Table of Contents

Rachael Ray’s Turkey Stromboli: A Thanksgiving Leftover Transformation

The day after Thanksgiving, our kitchen always felt like a second act waiting to happen. While some families opted for turkey sandwiches, my mom had a knack for transforming those same ingredients into something entirely new and exciting. One year, she discovered Rachael Ray’s Turkey Stromboli, and it became an instant tradition. The savory layers of turkey, stuffing, and cheese, all wrapped in a warm, golden crust, were a welcome change from the traditional holiday fare. It was comfort food, but with a creative twist—a reminder that even leftovers could be something special.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 Strombolis
Dietary Type: Can be modified to be dairy-free.

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crust
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup cranberry sauce
3 cups turkey, shredded
2 cups prepared stuffing
2 cups aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 cups gravy

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Pizza cutter or knife
Rolling pin (optional)
Small bowls for ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
Remove the pizza dough from the container and lightly dust a clean worksurface with flour. Unroll the dough onto the floured surface. Gently stretch it out a bit to make it slightly larger. A rolling pin can be used for this step if needed.
Cut the dough lengthwise and across to create four equal sections. These will become your individual strombolis.
Spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce diagonally across each section of dough. This acts as both a sweet and tart base for the other ingredients.
Layer the shredded turkey, stuffing, and shredded aged white cheddar cheese diagonally across each section, over the cranberry sauce. Be careful not to overstuff the strombolis, as this will make them difficult to wrap and may cause the filling to spill out during baking. Leave some space around the edges.
Wrap the two corner edges of the dough over the filling. Ensure that the turkey mixture is running down the middle of each stromboli, with a little filling exposed at each end. This creates the characteristic stromboli shape.
Brush the tops of the wrapped strombolis with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color in the oven.
Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the oiled dough, and gently pat them down so they adhere well. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a pleasant texture.
Place the prepared strombolis onto a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are evenly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the filling is heated through.
While the strombolis are baking, warm up your leftover gravy.
Remove the strombolis from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing.
Serve the warm Turkey Strombolis with the warmed gravy alongside for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overfill: Avoid the temptation to pack too much filling into the strombolis. Overfilling makes them hard to close and prone to bursting during baking. Less is more!
Cheese selection: While aged white cheddar adds a fantastic tang, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Make-ahead option: Assemble the strombolis ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time on the big day. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Crispy crust: For an extra-crispy crust, try placing the baking sheet on the lowest rack in the oven for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Egg wash alternative: If you don’t have olive oil, an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) will also give the strombolis a beautiful golden color.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Turkey Stromboli warm, sliced into generous portions, with a side of warmed gravy. The strombolis are best enjoyed immediately after baking, when the crust is still crispy and the filling is hot and melty.

Leftover stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but the crust may become softer. Stromboli can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	759 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	350g	46%
Total Fat	38.9g	59%
Saturated Fat	15.1g	75%
Cholesterol	53.9mg	17%
Sodium	3198.9mg	133%
Total Carbohydrate	81.7g	27%
Dietary Fiber	5.2g	20%
Sugars	28.6g	114%
Protein	22.1g	44%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the aged white cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Vegetarian: Replace the shredded turkey with roasted vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Add some vegetarian sausage crumbles for extra protein.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
Italian Herb Blend: Sprinkle some Italian herb blend on the crust before baking for enhanced flavor.
Different Stuffing: Experiment with different types of stuffing, such as cornbread stuffing or wild rice stuffing, for a unique twist.
Cranberry Sauce Variation: Use different flavors of cranberry sauce such as orange cranberry sauce, or raspberry cranberry sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will add a personal touch and may result in a more flavorful crust. Just be sure to roll it out to the appropriate thickness.

Q: What if I don’t have aged white cheddar cheese?
A: You can substitute with another type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Yes, feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the stromboli from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to use a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and ensure a crispy bottom crust.

Q: Can I freeze the strombolis after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked strombolis. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Rachael Ray’s Turkey Stromboli is more than just a recipe; it’s a brilliant solution for transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a chance to get creative in the kitchen, experiment with flavors, and enjoy a new twist on holiday favorites. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and share your own variations and feedback. Gather your leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and create a stromboli masterpiece that will delight your family and friends.

Rachael Ray’s Turkey Stromboli Recipe