The days immediately following a big holiday feast are often my favorite part of the season, especially when I make a turkey cranberry crescent ring. There is something deeply satisfying about taking yesterday’s roast bird and transforming it into a completely new, vibrant dish that stands on its own.
I remember the first time I attempted this recipe; the kitchen was still cluttered with pie pans, and I just wanted something simple yet festive for lunch. The combination of savory meat and tart berries wrapped in buttery dough felt like a comforting hug on a cold afternoon.
It quickly became a family tradition to gather around the kitchen island while this golden wreath baked in the oven. The smell of melting cheese and warming pastry fills the house, signaling that the celebration isn’t quite over yet.
If you are looking for more inspiration on how to make your kitchen the heart of your home, check out Cook Reel for endless ideas. This specific recipe, however, holds a special place in my recipe box because it effectively bridges the gap between a fancy dinner and a relaxed brunch.
Why you’ll love this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- It breathes new life into leftovers, preventing food waste while feeling like a gourmet meal.
- The turkey cranberry crescent ring offers the perfect balance of savory turkey, nutty Swiss cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
- Prep time is incredibly fast since most of the ingredients are already cooked and ready to go.
- The presentation is stunning, looking like a festive holiday wreath that serves as a beautiful centerpiece.
- It is a versatile dish that works equally well for a post-holiday brunch, a light lunch, or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (or Provolone)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Turkey cranberry crescent ring makes every moment feel uplifting. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the pastry to puff nicely. Line a large round baking stone or pizza pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Unroll both cans of crescent dough and carefully separate them into 16 individual triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, resembling a sunburst.
Step 3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Mix gently until the turkey is evenly coated with the binders and seasoning.
Step 4
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the wide ring of dough, focusing on the overlapping center part. Top this cranberry layer with half of the shredded Swiss cheese to create a melting base.
Step 5
Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring the filling is consistent all the way around the ring. Top the meat with the remaining Swiss cheese for extra gooeyness.
Step 6
Bring the pointed ends of the dough up and over the filling, tucking them under the wide rim in the center to secure the ring. The filling will naturally be visible between the strips of dough, which creates a beautiful effect.
Step 7
Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg wash to ensure a glossy, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent ring is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 8
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help the filling set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
You can easily customize this turkey cranberry crescent ring by swapping the cheese for different flavor profiles. Brie creates a creamier, more decadent filling, while white cheddar adds a sharper bite that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit. Pepper jack is also a great option if you want to add a little spicy kick.
If you aren’t a fan of cranberry sauce, try using fig jam or apricot preserves for a different type of sweetness. These fruit spreads pair wonderfully with poultry and add a sophisticated touch. You can also mix chopped pecans into the filling for an added crunch.
For the protein, this recipe works beautifully with cooked shredded chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand. You can even use thin slices of roast beef paired with horseradish sauce instead of cranberry for a completely savory twist. The dough is a blank canvas for whatever leftovers you have.
Pairings
Since the ring is rich and buttery, it pairs excellently with a crisp, green salad dressed with a vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing helps cleanse the palate between bites of the cheesy pastry. A spinach salad with apples and walnuts echoes the seasonal flavors perfectly.
Soup is another classic companion for this dish, turning it into a hearty meal. A smooth butternut squash soup or a tomato basil bisque makes for a comforting dipping option. The warmth of the soup complements the flaky texture of the crescent roll dough.
For beverages, consider serving this with sparkling apple cider or a hot spiced tea. These drinks enhance the holiday vibe without overpowering the flavors of the meal. Freshly squeezed orange juice is also a great choice if you are serving this for brunch.
Serving ideas
Place the finished ring on a large wooden cutting board or a festive ceramic platter. The rustic look of the golden pastry contrasts beautifully with natural materials. You can place a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or gravy in the center of the ring for dipping.
Garnish is key to making this dish look like a centerpiece. Aside from the parsley, you can scatter fresh pomegranate seeds or sprigs of rosemary around the plate. This adds festive red and green colors that make the dish pop.
When serving a crowd, pre-slice the ring but leave it assembled in its circular shape. This allows guests to easily pull apart a serving without destroying the beautiful wreath presentation. It makes the dining experience interactive and fun.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will remain delicious. Make sure the ring has cooled completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will make the dough soggy and rubbery. Instead, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps crisp up the pastry again.
Freezing is possible, though the texture of the cream cheese or mayonnaise mixture might change slightly. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the filling mixture a day in advance to save time. Mix the turkey, mayo, mustard, and thyme, and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Having the components ready makes assembly a breeze.
It is best not to assemble the entire unbaked ring too far in advance. The moisture from the cranberry sauce and filling can make the raw dough soggy if it sits too long. Assemble the ring just before you are ready to bake it.
If you need to prep ahead for a party, you can bake the ring a few hours early. Let it cool, then tent it loosely with foil. Pop it back in a warm oven for 10-15 minutes just before serving to heat it through.
Common mistakes when making Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Overfilling the dough is a frequent error that leads to the filling spilling out and burning on the pan.
- Using cranberry sauce that is too watery can make the bottom of the pastry soggy and unappetizing.
- Forgetting to line the baking sheet with parchment paper often results in the cheese sticking and the ring tearing.
- Not letting the turkey cranberry crescent ring rest after baking causes the cheese to run out when you slice it.
- Using hot leftover turkey to assemble the ring can melt the raw dough before it even hits the oven.
Final notes
This turkey cranberry crescent ring is truly one of the most rewarding ways to clear out your fridge after the holidays. It transforms familiar flavors into something that feels fresh, fun, and exciting to eat. The combination of textures is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios of the filling ingredients to suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer it extra cheesy or heavy on the cranberry, the recipe is forgiving and flexible. It is all about creating a bite that brings you joy.
I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your post-holiday tradition just as it has for me. There is nothing quite like the smell of golden pastry baking to keep the festive spirit alive a little longer. Enjoy every flaky, savory bite!
Loved this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring? Try these next
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- Creamy wild rice and mushroom soup
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Transform your holiday leftovers into a stunning edible wreath. This savory and sweet crescent ring is stuffed with tender turkey, melting Swiss cheese, and tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (or Provolone)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large round baking stone or pizza pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unroll both cans of crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, resembling a sunburst.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Mix until the turkey is evenly coated.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the wide ring of dough (the overlapping center part). Top the cranberry layer with half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
- Bring the pointed ends of the dough up and over the filling, tucking them under the wide rim in the center to secure the ring. The filling will be visible between the strips of dough.
- Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg wash for a glossy, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent ring is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. You can substitute the turkey with cooked chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg