Savory Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of warm, flaky pastry filled with the perfect blend of savory turkey and tangy cranberries – that’s the delightful experience you’ll have with these turkey cranberry pinwheels. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a quick and impressive appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight your guests and leave them craving more.
These pinwheels are the ultimate marriage of flavors, textures, and convenience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a showstopping dish that will have your friends and family raving about your culinary prowess. Get ready to become the star of the party with these irresistible turkey cranberry pinwheels!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets these turkey cranberry pinwheels apart is the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The tender turkey, paired with the tart and tangy cranberries, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. The flaky, buttery pastry dough provides a delightful contrast to the filling, resulting in a delectable bite-sized treat.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. These pinwheels can be served as a festive appetizer, a quick and easy snack, or even a light meal when paired with a salad. They’re also incredibly make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare them in advance and simply bake them off when ready to serve. With their impressive presentation and irresistible taste, these turkey cranberry pinwheels are sure to become a new holiday staple in your household.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels ❓
• 8 ounces of cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of fresh or canned cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for egg wash
The beauty of this turkey cranberry pinwheels recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberries, and melty cheddar cheese creates the comforting and festive flavor profile that has made these types of pinwheel recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×9-inch rectangle.
• Step 3: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
• Step 4: Arrange the sliced turkey in a single layer over the cranberry sauce, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Step 5: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, jelly-roll style, to create a long cylinder. Pinch the seam to seal it.
• Step 6: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick slices, creating the pinwheel shape.
• Step 7: Place the pinwheels, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Step 8: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash to create a shiny, golden-brown finish.
• Step 9: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• Step 10: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 18-22 minutes
• Total time: 33-37 minutes
Compared to traditional turkey and cranberry dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this turkey cranberry pinwheels recipe saves you over 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors in a more convenient and visually appealing presentation.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 333mg
These turkey cranberry pinwheels provide approximately 16% of your daily protein requirements and 5% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the puff pastry with a low-carb or keto-friendly dough, such as almond flour or cauliflower-based pastry.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
• Added protein: Sprinkle in some cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped walnuts to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the turkey cranberry pinwheels.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp, fresh salad for a light and balanced meal.
• Complement the pinwheels with a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup for a cozy and comforting pairing.
• For a holiday gathering, serve the pinwheels on a festive platter surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries for a visually stunning presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Underbaking: Make sure to bake the pinwheels until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Underbaking can result in a doughy, uncooked texture.
• Cutting unevenly: Use a sharp knife and cut the rolled pastry into even, 1-inch thick slices to ensure uniform baking and presentation.
• Not sealing the seam: Be sure to pinch and seal the seam of the rolled pastry to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Forgetting the egg wash: The egg wash helps to create a beautiful, shiny and golden-brown finish on the pinwheels, so don’t skip this step.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These turkey cranberry pinwheels retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the pinwheels up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen pinwheels to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pinwheels to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped pinwheels in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the turkey cranberry pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! These pinwheels are very make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the uncooked pinwheels up to 2 days in advance, cover and refrigerate them, then bake them off just before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 2 months, then bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I substitute the turkey with chicken or ham?
Yes, you can easily substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or ham. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the general concept of the pinwheels will remain the same. Just be sure to use the same amount of protein (approximately 8 ounces) for the filling.
Are these turkey cranberry pinwheels suitable for a gluten-free or low-carb diet?
To make these pinwheels gluten-free, you can substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free dough, such as an almond flour or cauliflower-based pastry. For a low-carb version, use a keto-friendly dough instead of the traditional puff pastry. These modifications will allow you to enjoy the delicious flavors of the turkey cranberry filling while adhering to your dietary needs.
Why are my pinwheels leaking or losing their shape during baking?
If your pinwheels are leaking or losing their shape, it’s likely due to overfilling the pastry or not sealing the seam properly. Be sure to spread the filling evenly and leave a 1-inch border around the edges when rolling up the pastry. Pinch the seam tightly to seal it, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the pinwheels to lose their shape.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! These turkey cranberry pinwheels are highly versatile, and you can easily customize the filling to suit your preferences. Try adding chopped pecans, crumbled bacon, or sautéed spinach for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss or goat cheese, to complement the turkey and cranberry combination.
Conclusion
These turkey cranberry pinwheels represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a festive holiday appetizer or a quick and easy snack, they’re sure to impress with their buttery, flaky pastry and the irresistible combination of savory turkey and tart cranberries. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these turkey cranberry pinwheels demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, gather your loved ones, set out a platter of these delightful pinwheels, and enjoy the delicious and satisfying flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Print
Savory Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
- Total Time: 33-37 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 8 ounces of cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of fresh or canned cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for egg wash
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×9-inch rectangle.
• Step 3: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
• Step 4: Arrange the sliced turkey in a single layer over the cranberry sauce, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Step 5: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, jelly-roll style, to create a long cylinder. Pinch the seam to seal it.
• Step 6: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick slices, creating the pinwheel shape.
• Step 7: Place the pinwheels, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Step 8: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash to create a shiny, golden-brown finish.
• Step 9: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• Step 10: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Savory Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
