Mozzarella Pesto Smoked Turkey Croffle Sandwiches

• Waffle iron – You’ll need this to cook the crescent roll dough into lovely golden, crispy croffles. A regular waffle maker works fine.
• Cooking spray or pastry brush – To lightly grease the waffle iron and stop the dough from sticking.
• Butter knife or spoon – For spreading the pesto onto the croffles.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls – These make the lovely golden, buttery croffles without having to make any dough from scratch. One can makes enough for four sandwiches.

• Pesto – This adds loads of flavour to the sandwiches. I use about a tablespoon per sandwich, but you can add a little more if you love pesto.

• Mozzarella Cheese – I love how melty mozzarella gets when you warm these sandwiches up. You can use slices or shredded mozzarella, whichever you’ve got handy.

• Smoked Turkey – The smoky flavour goes really well with the pesto and mozzarella. You’ll need about 2–3 slices per sandwich, depending on how generously you want to fill them.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a little butter.

Step 2: To make the croffles, unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Gently roll or press each triangle to flatten slightly, then shape into a small crescent or ball. Place the dough pieces in the waffle iron (you may need to work in batches). Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Build the sandwiches by using two croffles for each one. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the bottom croffle, then layer with mozzarella and smoked turkey.

Step 4: For a warm, melty finish, place the top croffle on and return the sandwich to the waffle iron. Close gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot and crisp.

What to Serve with Mozzarella Pesto Smoked Turkey Croffles

These croffle sandwiches are pretty filling on their own, but sometimes it’s nice to have something on the side too. You don’t need anything complicated, especially if you’re making them for a quick lunch. Here are a few easy sides that go really well with them.

• Potato Chips – You can’t go wrong with some crunchy potato chips alongside a sandwich. Just grab your favorite kind!

• Side Salad – A simple salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and your favorite dressing is a great way to add something fresh.

• Tomato Soup – These sandwiches would be so good dipped into a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially on a cold day.

• Sweet Potato Fries – If you’re making these for dinner, add some crispy sweet potato fries to make it a more filling meal.

• Fresh Fruit – Some grapes, strawberries or sliced apples are an easy option for lunch, especially if you’re making these for the kids.

• Coleslaw – A scoop of creamy coleslaw works really well with the crispy croffles and smoky turkey.

Storing

These croffle sandwiches are definitely best eaten fresh while they’re still warm and crispy, but you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled down. The croffles will soften a little as they sit, especially with the pesto and cheese inside, but they’ll still taste good.

When you’re ready to eat them again, I’d recommend warming them up in the waffle iron or air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy outside back. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, although the croffles won’t be quite as crispy. If you’re planning to make these ahead of time, I’d keep the croffles and fillings separate until you’re ready to put the sandwiches together.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the things I love about these croffle sandwiches is how easy they are to change up. You can use whatever you’ve already got in the fridge, so don’t worry if you haven’t got all the exact ingredients. Here are a few ideas to try.

• Try a Different Meat – Swap the smoked turkey for sliced chicken, ham or even crispy bacon. They all work really well with the melted cheese.

• Change the Cheese – Mozzarella is lovely and melty, but you could use provolone, Swiss or cheddar instead. Just use your favorite!

• Add Some Veggies – A few slices of tomato, some baby spinach or roasted red peppers would be really good in these.

• Switch Up the Pesto – Try sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a slightly different flavor.

• Make Them Spicy – Add a few sliced jalapeños or a little hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

• Make Them Vegetarian – Leave out the turkey and fill your croffles with mozzarella, pesto and some grilled veggies instead.

FAQs

What is a croffle?

A croffle is basically a croissant-style pastry cooked in a waffle iron instead of the oven. You get that lovely golden, crispy outside with a soft, buttery middle. For this recipe, we're using refrigerated crescent roll dough, which makes them really easy to make at home.

Can you make croffles with Pillsbury crescent rolls?

Yes! Pillsbury crescent rolls work really well for making croffles, and you don't need to do anything complicated with the dough. Just separate it into triangles, shape each piece and cook in your waffle iron until golden brown. It's such an easy shortcut!

How long do you cook crescent roll croffles in a waffle maker?

They usually take around 3–4 minutes, depending on your waffle maker. You'll know they're ready when they're golden brown on the outside and the dough is cooked all the way through. Keep an eye on the first batch, as some waffle irons cook faster than others.

Can I make these turkey croffle sandwiches ahead of time?

You can, although I think they're much better when they're freshly made. If you want to save some time, cook the croffles ahead and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then just add your pesto, mozzarella and smoked turkey when you're ready to eat.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, puff pastry is another option if you want to try something different. It'll give you a slightly flakier, crispier croffle. Just cut the pastry into pieces that fit your waffle iron and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through. You may need to adjust the cooking time.

What cheese goes best with a smoked turkey sandwich?

Mozzarella is one of my favorites for these sandwiches because it melts so nicely and doesn't overpower the pesto. Provolone, Swiss and Monterey Jack would all be good choices too. I'd just use whatever cheese you enjoy most.

Can I make croffle sandwiches without pesto?

Of course! If you're not a fan of pesto, try a little mayonnaise, honey mustard or even some garlic butter instead. The smoked turkey and melted mozzarella are delicious together, so you can easily change the sauce to suit your taste.