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Baked Turkey and Cheese Rolls – Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
These Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, savory turkey, and melted cheese that creates an irresistible comfort food experience. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a party, or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these rolls deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The golden, buttery exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy center that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect for meal prep since they reheat beautifully and can be made ahead for busy weeknights
- Customizable recipe that works with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences
- Kid-friendly comfort food that appeals to picky eaters while providing protein and satisfying flavors
- Budget-friendly option that uses affordable ingredients to create an impressive dish that looks restaurant-quality
Why These Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls Work
The magic of these Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls lies in their simple yet effective combination of ingredients. The crescent roll dough provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully in the oven while staying tender inside.
The garlic butter mixture acts as both flavor enhancer and binding agent, helping seal the rolls while adding aromatic depth. The layering technique ensures even distribution of cheese and turkey, preventing soggy bottoms or uneven filling distribution.
Turkey provides lean protein while the Colby Jack cheese melts perfectly, creating that satisfying cheese pull everyone loves. The smoky notes complement the mild turkey without overwhelming the dish’s balanced flavors.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup turkey bits (fresh or pre-made)
- 8 pieces sliced Colby Jack cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 7 slices turkey (or protein of choice)
Tools
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife
- Non-stick casserole dish
- Small microwave-safe bowl
How to Make Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
Creating these delicious Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls is straightforward when you follow the proper technique. The key is working with room temperature dough and maintaining even layers throughout the rolling process.
| Step 1: | Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your workspace with parchment paper. |
| Step 2: | Open the crescent roll sheet dough and stretch or roll it out to approximately 9×13 inches on parchment paper or floured surface. |
| Step 3: | Melt butter with garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush evenly across the dough using a basting brush. |
| Step 4: | Leave ½ inch at the bottom and lay 8 pieces of cheese into two rows, keeping the top third of dough empty. |
| Step 5: | Sprinkle turkey bits evenly over the cheese layer. |
| Step 6: | Arrange turkey slices to cover the cheese completely, using two layers if needed and overlapping slightly. |
| Step 7: | Roll tightly from the bottom upward, enclosing all filling ingredients securely. |
| Step 8: | Pull the top third of dough tightly over the roll, using the butter as adhesive to seal the seam. |
| Step 9: | Cut into 10 equal rounds using a sharp knife and place in a greased casserole dish. |
| Step 10: | Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown, puffy, and cooked through. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Let the crescent dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing and ensure easier handling
- Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing the filling out
- Don’t overfill the rolls as this can cause them to burst open during baking and create a messy result
- Brush any remaining garlic butter on top of the rolls before baking for extra golden color and flavor
- Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes after baking to let the cheese set slightly and prevent burning your mouth
Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
Serving Tips
Serve these Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls warm for the best texture and flavor experience. They pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For parties, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of mustard or ranch dressing for dipping.
These rolls work excellently as appetizers, cutting each roll in half to create bite-sized portions. Consider serving alongside Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a hearty family dinner spread.
Store leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for quick warming.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
Avoid rolling the dough too thin, as this can cause tears and filling leakage during baking. The dough should maintain some thickness to properly contain the ingredients and create that perfect flaky texture.
Don’t skip the butter mixture step, as it provides essential moisture and flavor while helping seal the rolls. Uneven butter distribution can result in dry spots and poor binding.
Overpacking the filling is a common mistake that leads to bursting rolls and uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts and distribute ingredients evenly for best results.
You Must Know
- Always preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking and proper rise of the crescent dough
- Use room temperature ingredients when possible as they blend better and create more consistent results throughout
- Don’t open the oven door frequently during baking as this can cause temperature fluctuations and uneven browning
- Let the rolls rest briefly after cutting to prevent the filling from oozing out during the transfer to the baking dish
Suggestions for Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls
Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella to create unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own melting characteristics and taste to complement the turkey.
Try adding thin slices of tomato or spinach leaves for extra nutrition and color. These vegetables add freshness without overwhelming the classic flavors.
For inspiration, check out these similar recipes: Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches and Turkey Sliders for more crowd-pleasing options.
Consider making a sweet version using keto-friendly ingredients or pairing with pasta dishes for variety.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Ham, chicken, or roast beef work excellently as substitutes. Adjust seasoning accordingly and ensure the meat is pre-cooked and sliced thin for even cooking.
Ensure your turkey slices are patted dry before assembly, don’t overfill with ingredients, and bake immediately after assembly for best texture results.
Yes, freeze baked and cooled rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
These Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls represent the perfect balance of convenience and comfort food satisfaction. With their golden exterior, melted cheese center, and savory turkey filling, they’re destined to become a household favorite.
The recipe’s flexibility allows for endless customization while maintaining the core appeal that makes these rolls so special. Whether served as a quick dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep option, they deliver consistent results every time.
Try making these rolls this week and experience how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Your family will thank you for this new addition to your recipe collection.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup turkey bits (fresh or pre-made)
- 8 pieces sliced Colby Jack cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 7 slices turkey (or protein of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your workspace with parchment paper.
- Open the crescent roll sheet dough and stretch or roll it out to approximately 9×13 inches on parchment paper or floured surface.
- Melt butter with garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush evenly across the dough using a basting brush.
- Leave ½ inch at the bottom and lay 8 pieces of cheese into two rows, keeping the top third of dough empty.
- Sprinkle turkey bits evenly over the cheese layer.
- Arrange turkey slices to cover the cheese completely, using two layers if needed and overlapping slightly.
- Roll tightly from the bottom upward, enclosing all filling ingredients securely.
- Pull the top third of dough tightly over the roll, using the butter as adhesive to seal the seam.
- Cut into 10 equal rounds using a sharp knife and place in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown, puffy, and cooked through.
Notes
- Let the crescent dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing
- Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing the filling
- Don’t overfill the rolls as this can cause them to burst open during baking
- Brush any remaining garlic butter on top of the rolls before baking for extra golden color
- Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes after baking to let the cheese set slightly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
