Looking for an innovative way to reinvent those beloved Thanksgiving leftovers? Or perhaps you simply crave the comforting, festive flavors of the holidays all year long? These incredible Stuffed Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are your answer! Each golden, tender roll is generously packed with savory turkey, traditional stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese, creating an explosion of seasonal flavors in every warm, irresistible bite. Say goodbye to boring leftovers and hello to a culinary masterpiece. Don’t wait—transform your holiday ingredients into these delightful turkey stuffed rolls tonight!
This post was proudly brought to you by Bridgford Foods.
Crafting these delectable stuffed bread rolls is an absolute breeze, thanks to the star ingredient: Bridgford Ready-Dough®. This ingenious frozen dough eliminates all the fuss and mess of preparing homemade yeast dough from scratch. Forget about tedious kneading, lengthy proofing times, or worrying if your yeast is still active! With Bridgford Ready-Dough, you simply cut, fill, and bake. In mere minutes, you’ll be pulling perfectly soft, golden rolls from the oven, each one bursting with rich, savory fillings. It’s the ultimate shortcut to homemade taste without the effort.
Imagine the comforting fusion of your favorite holiday dishes wrapped in a soft, golden bun. These pull-apart rolls offer a delightful blend of concepts, reminiscent of savory piroshki, traditional meat buns, and classic dinner rolls—but with an unmistakably festive, holiday twist. The best part? These savory pull-apart dinner rolls are typically ready to serve in under an hour, making them an ideal, quick-fix solution for utilizing leftover turkey and stuffing. They effortlessly bring the comforting, nostalgic flavors of the holidays directly to your table, whenever that special craving strikes.
Table of Contents
Why We Love These Stuffed Pull-Apart Rolls
These Stuffed Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a convenient, delicious, and smart way to enjoy the flavors you love. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- It’s a Make-Ahead Marvel!
Life gets busy, especially around the holidays. This recipe understands that! You can prepare these savory rolls in advance, stuffing the dough with all your delicious fillings, then simply refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake. This means you can do all the prep work in the morning or the day before, and when dinner time rolls around, they’re ready to pop into the oven. It’s perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply reducing stress on a busy weeknight. - A Fun & Flavorful Way to Use Up Leftovers
The post-Thanksgiving dilemma is real: what to do with all that leftover turkey and stuffing? While classic options like turkey pot pies are always welcome, sometimes you crave something fresh, inventive, and exciting that still embraces those cherished holiday flavors. These stuffed rolls transform humble leftovers into an entirely new culinary experience, preventing food waste and delighting taste buds with a creative twist on traditional holiday fare. It’s comfort food reimagined! - Quick & Easy with Bridgford Ready-Dough®
The true magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, largely thanks to Bridgford Ready-Dough®. No more stressing over proofing times, activating yeast, or the intricate steps of making dough from scratch. This frozen dough takes all the guesswork out of baking, allowing you to go from frozen loaf to warm, golden rolls with minimal effort. It’s as simple as thawing, prepping, and baking, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels and a fantastic option for a speedy meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Crafting these irresistible stuffed pull-apart dinner rolls requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you might already have on hand, especially after a holiday feast. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitution ideas:
- Bridgford Frozen Ready-Dough®: This is the foundation of our easy recipe. You’ll need one loaf of frozen bread dough, typically found in packages of three loaves. Bridgford Ready-Dough is a fantastic time-saver, providing a consistent, soft dough without any of the work. You can easily find where to buy Bridgford frozen dough at their website: find Bridgford dough near you – check the freezer aisle of your local grocery store!
- Cooked Turkey: The star of our filling! This is where those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers shine. Whether it’s white meat, dark meat, or a mix, finely cubing or shredding the cooked turkey ensures it distributes evenly within the rolls. If you don’t have leftovers, you can easily prep your own with a tender, juicy crock-pot turkey tenderloin for this recipe.
- Prepared Stuffing (also called Dressing): Another holiday favorite that gets a second life! Ideally, you’ll have leftover stuffing or dressing from your Thanksgiving meal. The moisture and seasoning from leftover stuffing are perfect for this application. If not, a quickly prepared boxed stovetop stuffing mix works wonderfully and maintains that classic holiday flavor profile.
- Cranberry Sauce: A crucial element that adds a burst of tangy sweetness, cutting through the richness of the turkey and stuffing. Both jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce will work; simply ensure it’s well-mashed or spreadable. A little goes a long way to balance the flavors.
- Cheese: The gooey binder that brings it all together! I highly recommend using a mild-flavored cheese such as Fontina, Provolone, Havarti, or Mozzarella cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and allow the distinct flavors of the turkey and cranberry to truly shine without overpowering them. For the rolls pictured, I used Fontina shredded cheese, known for its superb melting qualities and delicate taste.
- Egg: Used to create an egg wash. Whisked with a tablespoon of water, this wash is brushed over the tops of the turkey stuffed rolls before baking. It gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely, slightly crisp exterior, enhancing their visual appeal and texture.
Pro Tip for Leftover Turkey: Don’t limit yourself! Instead of chicken, use leftover turkey to make our easy buffalo chicken dip for another fantastic way to repurpose your holiday bird!
Recipe Variations:
While the classic turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and cheese combination is a winner, these pull-apart rolls are incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Top with More Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (such as Parmesan, sharp cheddar cheese, or even a blend) over the tops of the pull-apart dinner rolls just before baking. This creates a savory, bubbly topping that adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Add a Gravy Dip: Elevate the experience by serving warm leftover gravy on the side. Guests can dip their individual rolls, adding another layer of rich, comforting flavor. Alternatively, for an even richer presentation, drizzle warmed gravy directly over the tops of the baked rolls just before serving.
- Include Mashed Potatoes: For an even heartier roll, incorporate leftover mashed potatoes into your filling. Simply reduce the amount of stuffing slightly and add an equal portion of creamy mashed potatoes. This adds a delightful creaminess and extra substance to each bite.
- Garlic Chicken Stuffed Rolls: If you’re out of turkey or prefer chicken, this variation is a must-try. Substitute the cooked turkey with finely cubed or shredded cooked chicken, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. For an added flavor boost, brush the flattened dough circles with a homemade garlic butter before stuffing. To make garlic butter, simply combine 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Ham & Swiss Rolls: A delicious departure from Thanksgiving flavors! Use finely diced leftover ham, Swiss cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a savory, hearty roll perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free alternative, sauté finely chopped mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers with some herbs (like thyme or sage) until tender. Mix with a vegetarian stuffing or breadcrumbs and a plant-based cheese for a flavorful vegetarian stuffed roll.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
You won’t need an extensive array of kitchen gadgets to whip up these fantastic stuffed rolls. Here’s a short list of the essential equipment:
- 9-inch Round Baking Dish: This size is perfect for creating a cozy cluster of 8 pull-apart rolls. The round shape ensures even baking and creates that delightful “pull-apart” effect when serving. A cast-iron skillet of the same size could also work.
- Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the egg wash, or for mixing small amounts of filling ingredients if needed.
- Pastry Brush: Essential for evenly applying the egg wash to the tops of the rolls, ensuring a consistent golden-brown finish and a professional look. If you don’t have one, you can carefully use the back of a spoon or your fingers, but a brush offers the best coverage.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: To ensure accurate portions for your fillings, guaranteeing consistent flavor in every roll.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For safely cubing your cooked turkey and any other ingredients.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip: Perfectly Thawing Your Frozen Dough
Properly thawing your Bridgford Ready-Dough is crucial for the best results. An evenly thawed dough will be easier to work with and will rise and bake more uniformly. I recommend these reliable methods for defrosting frozen bread dough:
- Quick Defrost at Room Temperature (Few Hours): If you’re short on time, you can thaw the dough on your countertop. Remove the frozen loaf from its packaging, place it on a lightly greased baking sheet, and cover it loosely with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil (to prevent sticking as it rises). Allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. The dough should become soft and pliable to the touch but still cold. This method is faster but requires monitoring to ensure it doesn’t overproof before you’re ready.
- Overnight Defrost in the Refrigerator (8-10 Hours): For a hands-off and controlled thaw, place the frozen loaf (still wrapped or covered loosely with plastic wrap) on a baking sheet in the refrigerator overnight. This slower thawing process ensures the dough thaws evenly and remains cold, making it very easy to handle the next day. Remember to lightly spray the baking sheet and the underside of the plastic wrap with cooking oil to prevent sticking once the dough softens.
Avoid using a microwave to thaw dough, as it can partially cook the dough and negatively affect its texture and ability to rise properly during baking.
How to Make Turkey Stuffed Pull-Apart Rolls
Creating these savory, stuffed pull-apart rolls is a straightforward process, made even easier with frozen bread dough. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking oil or cooking spray and set it aside. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, take your thawed Bridgford Ready-Dough loaf and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, divide the loaf into 8 equal pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
- Form the Dough Rounds: Take each individual piece of dough and flatten it into a thin circle, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or simply the palms of your hands. The goal is to create a disc large enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- Fill the Dough Circles: Now for the delicious part! In the center of each flattened dough circle, place 1 tablespoon of finely cubed or shredded cooked turkey. Top that with 1 tablespoon of prepared stuffing, then a small dollop of 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and finally, 1-2 teaspoons of shredded cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Seal and Arrange the Rolls: Carefully bring the edges of the dough circle together over the filling, pinching and pressing firmly to create a secure seal. Ensure there are no gaps where the filling could escape during baking. Once sealed, gently shape it into a ball. Place each filled dough ball seam-side down in your prepared 9-inch round baking pan. Arrange them so they are touching slightly, allowing them to rise and bake together into a beautiful pull-apart formation.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently and evenly brush this egg wash over the tops and sides of all the arranged rolls. This step is key for achieving that beautiful, glossy golden-brown crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rolls are deeply golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature of the dough should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C) if you’re using a thermometer. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the rolls cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set slightly before serving. For an optional touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Stuffed Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be the star of many meals beyond just a way to use up leftovers. Their rich, comforting flavors make them perfect for any Christmas or holiday feast, a cozy weeknight dinner, or even a sophisticated brunch item. Here are some ideas to make them shine:
- Alongside Soup or Stew: Pair these hearty rolls with a warm, comforting bowl of soup (like a creamy butternut squash or a rich lentil soup) or a robust stew for a complete and satisfying meal. The rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth.
- As Part of a Holiday Spread: Serve them alongside your traditional dinner roll recipe to add an exciting variety to your bread basket. They offer a unique, savory option that will impress guests.
- With a Festive Salad: Balance the richness of the rolls with a fresh, vibrant holiday salad featuring ingredients like mixed greens, candied pecans, cranberries, and a light vinaigrette.
- For Extra Indulgence: For an even more beautifully golden finish and a slightly richer flavor, brush the rolls with whole milk instead of egg wash before baking. This simple trick adds a subtle depth and a beautiful sheen.
- Get Creative with Gravy: Don’t let that leftover gravy go to waste! Warm it gently and serve it in a small bowl for dipping. Or, for a truly decadent experience, slice the baked rolls into thick strips and drizzle generous amounts of warmed gravy over them, turning them into a comforting fork-and-knife delight.
- Brunch Star: These rolls make an excellent addition to a holiday brunch spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit platter.
- Make Mini Sliders: For a party appetizer, make smaller rolls and serve them with toothpicks as mini sliders.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Cornbread stuffing, especially one with savory sausage, would add an incredible depth of flavor and texture to these rolls. The slightly sweet and crumbly nature of cornbread stuffing would pair wonderfully with the turkey and cranberry. It would taste absolutely delicious!
Yes, definitely! These rolls are incredibly adaptable. The key is to use a mix of solid and semi-solid foods for your fillings. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of your main protein, 1 tablespoon of a starchy component (like stuffing or mashed potatoes), and about 1 teaspoon of a sauce or cheese for moisture. You could try leftover ham with Swiss cheese and a touch of mustard, shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese, or even sautéed vegetables and feta for a vegetarian option.
You certainly can! If you enjoy the process of making dough from scratch, feel free to use your favorite homemade dinner roll or yeast dough recipe. However, the beauty of Bridgford Ready-Dough® is the incredible time and effort it saves without compromising on the soft, delicious taste and texture of homemade bread. It’s a fantastic shortcut for busy days.
To ensure your delicious rolls don’t stick to the baking dish and make cleanup effortless, you have a few options. The easiest is to lightly coat your baking dish generously with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of your baking dish with parchment paper, which is also an excellent non-stick solution.
Absolutely! The filling combinations are limited only by your imagination and what you have on hand. While turkey and stuffing are a timeless classic, you can experiment with various proteins like finely diced leftover ham, shredded roast chicken, or even slow-cooked pulled pork. For a delicious vegetarian option, consider sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and spinach mixed with a creamy cheese. Just ensure your fillings aren’t too wet to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, store any leftover stuffed rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the baked rolls to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can cover the rolls loosely with foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and soft.
Explore More Frozen Bread Dough Recipes…
Bridgford Ready-Dough is a truly versatile product, opening up a world of easy baking possibilities. Once you’ve mastered these stuffed rolls, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes that leverage the convenience of frozen bread dough:
- Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites: Perfect for snacking or parties, these soft, chewy pretzel bites are a breeze to make with frozen dough.
- Easy Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge in warm, gooey cinnamon rolls without the fuss of complex dough preparation. An ideal breakfast or dessert!
- Quick Grilled Pizza: Take your pizza night outdoors! Frozen dough makes grilling pizza incredibly fast and simple, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust.
If you tried this fabulous stuffed bread rolls recipe or any other delightful recipe on my website, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and sharing your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable! You can also spread the joy by tagging us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest with your delicious creations. Thank you for visiting and happy baking!
Recipe Card for Stuffed Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 9″ round baking dish
- small bowl
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Bridgford Frozen Ready-Dough® thawed
- ½ cup cooked turkey finely cubed; use leftovers or prep your own
- ½ cup prepared and cooked stuffing also called dressing
- 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup shredded cheese I recommend Fontina, Provolone, Havarti, mild cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheeses
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking oil or spray; set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, cut the thawed loaf into 8 equal pieces. Take one piece and flatten it into a thin circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- In the center of the round, place 1 tablespoon of turkey, top it with 1 tablespoon of stuffing, 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1-2 teaspoons of shredded cheese.
- Bring the edges of the dough together to form a pocket and press them together firmly to seal. Place the ball of filled dough, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough, arranging them in the pan so the stuffed rolls are touching slightly.
In a small bowl, add the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Whip with a fork until the egg mixture is well-mixed throughout. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash evenly on the tops of the bread rolls.
- Bake on the middle rack in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the rolls to set.
Notes
- For a quick thaw: Place the frozen loaf on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover loosely with oil-sprayed plastic wrap, and let thaw at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
- For an overnight thaw: Place the frozen loaf on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with oil-sprayed plastic wrap. Defrost in the fridge for 8-10 hours.
Recipe Variations:
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar) on top of the rolls before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Add gravy: Warm leftover gravy to use as a dip for the rolls, or drizzle warmed gravy over the tops of the rolls just before serving.
- Add mashed potatoes: Use less stuffing and substitute it with leftover mashed potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Garlic Chicken Stuffed Roll: Substitute cooked turkey for chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush the flattened rolls with garlic butter before stuffing (mix 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder).
Storing Instructions:
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave at 50% heat for 1-2 minutes, or cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.