Baked Turkey and Cheese Rolls

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy layers of savory turkey, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in fluffy crescent dough and baked to a golden perfection. A generous brush of garlic-buttery glaze infuses every bite with rich flavor, making these rolls a standout for parties or family gatherings. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this dish easy, while a quick bake brings everything together with gooey, cheesy goodness. Serve straight from the oven as an appetizer or snack—these rolls are sure to please a crowd and disappear quickly. Perfect for sharing and ideal with your favorite dips and sides.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:43:45 GMT
A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. Save
A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. | lilicooks.com

If you love melty cheese and savory turkey wrapped in buttery dough, these Baked Turkey and Cheese Rolls are for you. They come out of the oven bubbly and golden, and every bite is packed with layers of flavor. Whether you are hosting a party, prepping game day snacks, or just craving an easy comfort food, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

I whipped these up for a holiday movie marathon with friends and everyone asked for the recipe that same night. Now I make them whenever we need a warm treat fast.

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated crescent roll dough: provides that soft flaky wrap that transforms the filling into something special try to pick a brand with rich buttery flavor
  • Butter: gives the rolls their signature golden gloss and incredible flavor use good quality butter for best results
  • Minced garlic: brings an aromatic punch fresh garlic is best but jarred works in a pinch
  • Salt and Pepper: help balance the richness try to use fresh cracked pepper for a little heat
  • Bacon bits: add a smoky savory crunch both fresh and pre-made are great check for bits with more real meat and less filler
  • Colby jack cheese: melts beautifully with just enough stretch opt for presliced for easy assembly or swap for your favorite cheese
  • Turkey slices: bring lean protein and balance out the richness use a deli turkey you enjoy eating on its own

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Dough:
Roll out the crescent dough on parchment or a floured board until it is about the size of a baking dish This helps the rolls bake evenly and fit the filling without gaps
Make Flavored Butter:
Melt butter with garlic salt and pepper Stir it well so the seasoning is combined and no garlic bits clump together This is the flavor powerhouse for the whole recipe
Brush and Layer Cheese:
Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough Place cheese slices in two neat rows at the bottom leaving the top third bare for easier sealing
Add Bacon and Turkey:
Scatter bacon bits evenly across the cheese Layer on the turkey slices overlapping as needed so every bite gets meat and cheese
Roll It Up:
Starting from the loaded edge carefully roll up the dough as tightly as you can The butter will help seal the edges Pull the seam underneath so it stays closed during baking
Slice and Arrange:
With a sharp knife slice the roll into ten even rounds Place them cut side up in a buttered casserole dish so they bake up tall and golden
Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven until the rolls are puffed and turning golden brown on top About twenty five minutes will get you soft interiors and crispy edges
A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. Save
A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. | lilicooks.com

Once I tried stuffing with smoked gouda and turkey leftover from Thanksgiving dinner and my brother went back for thirds The smell of the garlic butter as these bake always reminds me of holiday weekends

Storage Tips

For leftovers let the rolls cool completely Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to three days Warm up in the oven or air fryer for crispiness The dough softens overnight so reheating restores their best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out turkey for chicken ham or a vegetarian deli slice Use mozzarella or cheddar if you do not have colby jack Veggie crumbles or caramelized onions make a great alternative to bacon bits

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a game day snack party appetizer easy dinner with a side salad or even brunch add a dollop of cranberry sauce to the rolls for a sweet twist These travel well in foil for picnics or potlucks

A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. Save
A plate of baked turkey and cheese rolls. | lilicooks.com

A Touch of History

The tradition of rolling meat and cheese into dough goes back centuries in many cultures Crescent dough is a shortcut on classic stuffed breads bringing bakery fresh flavor home in record time

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the rolls from splitting open during baking?

Roll the dough tightly and be sure to seal the edges well. The garlic butter acts as a binder to help keep everything enclosed.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, swap in your favorite slicing cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss to suit your taste.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm individual rolls in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes or until heated through to restore freshness.

→ Are there other protein options besides turkey?

Try sliced ham, roast beef, or even cooked chicken to vary the flavor while keeping the same method.

→ Can these rolls be made ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate before baking, then bake just before serving for the freshest results. Freeze unbaked rolls if making farther ahead.

Baked Turkey and Cheese Rolls

Savory turkey, melty cheese, and bacon wrapped in golden, buttery rolls. Perfect for parties or family meals.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 10 Serves (10 rolls)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
02 4 tablespoons butter
03 1 teaspoon minced garlic
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 ½ teaspoon pepper
06 ¼ cup bacon bits (fresh or pre-made)
07 8 slices colby jack cheese or cheese of choice
08 7 slices turkey or protein of choice

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Open the crescent roll sheet dough and stretch or roll it out to approximately 9x13 inches on a piece of parchment paper or floured surface.

Step 03

Melt the butter with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the crescent dough in an even layer using a basting brush or drizzle it evenly with a spoon.

Step 04

Leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom and lay the 8 pieces of cheese into two rows, leaving the top 1/3 of the dough empty. Sprinkle the bacon bits onto the cheese.

Step 05

Lay the turkey slices over the cheese, covering it completely. Use two layers if necessary, overlapping the slices.

Step 06

From the bottom, roll the dough tightly upward, enclosing the turkey and cheese. Pull the top 1/3 of the dough tightly and press to seal the seam using the butter as glue.

Step 07

Cut the rolled dough into 10 equal rounds using a sharp knife.

Step 08

Lay the rounds in a non-stick sprayed casserole dish.

Step 09

Bake for 25 minutes until the dough is puffed and golden brown on top.

Tips

  1. Ensure the rolls are tightly sealed to prevent cheese from leaking out while baking.

Required Tools

  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Casserole dish
  • Small microwave-safe bowl
  • Basting brush

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • May contain gluten from crescent roll dough.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 240
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 12 g