This Turkey and Brie Croissant recipe started as a simple way to use up leftovers.
It’s now become a favorite for quick lunches, easy dinners, or even a fancy appetizer for gatherings.
What I love about this recipe is how the buttery, flaky croissant pairs with the savory turkey, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures!
Recipe Overview: Turkey and Brie Croissant
These sandwiches are basically a gourmet upgrade to your typical turkey sandwich.
We’re taking warm, buttery croissants and stuffing them with sliced turkey, creamy Brie cheese, and a touch of cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory bite.
They’re great for a quick lunch, a light dinner with a side salad, or even sliced up as appetizers for a party. The combination of warm, flaky pastry, melted cheese, and delicious fillings is always a crowd-pleaser.
They come together so quickly, too, making them perfect for those busy weeknights.
Plus, you can easily customize them with different fillings.
Detailed Ingredients for Turkey and Brie Croissant
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious sandwiches:
- Croissants: 4 large, bakery-style croissants. The bigger, the better for holding all the fillings! You want them to be soft and fresh.
- Turkey Breast: About 8 ounces of sliced deli turkey. You can use any variety you like – roasted, smoked, or even honey-glazed.
- Brie Cheese: 4 ounces of Brie. Look for a wedge that’s ripe but not overly runny. It will melt beautifully. Remove the rind if you prefer, but it’s totally edible!
- Cranberry Sauce: 1/4 cup of whole-berry or jellied cranberry sauce. This adds a wonderful sweetness and a touch of tartness.
- Optional add on: 1/4 cup of Arugula.
- Optional Glaze: 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This adds extra richness and helps the tops brown nicely.
If you don’t have Brie, you could use another creamy, melty cheese like Camembert. You can change your deli meat by using sliced chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Turkey and Brie Croissant
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, slice each croissant horizontally, like you’re making a sandwich. Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a pocket for the fillings.
- Layer the Fillings: Place the bottom halves of the croissants on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each croissant. Then, layer the sliced turkey evenly among the croissants.
- Add the Brie: Slice the Brie into thin pieces and arrange them on top of the turkey. Don’t be afraid to get a good amount of cheese in there!
- Optional Arugula: If you add some Arugula, sprinkle it on top of the brie cheese.
- Top and Glaze: Place the top halves of the croissants back on. If you’re using the melted butter, brush it lightly over the tops of the croissants. This will give them a lovely golden color and extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the croissants to be warmed through, the cheese to be melted and gooey, and the tops to be lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croissants cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will prevent the cheese from being too hot and give the flavors a chance to meld.
Variations & Tips for Turkey and Brie Croissant
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a little kick.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover croissants in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven.
- Serving: These are great on their own, or served with a simple side salad or a cup of soup.
Key Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, knife.
Turkey and Brie Croissant
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 8 ounces sliced deli turkey
- 4 ounces Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup Arugula optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice croissants horizontally.
- Spread cranberry sauce on the bottom halves of croissants. Layer turkey and Brie.
- Optionally add Arugula.
- Replace top halves. Optionally brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and croissants are golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.