Turkey & Cheese Crescent Rollups are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next game day gathering. These delicious handheld treats combine the flakiness of crescent rolls with savory turkey and melty cheese for a winning Super Bowl Party Food Ideas combination that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or just need a quick and satisfying snack, these rollups deliver both convenience and flavor.
The beauty of these rollups lies in their simplicity—they require minimal ingredients yet deliver maximum impact. Plus, they’re customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into this game-changing recipe that will elevate your Gameday Food spread!
Nutritional Benefits
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these rollups a slightly better choice than many other party foods:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 rollups) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | Moderate calorie content compared to many fried party foods |
| Protein | 12g | Helps with satiety, keeping guests full longer |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | Provides energy for cheering on your team |
| Fat | 10g | Contains some healthy fats from cheese |
| Calcium | 120mg | Supports bone health |
| Sodium | 580mg | Consider reduced-sodium options if concerned about salt intake |
Turkey provides lean protein while using reduced-fat cheese can help lower the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor. For a more nutritious option, look for whole grain crescent rolls or add vegetables to the filling.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough | Base of the rollup, provides flaky texture | Puff pastry sheets, pizza dough, or homemade crescent dough |
| 1 lb thinly sliced deli turkey | Main protein, adds savory flavor | Ham, chicken, roast beef, or vegetarian deli slices |
| 8 oz sliced cheddar cheese | Adds creaminess and holds filling together | Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or dairy-free cheese alternatives |
| 2 tbsp Dijon mustard | Adds tanginess and flavor depth | Yellow mustard, honey mustard, or mayonnaise |
| 2 tbsp melted butter | Creates golden brown exterior | Olive oil, egg wash, or butter spray |
| 1 tsp Italian seasoning | Adds herbal flavor | Everything bagel seasoning, dried ranch seasoning, or garlic powder |
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush for butter
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: meat thermometer (for food safety)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crescent dough by unrolling it and separating into triangles. If using for Football Party Foods, you can arrange them in a special formation on your serving tray later.
3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each triangle. This adds tanginess that complements the turkey beautifully.
4. Layer turkey and cheese on the wide end of each triangle. Place 1-2 slices of turkey and half a slice of cheese, depending on thickness.
5. Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the pointed end. Make sure to tuck in any filling that tries to escape.
6. Place rollups on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
7. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. This creates a golden, flavorful crust that elevates these Turkey & Cheese Crescent Rollups.
8. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly and prevent burning mouths.
10. Serve warm as part of your Super Bowl Party Food Ideas spread!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- Problem: Rollups unwrapping during baking – Solution: Make sure to press the tip firmly to the rolled portion and place this side down on the baking sheet.
- Problem: Soggy bottom – Solution: If your turkey is particularly moist, pat it dry with paper towels before assembling.
- Pro Tip: For a make-ahead option, assemble the rollups, refrigerate, then brush with butter and bake just before guests arrive.
- Pro Tip: Create a dipping station with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for added flavor options.
- Pro Tip: For a special presentation, arrange baked rollups in the shape of a football on your serving platter, using herb garnish to create the lacing.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare rollups up to 24 hours in advance. Store unbaked rollups covered in the refrigerator, then brush with butter and bake when ready to serve.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover baked rollups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These freeze beautifully! Freeze unbaked rollups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the crescent dough tough.
Conclusion
Turkey & Cheese Crescent Rollups are a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering, especially when you need reliable Super Bowl Party Food Ideas. Their simple preparation and delicious flavor make them perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. The combination of flaky pastry, savory turkey, and melty cheese creates an irresistible bite that guests will remember long after the final touchdown.
Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big game day party, these rollups are sure to be a hit. Consider making a double batch—they tend to disappear quickly! For more party-worthy recipes that will impress your guests, check out these Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that make excellent Super Bowl Snacks for any gathering.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the turkey with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, or use vegetarian deli slices.
How many rollups does this recipe make?
Using 2 cans of crescent rolls, you’ll get 16 rollups, serving approximately 8 people (2 per person).
Can I use low-fat cheese to make these healthier?
Yes! Reduced-fat cheese works well in this recipe and melts nicely.
Are these suitable for making ahead and transporting to a party?
Yes! Either transport them unbaked and bake at the destination, or bake ahead, cool completely, and reheat at the party.
What can I serve with these rollups?
They pair wonderfully with vegetable platters, fruit salad, potato chips, or a simple green salad for balance.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is available in some specialty grocery stores and online.
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