Crisscross Turkey Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender turkey, broccoli, and a cheesy lattice crust, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped, cooked turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped broccoli, partially thawed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated quick crescent dinner rolls ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion in margarine.
- Blend in flour and seasonings. Gradually add milk; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add turkey, broccoli, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Spoon mixture into an 11 3/4 x 7 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Separate crescent dough into one large and two small rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.
- Cut the large rectangle lengthwise into four 12-inch strips.
- Cut the remaining rectangles lengthwise into three 8-inch strips each.
- Place dough strips over the turkey mixture in a lattice design.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or mixed bell peppers for variety. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. To save time, use pre-cooked turkey from a rotisserie chicken, which can be just as delicious as freshly cooked. This dish pairs beautifully with Turkey And Broccoli Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is best served warm and can be complemented with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. A dollop of cranberry sauce on the side adds a festive touch. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic bread or a side of mashed potatoes. Explore more American recipes for additional meal inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crust's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisscross Turkey Casserole contains roughly 641 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1551mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used, but it should be blanched for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks through during baking. This will help maintain the vegetable's vibrant color and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese. Also, consider using less margarine or a healthier oil option. This will lighten the dish while still keeping it flavorful.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven cold. This makes it a great make-ahead meal option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).