If you’re looking for a dish that combines savory and sweet in a fun and festive way, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a perfect choice. This delightful recipe brings together tender turkey, tangy cranberry, and buttery crescent dough to create a warm and inviting appetizer or main dish that’s ideal for holiday dinners or any cozy gathering. You’ll love the simplicity of making this ring and the impressive look it adds to your table, making every bite a celebration of flavor and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe great for all skill levels.
- Festive flavor combo: The classic pairing of turkey and cranberry is elevated by a buttery crescent crust.
- Versatile serving options: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack effortlessly.
- Beautiful presentation: The ring shape creates a stunning centerpiece for holiday tables.
- Great leftovers: Enjoy reheated slices that maintain their delicious flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, blending to create a balanced flavor profile and satisfying texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender turkey to the rich crescent dough and vibrant cranberry sauce.
- Turkey: Use cooked, shredded turkey for moistness and savory depth.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Crescent roll dough: Provides a flaky, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- Shredded cheese: Cheese like mozzarella or cheddar adds gooey richness.
- Green onions: Adds freshness and a subtle bite to balance flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme or rosemary enhances the savory notes.
- Butter or egg wash: For a golden, shiny crust on the crescent ring.
Variations for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Feel free to tweak the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring to better suit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe adapts well, whether you want to add a little extra spice or make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling for heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute turkey for roasted veggies or seasoned tofu.
- Cheese swap: Try brie or gouda for a richer flavor.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry mixture.
- Herb variations: Experiment with sage or parsley depending on your flavor preference.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shred your cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces and slice the green onions. If using fresh herbs, finely chop them. Gather the cranberry sauce and shredded cheese, and unroll your crescent dough sheets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Assemble the Crescent Dough
Lay the crescent dough triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center. Leave the tips pointing outward so they can be folded later to create the ring shape.
Step 3: Add the Filling
In a bowl, mix turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, green onions, and herbs. Spread this mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent dough in the center of the circle.
Step 4: Form the Ring
Fold the tips of the crescent dough triangles over the filling, tucking the ends underneath the ring to seal it. This will create a continuous ring encasing the filling.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the crescent dough with melted butter or egg wash for a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly and makes serving easier.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Use room temperature dough: This makes it easier to shape and fold without tearing.
- Don’t overfill: Keep the filling moderate to avoid leaks during baking.
- Even layering: Spread the turkey mixture evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Brush with butter or egg wash: Ensures a beautiful golden crust.
- Let it rest before slicing: Prevents the filling from spilling out.
- Use quality cranberry sauce: Homemade or good-quality store-bought makes a big difference flavor-wise.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Garnishes
Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for a pop of color and aroma. A light sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dusting of cracked black pepper also adds a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This ring pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard. You can also decorate the ring with fresh cranberries or edible flowers to amp up the festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days, making it perfect for next-day snacks or quick meals.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the baked and cooled crescent ring tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe and adds convenience while enhancing flavor.
Is it possible to make this ring gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry as a substitute to make a delicious gluten-free version.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
What cheese works best in the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring?
Mild melty cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar are ideal, but you can experiment with brie, gouda, or even feta for different taste experiences.
Can I add other fruits besides cranberry?
Definitely! Chopped apples or dried cherries complement turkey well and can be mixed into the filling for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any festive occasion or casual get-together. Easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and bursting with balanced flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite on your menu. Give it a try and bring a warm, joyful touch to your next meal!
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring combines tender shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in flaky buttery crescent dough. This festive and easy-to-make recipe is perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack. Its beautiful ring shape makes a stunning centerpiece ideal for holiday dinners or cozy gatherings, and leftovers reheat wonderfully to maintain flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooked shredded turkey – about 2 cups
- Cranberry sauce – 1/2 cup
- Crescent roll dough – 2 cans (8 oz each)
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) – 1 cup
- Green onions, sliced – 2
- Fresh or dried herbs (thyme or rosemary), finely chopped – 1 tbsp
For the Crust
- Butter or egg wash – 2 tbsp (melted butter or beaten egg)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shred the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onions and finely chop the herbs if fresh. Gather the cranberry sauce and shredded cheese. Unroll crescent dough sheets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Crescent Dough: Arrange the crescent dough triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends in the center and leaving the pointed tips facing outward for folding.
- Add the Filling: In a bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, green onions, and herbs. Spread this mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent dough in the center of the circle.
- Form the Ring: Fold the pointed tips of the crescent dough triangles over the filling, tucking the ends underneath the ring to seal and create a continuous ring encasing the filling.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the crescent dough with melted butter or egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set for easier serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough to make shaping and folding easier and prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill the ring to avoid leaks while baking.
- Spread the filling evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Brush with butter or egg wash for a golden and shiny crust.
- Let the ring rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
- Use high-quality cranberry sauce for the best flavor, either homemade or a good store-bought brand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of ring)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
