Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
If you want a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet in the easiest way possible, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is your new go-to. This recipe takes tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent dough to create a perfectly golden, festive ring that’s ideal for quick dinners or holiday celebrations. Whether you’re rushing to put together a meal or looking to impress guests with minimal fuss, this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring delivers big flavor and stunning presentation all in one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Festive flavors: Combines classic holiday ingredients for a crowd-pleasing taste everyone will enjoy.
- Easy assembly: Uses store-bought crescent dough, making the process simple and hassle-free.
- Eye-catching presentation: The ring shape adds a beautiful centerpiece for any meal or party table.
- Versatile ingredients: Perfect for using leftover turkey or customizing with different fillings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is straightforward but essential, ensuring every bite of your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring balances richness, tang, and savory comfort. Each component adds its unique flavor and texture, making this recipe both delicious and visually appealing.
- Cooked turkey: Chopped or shredded for tender, flavorful protein that anchors the dish.
- Cranberry sauce: Provides a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the savory ingredients.
- Crescent roll dough: Offers flaky, buttery layers that crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Shredded cheese: A melty, creamy layer that complements turkey and cranberry perfectly (cheddar or Swiss works well).
- Green onions or herbs: Adds a fresh zing and color contrast to the rich flavors.
- Optional mustard or mayo: Brings extra moisture and depth to the filling if desired.
Variations for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, welcoming your personal twists by swapping ingredients or adding new ones. Whether you want to cater to dietary needs or just crave different flavors, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is easy to customize without losing its charm.
- Vegetarian twist: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies instead of turkey for a meat-free option.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or feta to create new flavor profiles.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the filling for some heat.
- Nutty crunch: Include chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Herb variations: Try fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to highlight a seasonal vibe.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping or shredding the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Gather your cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, and any herbs or additional fillings you want to include. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet.
Step 2: Lay Out Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange these triangles in a circle on your prepared baking sheet with the wide ends pointing outward and the points overlapping toward the center to form a ring-shaped base.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread an even layer of turkey over the wide sections of the dough. Top the turkey with dollops of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Scatter green onions or herbs over the filling for freshness.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Ring
Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling toward the center, tucking and overlapping slightly to seal the ingredients inside. This creates a beautiful woven ring shape that will bake into flaky layers enclosing the filling.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Brush the crescent dough ring lightly with melted butter or an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is puffed and deep golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the ring cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to set, then transfer to a platter. Slice into wedges and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Use room temperature dough: It stretches and folds more easily without tearing, ensuring a neat ring.
- Don’t overload the filling: Moderation prevents soggy dough and helps ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate flavor dramatically, so don’t skip this step.
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe shines as a creative way to use holiday meal leftovers.
- Brush with butter or egg wash: This step helps achieve a shiny, appetizing crust.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Garnishes
Garnish your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring with fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, or extra chopped green onions to add pops of color and fresh aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
This ring pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup to complement the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ring on a festive platter surrounded by extra cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also cut individual smaller rings for party appetizers or shape the dough into themed holiday designs to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors stay fresh and the dough remains tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the crescent dough and warm the filling thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned cranberry sauce works perfectly and adds that signature sweet-tart flavor to the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring.
What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
You can easily substitute cooked chicken or turkey deli slices as alternatives to make this ring just as tasty.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the ring before baking; just make sure to wrap it well. When ready to bake, bake it straight from the freezer with a bit more time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the turkey with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted squash, and consider adding extra cheese or a plant-based protein.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, or even mozzarella are wonderful choices that melt well and complement the turkey and cranberry flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and sure to be a hit at any gathering, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is the answer. It’s the perfect combination of cozy comfort and festive flair, and once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite easy recipe to keep on hand. Go ahead and give this irresistible, crowd-pleasing ring a whirl—you won’t regret it!
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Description
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a quick and festive dish combining tender cooked turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent dough. Ready in under 30 minutes, this savory-sweet ring offers an easy assembly process and an eye-catching presentation perfect for last-minute dinners, holiday meals, or entertaining guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooked turkey (chopped or shredded) – about 2 cups
- Cranberry sauce – 1/2 cup
- Crescent roll dough – 1 package (8 oz)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss) – 1 cup
- Green onions or fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) – 1/4 cup chopped
- Optional: Mustard or mayonnaise – 1-2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop or shred the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Gather cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, green onions or herbs, and any optional fillings like mustard or mayo. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet.
- Lay Out Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange these triangles in a circle on the prepared baking sheet with the wide ends pointing outward and points overlapping toward the center, forming a ring-shaped base.
- Add the Filling: Spread an even layer of turkey over the wide sections of dough. Top with dollops of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly. Scatter green onions or herbs over the filling for freshness.
- Fold and Seal the Ring: Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling toward the center, tucking and overlapping slightly to seal all ingredients inside. This creates a woven ring that will bake into flaky layers enclosing the filling.
- Bake Until Golden: Brush the ring lightly with melted butter or egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dough is puffed and deep golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the ring cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer to a platter, slice into wedges, and serve warm as a festive centerpiece.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough for easier stretching and folding without tearing.
- Don’t overload the filling to prevent soggy dough and ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to enhance flavor.
- Ideal for using leftover turkey but cooked chicken or deli turkey slices are good substitutes.
- Brushing with butter or egg wash creates a shiny, appetizing crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Turkey Crescent Ring, Cranberry crescent ring, holiday appetizers, easy turkey recipe, crescent dough recipes, savory sweet appetizers
