Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This delicious savory biscuit bread is perfect for any gathering. Filled with a mix of cheeses, turkey, sausage, and apples, its a hearty and flavorful dish that will impress your guests. The added cranberry sauce brings a perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped cooked turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked breakfast sausage
• 1 apple, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup minced celery
• 3 tablespoons chopped mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 (16-ounce) cans refrigerated butter-flavor biscuit dough
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (or to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Lightly spray a nonstick Bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the filling: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Gruyere cheese, Cheddar cheese, turkey, sausage, apple, walnuts, celery, mixed herbs, and parsley.
3. Mix the butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the poultry seasoning. Pour this mixture over the cheese and turkey mixture and gently stir to combine.
4. Prepare the biscuits: Using kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into quarters. Add the quartered biscuits to the cheese and turkey mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Assemble the bread: Transfer the biscuit mixture to the prepared Bundt pan, ensuring its evenly spread out.
6. Bake: Place the Bundt pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and garnish: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes on a rack. Then, turn the bread out onto a serving board or platter.
8. Serve: Garnish the bread with fresh rosemary sprigs (if desired). Place the cranberry sauce in a small bowl and place it in the center of the bread for dipping. Serve with tongs for the bread and a spoon for the cranberry sauce.

Cook's Notes

You can substitute Swiss cheese for the Gruyere if preferred. This dish pairs wonderfully with a festive side salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Component	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	314	-
Total Fat	13g	16%
Saturated Fat	5g	24%
Cholesterol	34mg	11%
Sodium	663mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	14%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	12g	-
Protein	12g	24%
Vitamin C	3mg	4%
Calcium	148mg	11%
Iron	2mg	11%
Potassium	129mg	3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin: The "Pull-Apart Bread" is a relatively modern creation, designed to combine flavors in an interactive and fun way. The concept of pull-apart bread dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in the American tradition of savory breads, where dough is often layered with various fillings like cheese, herbs, and meats. This recipe takes a creative twist on the classic monkey bread, incorporating leftover turkeya staple in post-Thanksgiving meals. The combination of savory turkey, sausage, herbs, and cheese in a pull-apart format makes this dish both nostalgic and innovative. It was likely developed as a way to repurpose leftovers from a large family feast into a convenient, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.

Regional Characteristics: While this dish is largely popular in the United States, particularly in households that celebrate Thanksgiving, it can also be adapted for other festive occasions where turkey is a central dish. Different regions may tweak the ingredients slightly depending on local preferences. For example, in the South, some might add a bit of spicy sausage or hot sauce, while in the Northeast, apple varieties with stronger flavors, like Granny Smith, might be preferred. The addition of cranberry sauce as a dipping companion ties the dish to the classic flavors of Thanksgiving, making it a versatile treat for holiday gatherings.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes: This dish is unique in its pull-apart format, which is not typically found in traditional turkey dishes. It also stands out from regular casseroles or sandwich-type meals by offering a more hands-on, interactive dining experience. Compared to other similar savory bread recipes like monkey bread or savory rolls, the inclusion of leftover turkey and breakfast sausage gives it a hearty, protein-packed twist. It is also more customizable, as the herbs and cheeses used can vary based on personal taste or regional preferences. The added sweetness from the apple and the crunch of walnuts provide additional layers of flavor that make it a standout appetizer or side dish.

Where It's Typically Served: Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread is most often served during family gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving. Its a great option for holiday brunches, potlucks, or casual dinner parties. Given its pull-apart style, its ideal for buffet-style meals where guests can serve themselves. The dish can also be served as an appetizer before a larger meal or as a fun, finger-food option for kids and adults alike. Some people might even make it as a side dish for a more casual Sunday roast or on special occasions when turkey is available.

Interesting Facts: 1. Pull-apart bread, in various forms, has roots in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian and German baking traditions, where similar braided breads or "knotted" breads are common. This type of bread has evolved into the pull-apart trend in the U.S. over the past few decades. 2. The idea of using leftover turkey in this bread came about as a clever way to utilize extra holiday food, reducing waste while creating a delicious new dish. 3. The combination of ingredientssuch as turkey, sausage, apples, and cheeserepresents a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a hit with a wide range of taste preferences. 4. The versatility of the recipe allows it to be adapted with different meats, such as chicken or ham, or even made vegetarian by substituting the turkey with vegetables like mushrooms or roasted squash. 5. For those watching their diet, the bread can be made with healthier ingredients, such as low-fat cheese, turkey breast, or whole-wheat biscuit dough.

FAQ about Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread Recipe