Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love finding creative ways to enjoy those holiday leftovers, and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe with you. This dish is a glorious celebration of classic Thanksgiving flavors wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough that bakes into a stunning ring perfect for any occasion. The savory turkey mingles beautifully with sweet cranberry sauce and melty cheese, making every bite a comforting yet elegant treat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this recipe brings festive cheer and effortless style to your table. Trust me, once you try this, it just might become one of your favorite ways to enjoy leftover turkey!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully simple yet essential. Each component plays a key role: the crescent dough provides a flaky crust, the turkey delivers savory richness, the cranberry sauce adds a pop of sweetness, and the cheese brings that irresistible gooeyness. These ingredients blend together to create a dish that’s more than just leftovers—it’s a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The flaky foundation that shapes this ring and bakes to golden perfection.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped: Use leftover turkey for a savory, protein-packed filling.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a vibrant, sweet-tart contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the filling and offer creamy richness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese: Keeps the filling moist and adds a subtle tangy creaminess.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings warmth and aroma to the savory mix.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of subtle spice.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your crescent ring bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. This simple step sets the stage for flawless baking results.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Next, gently unroll the crescent dough packages and arrange the triangular pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a circular, overlapping pattern. Make sure the pointed ends face outward like sun rays to create that classic ring shape. This arrangement not only looks stunning but also allows the dough to seal properly around the filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise or cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed. This mixture is the flavorful heart of the ring and totally irresistible!
Step 4: Assemble the Ring
Spoon generous mounds of the filling onto the wide ends of the crescent dough triangles, evenly spacing them around the ring. Carefully fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and gently tuck them under the base of the wide ends to seal each packet. This encases the yummy filling perfectly while maintaining the ring’s beautiful shape.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the assembled crescent ring into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering as the crescent ring transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the ring cool for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly. This resting time makes slicing easier and keeps all those delicious flavors locked in with every cut. Then, get ready to wow your guests with this gorgeous, flavorful ring!
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe, I love adding fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few fresh thyme leaves. These little green touches add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich filling perfectly. For extra flair, a light drizzle of warmed honey or a scatter of toasted nuts can introduce delightful texture and sweetness.
Side Dishes
This crescent ring pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with a squeeze of lemon add wonderful earthiness and brightness. Cranberry sauce or honey mustard on the side makes for fantastic dipping companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring as a centerpiece on a large wooden cutting board, surrounded by seasonal fruit like sliced apples or pomegranate seeds, creates an inviting holiday vibe. You can even transform it into individual portions by making mini versions for party platters. The ring shape itself invites sharing and conversation, making it perfect for casual gatherings or festive celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the crescent dough from drying out and preserve the tender turkey and creamy filling for up to three days. Reheat slices gently to maintain the flaky crust and melty cheese texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this crescent ring freezes beautifully. Wrap leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen leftovers can last up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven or toaster oven is your best friend. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious flaky texture; it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 8 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a fresh, warm appetizer or meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftover slices freeze very well. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring the crescent dough back to life.
Can I use other meats instead of turkey?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. Substitute turkey with cooked chicken, ham, or even roast beef to customize the flavor to your liking without compromising on deliciousness.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and Swiss are classics here because they melt beautifully. But feel free to experiment with brie, cheddar, or gouda to give a unique twist and extra flavor dimension.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It can be! Simply swap the turkey out for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version that is just as satisfying with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe enough if you want an easy, flavorful dish that brings joy and creativity to your table. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftovers into something truly special and shareable. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved tradition in your home as well!
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is an easy, festive dish perfect for using holiday leftovers. Featuring tender cooked turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings wrapped in flaky crescent dough, this ring is both visually stunning and delicious. Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, it combines classic holiday flavors in a fun, quick assembly that impresses guests while saving time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Melted butter (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll both packages of crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, slightly overlapping the edges to form a ring. Make sure the pointed ends face outward, creating a sunburst design.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Ring: Spoon the turkey filling onto the wide ends of each crescent dough triangle in the ring, forming a continuous circular mound. Carefully fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling, tucking them underneath the base of the ring to seal it.
- Bake: Place the assembled crescent ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the ring from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to let the filling set. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Chill the crescent dough briefly before unrolling to prevent tearing and easier handling.
- Optional: Brush the top of the crescent ring with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- You can assemble the ring ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 8 hours before baking.
- Leftover slices freeze well for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
- Substitute turkey with cooked chicken, ham, roast beef, or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for vegetarian variation.
- Try different cheese varieties such as brie, cheddar, or gouda to customize the flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of ring (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: crescent-roll-recipes, easy-turkey-recipes, turkey-cranberry-crescent-ring, holiday appetizers, leftover turkey recipes, cranberry sauce recipes
