Leftover Turkey Pinwheels with Stuffing

Make these Leftover Turkey Pinwheels with Stuffing for a fast holiday snack that turns extra turkey and stuffing into crisp, golden puff pastry bites. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving leftovers!

These Leftover Turkey Pinwheels with Stuffing fit perfectly into the busy days after a holiday!

They're a fun way to use up those Christmas leftovers in a fun and tasty way. You can even get the kids involved making them.

These turkey spirals help you use what you already have, they taste warm and comforting, and they come together with very little effort.

Puff pastry makes everything feel a little more special, and the recipe adapts easily to whatever leftovers are on hand.

I make these Leftover Turkey Pinwheels with Stuffing every year after Thanksgiving and Christmas because they use ingredients I already have, and the whole family loves them.

After the holidays, I often end up with small portions of turkey that are too good to waste and a scoop of stuffing that is not quite enough to stand on its own.

Puff pastry solves that problem. It turns everything into a neat, crisp spiral that tastes indulgent without any extra effort.

The flavor is rich without being heavy. The turkey gives a savory base. The stuffing brings herbs, onions, and that familiar holiday aroma.

The butter on the pastry adds a little extra richness, and the whole thing puffs up in the oven into a warm, flaky bite.

Serve them up after the holidays alongside Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, plus some Turkey Patties if you have lots of leftover turkey!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Leftover Turkey Pinwheels
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Storage, Freezing, Make Ahead Advice
• More Turkey Recipes
• Recipe Tips
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• A fast way to use leftover turkey and stuffing without repeating the same meal again.
• Puff pastry creates a crisp, bakery style texture that feels more special than typical leftover dishes.
• Minimal prep means you can make a warm snack even on busy days.
• Works as a holiday appetizer, lunchbox filling, or late night snack.
• Uses pantry friendly ingredients that most cooks keep around during the holiday season.
• Easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or extra vegetables.
• Beginner friendly because the pastry handles most of the work.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Puff pastry. This creates the flaky, crisp exterior. Any store bought sheet works. Rough measurements do not need to be exact.
• Cooked turkey. Finely chopped or shredded turkey distributes better in the spirals. Leftover chicken works as a substitute.
• Cooked stuffing. The herbs in the stuffing add aroma and depth. Any style of stuffing works, including cornbread or sourdough versions. Try Pineapple Stuffing!
• Butter. Soft butter helps the filling adhere to the pastry and adds flavor. You can swap with soft cream cheese for a richer result.
• Egg. An egg wash gives the pinwheels a glossy, golden top. Milk or cream can be used if you do not want to use an egg.
• Cranberry sauce. Optional but adds a sweet tart contrast that balances the savory pastry.
• Gravy. This works as a dipping sauce that adds moisture and extra holiday flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Leftover Turkey Pinwheels

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Unroll the pastry sheet on baking parchment.

Spread a thin, even layer of the butter over the surface (leave a 1cm border at the far long edge).

Spread it with the cranberry sauce.

Scatter it with the shredded/chopped turkey evenly.

Sprinkle the crumbled stuffing across the top.

Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Transfer the log to the freezer for 10-12 minutes to firm up (this makes clean slicing easier).

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the chilled roll into 1.5cm thick pinwheels.

Lay them flat on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm gravy as a dip.
• Offer cranberry sauce on the side for sweet contrast.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a small lunch.
• Add them to a holiday appetizer board or Charcuterie Board (Cheese and Meat Board).
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or Boursin Brussels Sprouts for a light dinner.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for an easy next day meal.
• Bring them to potlucks as a quick shareable option.
• Plate them with a small bowl of Bacon Aioli.

Variations

• Add shredded cheese for a richer filling.
• Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce under the turkey before rolling.
• Add dried herbs such as thyme or sage to reinforce holiday flavors.
• Use chicken instead of turkey
• Add chopped cooked bacon for a smoky variation.

Storage, Freezing, Make Ahead Advice

Leftover pinwheels store well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to refresh the crisp texture.

You can freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with only a slight increase in cooking time. This makes them ideal for planning ahead during busy holidays.

You can also assemble the rolled log a day ahead, refrigerate it, and slice and bake when ready. Chilled pastry cuts neatly and bakes evenly.

More Turkey Recipes

Recipe Tips

• Chill the rolled log before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Use a serrated knife to avoid squashing the pastry.
• Spread the filling lightly and evenly to prevent tearing.
• Leave a small border so the spiral seals properly.
• Bake on parchment to keep the spirals from sticking.

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