Leftover Turkey Turnovers With a Cranberry Dip

The aroma of Thanksgiving still lingers in my memory, not just from the grand feast itself, but from the days following, when the real creativity began. My grandmother, a master of resourcefulness, would transform leftover turkey into the most delightful concoctions. But it was her turkey turnovers, little golden packages of savory goodness served with a vibrant cranberry dip, that truly captured my heart. Each bite was a warm embrace, a reminder of family, tradition, and the magic of making something extraordinary from the ordinary. They turned simple leftovers into a comforting culinary adventure, and I’m excited to share that magic with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yields: 8 turnovers
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (Can be made dairy-free with substitutions)

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Dip:

• 1 1/2 cups whole cranberry sauce
• 1 pear, peeled and diced fine
• 1 small shallot, diced fine
• 1/4 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Turkey Filling:

• 2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
• 2 cups fine diced turkey
• 2 scallions, finely chopped (whites and greens)
• 1 shallot, diced fine
• 1 (4 ounce) container spreadable herb cheese spread
• 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Small saute pan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Dip: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, diced pear, diced shallot, apple cider, allspice, and ground ginger.

2. Simmer the Dip: Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pear has softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Set aside to keep warm.

3. Sauté the Turkey Filling: In a small saute pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 1 minute, until softened and fragrant.

4. Combine the Filling Ingredients: Add the chopped scallions, chopped pecans, and diced turkey to the saute pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

7. Roll Out the Crescent Rolls: Open both cans of crescent rolls. Unroll them onto the prepared baking sheet.

8. Press the Seams: Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the crescent roll dough, pressing the seams together until each can forms a single, large sheet. You should now have two flat sheets of dough.

9. Cut the Dough into Triangles: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut each sheet of dough diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, and vice versa. This will create 4 large triangles per sheet, for a total of 8 triangles.

10. Assemble the Turnovers: Spread the herb cheese spread evenly on the center of each triangle.

11. Add the Turkey Filling: Place a couple of tablespoons of the turkey mixture on top of the cheese spread on each triangle.

12. Fold the Turnovers: Bring the corners of each triangle up to the center and pinch the edges together to seal, creating a small package shape. Crimp the edges to ensure they are well sealed. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a rustic look is part of their charm.

13. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.

14. Bake the Turnovers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown.

15. Serve: Once the turnovers are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with the warm cranberry dip for dipping. A comforting bowl of soup alongside makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Make Ahead: The cranberry dip can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further. You can also prepare the turkey filling ahead of time.
• Cheese Variation: If you can’t find spreadable herb cheese, you can use cream cheese softened and mixed with your favorite dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and chives).
• Nut Allergy: For those with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans from the turkey filling. You can add some finely chopped celery or water chestnuts for a bit of crunch instead.
• Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Ensure the turnovers are well-sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out and causing a soggy bottom. If you’re concerned about leakage, you can place a small amount of breadcrumbs on the dough before adding the filling.
• Doneness Check: The turnovers are done when they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the leftover turkey turnovers warm with the cranberry dip as a comforting appetizer, light lunch, or weeknight dinner. You can also serve them with a side salad or a bowl of your favorite soup.

Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked turnovers. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen turnovers, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	346.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	91 g	26%
Total Fat	10.1 g	15%
Saturated Fat	3.4 g	16%
Cholesterol	63.5 mg	21%
Sodium	570.5 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	56 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	14%
Sugars	24.4 g	97%
Protein	9.2 g	18%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or hummus instead of the spreadable herb cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough (if available) or puff pastry.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of vegetables.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey filling or the cranberry dip for a touch of heat.
• Seasonal: Use other fruits in the dip, such as apples, peaches, or berries, depending on the season.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

A: Yes, you can definitely use puff pastry for a flakier turnover. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as puff pastry may require a slightly longer baking time.

Q: Can I make these turnovers ahead of time and freeze them before baking?

A: Yes, you can assemble the turnovers, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What can I substitute for the pecans?

A: Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would be great alternatives to pecans. You can also omit them altogether.

Q: My cranberry dip is too tart. What can I do?

A: Add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the dip to your liking.

Q: Can I use leftover cranberry sauce with whole berries?

A: Yes, leftover cranberry sauce with whole berries works perfectly! The berries will add a nice texture to the dip.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought my family over the years. These Leftover Turkey Turnovers with Cranberry Dip are a delicious and comforting way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dish that will warm your heart and soul. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Happy cooking!