Easy Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups: Your Ultimate Appetizer for Any Occasion
Finding quick, delicious appetizers is always a top priority for any gathering, whether it’s a festive holiday celebration, an exciting game day, or just a casual get-together with friends and family. These Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups perfectly fit the bill, offering a burst of flavor and a satisfying warmth that will impress your guests every time.
They are not only incredibly tasty but also remarkably simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts looking to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Their versatility means you can whip them up ahead of time, stash them in the fridge, and then effortlessly bake them when your guests arrive for a truly warm and inviting welcome.
Savory Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Imagine flaky, golden-brown crescent rolls enveloping tender deli turkey and spicy pepper jack cheese, all topped with a delectable mustard-butter glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy poppy seeds. That’s exactly what these Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups deliver. They strike a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and a hint of zesty spice, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Their compact size makes them ideal for mingling, ensuring everyone can easily enjoy these delightful bites.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience. You can assemble them in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then simply pop them into the oven just before serving. This allows you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. As they bake, your home will fill with an enticing aroma, setting the perfect mood for your event.
This fantastic appetizer came to life when the wonderful team at Pillsbury approached me, inviting me to explore the endless possibilities of their crescent rolls to create a memorable holiday appetizer. Pillsbury crescent rolls are a true kitchen staple, known for their buttery flavor and incredibly flaky texture, making them the perfect foundation for countless sweet and savory creations.
Drawing Inspiration from a Classic: Ham and Cheese Sliders
When tasked with developing a new appetizer, my mind immediately went to one of my all-time favorites: Ham & Cheese Sliders. These sliders are legendary for their combination of savory meats, gooey cheese, and a irresistible buttery topping. I decided to use that beloved recipe as a springboard, adapting its core elements to create something fresh and equally appealing with turkey and pepper jack cheese.
The standout feature of those sliders, for me, has always been the incredible sauce drizzled generously over the top. It’s what truly elevates them from good to unforgettable. For these Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups, I wanted to capture that same magic but streamline the ingredient list to ensure the recipe remained quick and straightforward. The goal was to create a zesty, flavorful topping that complements the turkey and cheese without adding unnecessary complexity to the preparation process.
The Perfect Flavor Profile: Mustard-Butter and Poppy Seeds
The final touch that truly makes these roll-ups shine is the combination of the mustard-butter sauce and the poppy seeds. The rich, melted butter infused with a hint of tangy yellow mustard creates a glaze that not only adds a beautiful golden sheen but also a burst of savory flavor. When brushed over the warm crescent rolls, it seeps into the flaky layers, enhancing every bite.
And those poppy seeds? They’re not just for decoration! They contribute a delightful, subtle crunch and a nutty undertone that perfectly complements the smooth cheese and tender turkey. This textural contrast is key to a truly satisfying appetizer.
A note on the cheese: Pepper jack cheese is a fantastic choice here, bringing a lovely, subtle kick that adds excitement without being overpowering. It melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey center everyone loves. However, if you or your guests prefer a milder flavor, or if you’re catering to different spice tolerances, it’s incredibly easy to substitute. A mild mozzarella would offer a creamy, stretchy texture and a very subtle flavor, while Havarti provides a slightly nutty and buttery taste with a wonderfully smooth melt. For something in between, Colby Jack or Monterey Jack would also be excellent options, providing good meltability with less heat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite melting cheese to customize these roll-ups to your preference.
As for the turkey, I personally love using black pepper turkey in this recipe. Its own subtle spice perfectly enhances the pepper jack cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor complexity. However, the beauty of these roll-ups is their adaptability. You can absolutely use any variety of deli turkey you prefer! Honey-roasted turkey will add a touch of sweetness, smoked turkey will give a deeper, richer flavor, and even a simple oven-roasted turkey will taste fantastic. That’s why I’ve kept the ingredient list simple, specifying “deli turkey,” allowing you the freedom to choose your family’s favorite, or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients for Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful appetizers. Here’s what you’ll need for these flavorful roll-ups:
- 1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury crescent rolls (the star of our show, providing that irresistible flaky base)
- 8 slices deli turkey (your preferred flavor – black pepper, honey-roasted, or classic oven-roasted all work wonderfully)
- 4 oz shredded pepper jack cheese (for that perfect cheesy goodness with a spicy kick, or your chosen mild substitute)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (the foundation for our savory glaze)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (adding that essential tangy zest to the glaze)
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds (for a delightful textural contrast and subtle nutty flavor)
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience even smoother. These are a few items that will come in handy for this recipe:
- Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking your crescent rolls to golden perfection.
- Mixing bowl: For effortlessly combining your butter and mustard for the glaze.
- Cooling rack: To allow air circulation, preventing the bottoms of your roll-ups from getting soggy after baking.
- Pastry brush: The perfect tool for delicately applying the butter-mustard glaze.
Simple Steps to Create Your Delicious Roll Ups
You’ll be amazed at how quickly these Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups come together. The process is incredibly simple, making them perfect even for novice bakers. The key is the convenience of the Pillsbury crescent dough, which eliminates the need for any complicated pastry work. Each step is designed for ease and efficiency, ensuring you get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
To begin, simply open the can of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough. Separate the dough into its individual triangles on a clean work surface. On the wider end of each crescent triangle, lay a slice of your chosen deli turkey. Then, generously sprinkle about a tablespoon of shredded pepper jack cheese (or your preferred cheese substitute) over the turkey. Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each crescent triangle, ensuring the filling is snugly encased. Place these rolled-up delights onto your prepared baking sheet.
Once all your roll-ups are assembled and baking to a beautiful golden brown (refer to the full recipe card below for precise baking times and temperature), it’s time to prepare the signature glaze. In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth. Stir in the yellow mustard until thoroughly combined. This creates a vibrant, tangy, and rich sauce that will elevate the flavor of your roll-ups.
As soon as the baked crescent rolls emerge from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack. While they are still warm, take your pastry brush and liberally apply the mustard-butter mixture over the top of each roll-up. Work quickly, perhaps in batches of 2 or 3, so the butter doesn’t begin to harden before you can finish. Immediately after brushing, sprinkle the poppy seeds generously over the glazed tops. The warm butter helps the poppy seeds adhere beautifully, ensuring every bite gets that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips and Reheating Instructions
These Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups are fantastic for preparing in advance, which is a huge bonus when you’re hosting. You can assemble them completely, right up to the point of baking, and store them uncooked on a baking sheet (covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, and then bake as directed. This flexibility makes them a stress-free option for entertaining.
If you happen to have any glorious leftovers – which is a rare occurrence with these delicious bites! – they can be easily reheated. The best method for reheating to maintain their flaky texture is in a conventional oven or a toaster oven set to about 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to crisp up the crescent dough again. For a super quick option, you can use the microwave. Just cook on 50% power for 10-20 seconds per roll-up. Be careful not to overcook them in the microwave, as this can make the crescent dough tough.
More Irresistible Appetizer Ideas for Your Next Event
If you loved these Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups and are on the hunt for more fantastic appetizer ideas, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of recipes perfect for any occasion. Each one is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your guests leave happy and satisfied.
- For game day or any casual get-together, our bacon-wrapped little smokies are an absolute must-try. These savory bites are sweet, smoky, and utterly addictive, always disappearing quickly from any platter.
- Another timeless snack that everyone adores is our homemade Chex Mix. It’s wonderfully customizable, offering that perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and seasoned goodness that makes it impossible to stop at just one handful.
- And if you’re a fan of the versatility of crescent rolls, you absolutely must try my pizza crescent roll ups too! They offer a fun, miniature pizza experience in a flaky, easy-to-eat format, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups
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Ingredients
- 8 ounce can crescent rolls
- 8 slices deli turkey
- 4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese or slices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Stir mustard into the melted butter and set aside.
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Fold a slice of turkey in half and place it on the wide end of the crescent. Top turkey with about a tablespoon of shredded pepper jack cheese. Roll up the crescent and place on baking sheet. Repeat for all crescent rolls and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Remove crescents from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Brush with butter and mustard mixture then immediately sprinkle with poppy seeds. It’s best to work in batches of 2 or 3 so the butter does not begin to harden before you can add the topping.
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Serve warm.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Disclosure: I was compensated for the time it took me to come up with this recipe, make it, photograph it, eat it 🙂 and share it with you. Fair trade I think.