Transform your post-holiday turkey into an extraordinary culinary delight with these delectable Rosemary Turkey Squares. This recipe offers a brilliant solution for utilizing leftover turkey, bundling succulent turkey and fragrant rosemary into flaky crescent rolls for an easy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, these savory pockets are guaranteed to become a new family favorite, turning simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Craving more creative ways to give your leftover turkey a second life? Don’t miss this comforting Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup.
Embracing Fresh Starts and the Art of Leftover Reinvention
There’s a certain magic to Mondays, isn’t there? It’s a day that symbolizes fresh starts, renewed energy, and the opportunity to reset. While our Rosemary Turkey Squares don’t directly tie into a Monday morning ritual, they perfectly embody that spirit of revitalization – specifically, the revitalization of your holiday leftovers! After the glorious feast of Thanksgiving, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of turkey, and while a classic turkey sandwich is always a treat, the possibilities for transforming that succulent meat are endless.
This recipe is designed to inspire you to look beyond the obvious and turn what might otherwise be a mundane leftover into an exciting, flavorful new meal. It’s about smart, efficient cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. Imagine biting into a warm, golden crescent roll, filled with a creamy, savory mixture of tender turkey, aromatic rosemary, and a hint of fresh vegetables. It’s a delightful surprise, proving that leftovers can be just as exciting, if not more so, than the original meal.
While I didn’t initially create these squares immediately after Thanksgiving, they are unequivocally at the top of my list for holiday turkey repurposing. But don’t feel limited to post-holiday cooking! You can easily prepare this dish any time of year. Simply roast a turkey breast specifically for this recipe, or even substitute with cooked chicken for an equally delicious result. No matter the source of your poultry, these squares provide a convenient and incredibly tasty dinner solution that will impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Why Rosemary Turkey Squares Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
These Rosemary Turkey Squares aren’t just another leftover turkey recipe; they’re a culinary revelation. Combining convenience with exceptional flavor, they hit all the right notes for a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. Utilizing store-bought crescent rolls significantly cuts down on prep time, making it accessible even on your busiest evenings. The filling comes together quickly, and assembly is straightforward, making it an ideal option for beginner cooks or those simply looking for a hassle-free meal that tastes homemade.
A Symphony of Savory Flavors
The combination of ingredients in these squares creates a truly memorable taste experience. The rich, earthy notes of fresh rosemary perfectly complement the tender turkey, while softened cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that binds everything together. A touch of milk, melted butter, and fresh green onions and bell pepper introduce depth and a hint of vibrant freshness, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Incredibly Versatile and Adaptable
While designed for leftover turkey, the flexibility of this recipe is remarkable. If you don’t have turkey on hand, cooked chicken works beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar texture and carrying the flavors just as well. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra dimension. This adaptability makes it a fantastic base for whatever cooked poultry you might have available.
A Guaranteed Family Favorite
These savory pockets have a universal appeal. The comforting, golden-brown crescent roll exterior gives way to a warm, savory filling that’s satisfying without being heavy. They’re perfect for all ages, making them an excellent choice for family dinners, appetizers for gatherings, or even a sophisticated snack. Watch them disappear quickly!
More Inspiration for Leftover Turkey Dishes
Never let a single shred of delicious holiday turkey go to waste! Explore these other fantastic recipes that transform your leftovers into exciting new meals:
- Butternut Squash and Turkey Casserole
- Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza
- Turkey Fajita Pizza
- Honey Mustard Turkey Salad Sandwiches
- White Turkey Chili
Stay Connected for More Culinary Inspiration
Don’t miss out on delicious new recipes and meal ideas! Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to receive family-friendly recipes directly in your inbox every week. For daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Rosemary Turkey Squares
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Ingredients
- 3 oz. cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations, or 1 can crescent rolls
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large cookie sheet. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, and melted butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Fold in the cubed cooked turkey, fresh or dried rosemary, chopped green onions, and finely diced red bell pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
- If you are using a can of traditional crescent rolls, unroll the dough and gently press the perforations together to create a seamless sheet. Then, cut the dough into 4 rows by 3 rows, yielding 12 equal squares. If you are using a crescent roll dough sheet (like Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations), simply unroll the dough and cut it into 4 rows by 3 rows to create 12 squares.
- Take 6 of your prepared dough squares. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of each of these 6 squares, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Carefully place the remaining 6 dough squares on top of the filled squares, aligning the edges. Use a fork to firmly press around the edges of each square, sealing the filling inside and creating a decorative crimped pattern. Transfer the assembled squares to your greased cookie sheet.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each turkey square with the beaten egg. This egg wash will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture. Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the squares for an added layer of savory flavor and a delightful crust.
- Bake the Rosemary Turkey Squares in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm, savory delights as a main dish or a satisfying snack!