Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls are the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. These savory bundles combine lean turkey, melty cheese, and a touch of seasoning, all wrapped up and baked to golden perfection.
I first created these rolls when looking for a way to use leftover deli turkey, and they’ve since become a regular in our meal rotation. They’re versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Perfect for meal prep – they reheat beautifully
- Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 7 slices deli turkey
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Unroll crescent roll sheet on parchment paper or lightly floured surface. Stretch or roll out to approximately 9×13 inches for easier assembly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. This adds flavor and helps seal the roll.
- Starting about 1/2 inch from the bottom edge, arrange the cheese slices in two rows across the lower two-thirds of the dough, leaving the top third empty.
- Sprinkle bacon bits evenly over the cheese. Layer turkey slices over the cheese, overlapping as needed and using two layers if necessary to cover completely.
- Starting from the bottom edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly upward, enclosing all the filling. Pull the empty top third of dough over and use the butter as 'glue' to seal the seam.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 10 equal rounds. Place cut-side up in a greased casserole dish, leaving small spaces between each roll.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the dough is puffed, golden brown on top, and cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the dough is at its crispiest.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles
- Add a tablespoon of dijon mustard to the cheese mixture for a tangy kick
- Use ham or chicken instead of turkey if that’s what you have on hand
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling
- For a lower-carb option, skip the breadcrumb coating
- Prepare these up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Turkey Cheese Rolls pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a cup of tomato soup.
They also make excellent appetizers when sliced into smaller portions and served with a side of cranberry sauce or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispness
- The rolls are done when the outside is golden and crispy and the cheese inside is completely melted
FAQs
Can I freeze these turkey cheese rolls?
Yes! Freeze them before baking, then add 5-7 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What if my turkey slices are too small?
You can overlap two slices to create a larger surface area for rolling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify your deli turkey is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure not to overfill the rolls and seal the edges well by tucking them under as you roll.
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