Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels the Ultimate Leftover Makeover

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy turning those turkey leftovers into something epic? Then, you've come to the right place. These turkey cranberry pinwheels are the bomb. A delicious mix of sweet and savoury.

Brief Overview

Originating from the need to use up Thanksgiving and Christmas scraps, these pinwheels are super easy. It takes about an hour, give or take, including chilling time.

This recipe will give you about 24 tasty pinwheels. Great for sharing, or not!

Main Benefits

Besides being delicious, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey. That’s good for your wallet and the environment.

These turkey cranberry pinwheels are perfect for holiday appetizers or a casual get-together. What makes them special is the delightful combo of textures and flavors.

Alright, Let's Get This Pinwheel Party Started!

Are you ready to transform your leftover turkey into something amazing? You bet! Forget those boring turkey sandwiches. We are making turkey cranberry pinwheels .

These aren't just any pinwheel appetizers . These babies are packed with flavour. We are talking flaky pastry, tangy cranberry sauce , and creamy cheese. Talk about a flavour explosion!

Seriously, who can resist a good pinwheel? This is a killer turkey pinwheel recipe . Especially when it's so simple to make.

What You'll Need: The A-Team of Ingredients

Here’s what you need. It’s pretty straightforward. You probably have most of it already. We're trying to create a true SEO goodness here.

Don't get intimidated by the list, it is easier than it looks. We're using a premade pie crust. This will seriously cut down on prep time.

Also we use cranberry cream cheese pinwheels , which is awesome.

You'll need about 400g of pie crust , 450g of cooked turkey , 250ml of cranberry sauce , and 50g of cream cheese .

Add 30g of cheddar cheese , 15ml of Dijon mustard , and a ml of sage . Don't forget an egg and some milk for the egg wash.

Now, that is the A-Team for sure!

Easy Peasy: Making the Magic Happen

Don't let the fancy name fool you. These pinwheels are a piece of cake. The most important thing is to chill the dough. That helps to keep everything together.

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Roll!

Alright, let's whip up a batch of SEO goodness, shall we? Before we dive headfirst into creating these turkey cranberry pinwheels , let's gather our supplies.

Trust me, a little prep now saves a whole lot of hassle later. It's all about making things easy , innit?

Main Ingredients for Festive Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

These are the heroes of our turkey pinwheel recipe . We're aiming for flavour town!

• Refrigerated Pie Crusts: 1 package ( 14.1 ounces/400g ). Pillsbury is fine, but any brand will do. Just make sure it's softened.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ) for dusting.
• Cooked Turkey: 2 cups ( 450g ), shredded or finely diced. Quality is key. You want juicy turkey.
• Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup ( 250ml ) whole berry, canned or homemade. You know what's right.
• Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), softened. Don't skip this. It's essential!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/4 cup ( 30g ) optional. I reckon a little bit of sharpness is nice.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (about 15ml ). This adds the flavour.
• Ground Sage: 1/4 teaspoon (approx. 1ml ). This makes it Christmassy.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Milk or Water: 1 tablespoon .

Seasoning Notes

This bit is crucial for taking these turkey cranberry pinwheels from blah to "blimey, that's good!".

• Essential Spice Combination: Sage is essential.
• Flavour Enhancers: Dijon mustard adds depth.
• Quick Substitutions: Use any cheese you enjoy. Or even veggie proteins for a vegetarian variation .

Honestly, sometimes I chuck in a bit of rosemary too. Really brings out the festive flavours. You know?

Equipment Needed

No need for fancy kit here. These cranberry appetizers are supposed to be simple, remember?

• Large Cutting Board: For rolling and slicing.
• Rolling Pin: Don't have one? A clean wine bottle will work.
• Sharp Knife: A chef's knife is ideal.
• Mixing Bowl: Standard mixing needs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: If you care for precision.
• Baking Sheet: Standard sheet for baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking.
• Pastry Brush: Optional, but makes egg washing easier.

Right, now we've got everything sorted, we can actually start making these tasty holiday appetizers . Let's get cooking.

Cooking Method

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic

Alright, let's whip up a batch of SEO goodness, shall we? The first step to crafting these turkey cranberry pinwheels is getting your ducks in a row.

Or, in this case, your cranberry sauce and leftover turkey. First things first, make sure your cream cheese is softened.

Seriously, trust me on this one. Nobody wants lumpy pinwheels. Aim for your cream cheese to be at room temperature for the best results.

Get everything measured out beforehand. Time is of the essence, so organization is key.

Speaking of organization, I find that having all my ingredients prepped and ready to go really speeds things up. I mean, who wants to be chopping turkey when they should be rolling up pinwheels? And a quick safety tip: Wash your hands, always!

step-by-step Pinwheel Power

Time to get down to business! These are so easy, even I can't mess them up.

1. Unroll your pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a 12x14 inch rectangle.
2. Mix your shredded turkey , cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar (if you’re feeling fancy), Dijon mustard , and sage in a bowl.
3. Spread the filling evenly over the pie crust. Leave a bit of a border.
4. Roll it up tightly, like you're making a savoury Swiss roll.
5. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes . This is vital! Don't skip it or they'll be a mess to cut.
6. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheels.
7. Brush with egg wash (egg + milk) for a golden sheen.
8. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.

Pro Tips: Pinwheel Perfection

Here are some things I've learned the hard way whilst making these turkey cranberry pinwheels . First off, don't overbake them ! You want them golden, not burnt.

If you don't have pie crust, puff pastry is your new best friend for pinwheel appetizers ! It makes 'em extra flaky.

Honestly, chilling the dough is the make-or-break point. It prevents a pinwheel disaster.

These holiday appetizers are awesome leftover turkey recipes because they are so simple. They’re perfect for thanksgiving appetizers or even christmas appetizers .

Want to make-ahead? Assemble the pinwheels, but don't bake. Freeze them. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

And, if you're feeling adventurous, add some chopped pecans or dried cranberries to the filling for extra texture.

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Right, let's whip up a batch of SEO goodness , shall we? We're talking about these absolutely scrumptious turkey cranberry pinwheels ! Honestly, these aren't your average easy appetizer recipes .

They're perfect thanksgiving appetizers or even christmas appetizers , turning leftover turkey recipes into something truly special. I remember one year, my Aunt Mildred brought store-bought puff pastry, and frankly, it was a disaster.

Trust me, stick with the pie crust!

Serving Suggestions: Let’s Get Fancy

Presentation is everything, right? Picture this: golden turkey cranberry pinwheels arranged artfully on a platter, maybe with a sprig of rosemary for that festive touch.

A small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping? Oh my gosh , yes! Pair these babies with a crisp glass of sparkling cider.

You know, the kind you break out for posh occasions! Or, if you're feeling a bit rebellious, a light, dry white wine would also do the trick.

For a light meal, consider a fresh side salad!

Storage Tips: Keep ‘Em Fresh

Got leftovers? Don't we all? Pop those cranberry appetizers into an airtight container. They'll happily chill in the fridge for 3-4 days .

If you are thinking long term? Freeze them for up to 2 months . Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating is easy peasy: oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes , or until warmed through.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Pinwheels

Feeling adventurous? Let's play with flavors! For a dietary adaptation, try using gluten-free pie crust for a coeliac friendly turkey pinwheel recipe .

Swap out the cheddar for goat cheese. It'll add a lovely tang and make these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels even more amazing.

During autumn? Add some chopped apple for a seasonal twist.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, no need to get bogged down in complicated numbers. Just know that each turkey cranberry pinwheel is a delightful mix of protein, carbs, and a bit of healthy fat.

Turkey provides lean protein. Cranberry sauce gives you antioxidants. Not bad for a holiday treat, eh? Simplified nutrition information : each pinwheel has 120-150 calories .

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make the best turkey cranberry pinwheels ever. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen! These aren't just pinwheel appetizers .

They're a little bite of happiness. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey cranberry pinwheels ahead of time? I'm prepping for a party, you see.

Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels, wrap them tightly, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked pinwheels for up to a month.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen nobody wants a soggy bottom, like on Bake Off!

What's the best way to store leftover turkey cranberry pinwheels?

Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they'll become dry like day-old scones!

I don't have pie crust. Can I use anything else for these turkey cranberry pinwheels?

Definitely! Puff pastry is a fantastic substitute for pie crust and will give you an even flakier result. You could even try using crescent roll dough for a slightly sweeter and softer pinwheel. Get creative; as Delia Smith would say, "Why not!"

My cranberry sauce is quite chunky. Will that be a problem for these turkey cranberry pinwheels?

Not at all, but you may want to give it a quick blitz in a food processor or finely chop any large cranberry pieces. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough and prevent the pinwheels from falling apart. Think of it as giving your cranberry sauce a bit of a "Chelsea Chop" to tidy it up.

Are turkey cranberry pinwheels healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Like most pastry based treats, these are more of an indulgence than a health food. That said, using whole wheat pie crust or adding extra veggies (like spinach or finely chopped celery) to the filling can boost the nutritional value.

Portion control is key everything in moderation, even these delicious pinwheels!

I'm not a fan of cranberry sauce. Is there anything else I can use in these turkey cranberry pinwheels?

Of course! Fig jam or apricot preserves would be lovely substitutes for cranberry sauce. You could also try using a sweet chutney or even a balsamic glaze for a more savory option. Think of it as a blank canvas; add flavours you'll be happy with!