Save to Pinterest Soft, golden rolls filled with spicy Cajun-seasoned turkey, melty cheese, and crisp vegetables & perfect as a hearty snack or party appetizer.
The first time I made these cheesy Cajun turkey stuffed rolls, my kitchen filled with warm aromas and everyone gathered around the oven, eager for a taste. They quickly disappeared from the plate at a family game night & now they&re a requested favorite for parties.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, finely diced
- Ground turkey: 350 g (12 oz)
- Cajun seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), shredded
- Cheddar cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup), shredded
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Soft dinner rolls: 12 slider-size, unsliced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Cook turkey:
- Add ground turkey. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 5 to 6 minutes).
- Spice & finish filling:
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses and parsley until evenly combined. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare rolls:
- Cut a deep pocket in each roll without fully slicing through.
- Stuff rolls:
- Generously stuff each roll with turkey mixture and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush & bake:
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush tops of rolls. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping stuff the rolls, and watching the cheese bubble in the oven always brings excited smiles around our table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm right out of the oven with a side of ranch or spicy mayo for dipping. They also pair well with a fresh green salad for a simple meal.
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispness & flavor.
Variations
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or substitute ground chicken for turkey. You can use leftover roasted turkey instead of ground for a twist.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these cheesy Cajun turkey stuffed rolls fresh from the oven & watch them disappear fast at any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different protein instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or beef can be substituted for turkey. Adjust seasoning to taste for best results.
- → How do I prevent rolls from getting soggy?
Cool the filling slightly before stuffing the rolls and use fresh, soft rolls for best texture.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
Ranch, spicy mayo, or creamy garlic sauce complement the flavors and add extra zest.
- → Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Prepare the filling in advance, then assemble and bake the rolls just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → Are these rolls freezer-friendly?
Stuffed rolls can be frozen unbaked; thaw and bake as directed for quick snacks or party food.
- → How spicy are the Cajun rolls?
The spice level is mild to medium; add cayenne pepper for extra heat if preferred.