There’s something incredibly comforting about casseroles, especially when they combine flaky, buttery crescent rolls with savory turkey and ooey-gooey cheese. This Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole is a recipe that practically sings comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I made this—my family gobbled it up faster than you can say “thanksgiving leftovers.”
What Makes This so Good:
- Flaky Texture: The crescent rolls create a delicious, flaky base.
- Savory and Sweet: The combination of turkey and cranberry sauce strikes a perfect balance of flavors.
- Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist a dish packed with Gruyere cheese?
- Easy Preparation: No need for complex steps or fancy equipment!
Ingredients:
- 1 tube (8 oz) crescent rolls
- 4 oz (113 g) chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22.5 g) Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp (about 4 g) finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced turkey
- 1 (14 oz or 396 g) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
Smart Swaps:
- Turkey: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative.
- Cheese: Swap Gruyere for cheddar or mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
- Herbs: Try dried herbs if fresh is unavailable—just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Sourcing Tips:
- Look for crescent rolls that are fresh and have not been near their expiration date. Brands like Pillsbury are reliable and widely available.
- When choosing your turkey, opt for a freshly sliced deli turkey for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Crescent Rolls: Open the tube of crescent rolls and separate them at the widest portion, so the edges overlap slightly.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of rosemary or thyme until smooth.
Assemble the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent rolls, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese. Layer the turkey slices over the cheese.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey layer, followed by the remaining cheese.
Mix Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt. Brush this mixture over the assembled rolls.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the crescent rolls are puffed and golden!
Pro Tips:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking for up to a day.
- Transport: This dish makes for an easy potluck option—just cover with foil and reheat once you arrive at your destination.
- Re-Crisp: If you’ve got leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Buffalo Style: Add some hot sauce to the cream cheese for a spicy kick!
- Roll Up: Use the same ingredients but roll them into pinwheels instead of a casserole for fun finger food.
Serving Ideas:
Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider.
Storage & Reheat Guidance:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake from frozen, allowing extra time.
- What can I do if I don’t have chive and onion cream cheese? Regular cream cheese mixed with a bit of onion powder or fresh herbs can work just fine.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent rolls, which are available at many grocery stores.
This Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole is bound to quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire, perfect for any occasion! Happy cooking!
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Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring flaky crescent rolls, savory turkey, and gooey Gruyere cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 oz) crescent rolls
- 4 oz (113 g) chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22.5 g) Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced turkey
- 1 (14 oz or 396 g) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the tube of crescent rolls and separate them at the widest portion, so the edges overlap slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of rosemary or thyme until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent rolls, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese. Layer the turkey slices over the cheese.
- Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey layer, followed by the remaining cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt. Brush this mixture over the assembled rolls.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking for up to a day. This dish also works well as a potluck option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None