful nutty flavor and texture contrast.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my best kitchen secrets:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to replace the turkey with thinly sliced chicken or ham, depending on what you have on hand.
- Slicing: For easier slicing after baking, let the rolls sit for a few minutes out of the oven before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Storage Suggestions: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best taste.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect nutritionally in each serving of this cozy appetizer:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: Approximately 240
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
Reader FAQs About Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prep the rolls in advance, then bake them off just before serving for the best results.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize it with your favorite meats or cheese.
- How do I store leftovers? Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about three days.
- How long does it last? Enjoy these best within three days for optimal flavor and texture!
Wrapping It Up
These Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizers are more than just a dish; they’re an experience, a moment of warmth and joy shared with those you care about. The ease of preparation and delightful flavors ensure they are always a hit, no matter the occasion. Save this Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer to your cozy recipe board so it’s ready when you need a delicious treat to share with friends or family! Happy cooking!
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Crescent Roll Turkey Appetizer
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy appetizer featuring flaky crescent rolls filled with turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the crescent rolls, placing the widest portion inside so the edges overlap slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of the selected herb until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent rolls and sprinkle with 1 cup of Gruyere cheese.
- Layer the turkey slices evenly over the cheese.
- Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Finish with the remaining Gruyere cheese on top.
- Mix melted butter with poppy seeds, garlic, and salt, then brush over the crescent rolls.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling rolls a few hours ahead and refrigerating until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: appetizer, crescent rolls, turkey, cheese, party food