Ah, dear friends! There’s a cozy corner of my kitchen where the aroma of roasted turkey and sweet, tangy cranberry sauce mingles and dances in the air. That delightful blend brings me back to last Thanksgiving—the warmth of the hearth, the laughter of family, and an impromptu potluck where culinary creativity flowed as freely as the love around the table. It was there that I discovered the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring, a showstopper that quickly became a cherished tradition. It’s not just about the flavors—though, believe me, they’re heavenly—it’s also about how this dish makes everyone feel at home. Picture this: buttery, flaky crescent rolls enveloping savory turkey and zesty cranberry sauce, all topped with bubbling melted cheese. Doesn’t that just sound like a cozy hug for your taste buds?
This recipe is a delightful reminder of how we can elevate leftover turkey into something exceptional, ensuring no bite goes to waste—and it’s especially perfect for those “what do I do with all this turkey?” moments. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be smitten too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a masterpiece ready to serve!
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weekday meal or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor-Packed: Enjoy the perfect balance of savory turkey with sweet and tangy cranberry—a match made in culinary heaven.
- Versatile Dish: Great for using leftovers, and it can easily become a favorite for holiday meals or casual dinners alike.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients
2 packages (8 oz each) of refrigerated crescent roll dough
Tip: Choose a quality brand; they’ll puff up beautifully and create that perfect golden crust!2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
Tip: Leftover turkey is perfect here, but any cooked chicken works great too!1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Tip: Feel free to use canned or homemade; the sweetness brings delightful flavor!1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Tip: For a flavorful twist, mix cheeses or try fontina for a creamy finish!1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
Tip: Mayonnaise gives a tangy creaminess, while cream cheese adds a lovely richness.1 tsp Dijon mustard
Tip: This adds a delightful zing but can be adjusted to your taste. Go for a mild or spicy mustard!1/2 tsp garlic powder
Tip: Or use fresh minced garlic for an aromatic kick—both are scrumptious!1/2 tsp salt
Tip: Always taste your filling; adjust seasoning to suit your preferences!1/4 tsp black pepper
Tip: A little black pepper enhances the flavors beautifully without overpowering!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your crescent ring bakes evenly and doesn’t stick—a little prep goes a long way!
Arrange the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough on your baking sheet and play with the triangles! Arrange them in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping them with the pointed ends facing outward to form a lovely ring. This will become the cozy cradle for our filling!
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mix well until everything is evenly combined. The colors and scents rolling from this bowl are enough to make your mouth water—so satisfying!
Spoon the Filling
Spoon your delightful filling onto the wide ends of the crescent dough, creating a circular mound. Don’t be shy—make it generous! Carefully fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling to seal it. You want it snug but not too tight—think cozy, not suffocating!
Bake
Now, pop that beauty in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s golden brown and fabulously fragrant. Your kitchen will fill with the most comforting aroma, making everyone around you eager for a taste!
Cool & Serve
Let the ring cool for about 5 minutes before slicing—it’s hard to resist, but those first few moments are crucial for a clean cut. Enjoy serving it warm and watch your loved ones delight in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can lead to a messy bake. Less is more!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh turkey and thick, flavorful cranberry sauce amplify the taste!
- Rotate the Pan: If your oven bakes unevenly, rotating the pan halfway through ensures even browning.
Flavor Variations
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for a fragrant twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in chopped spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and color!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad for a refreshing complement, or pair it with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a truly cozy bite. If you’re feeling festive, enjoy it with a holiday-themed beverage, like a spiced apple cider or a glass of bubbly!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake before serving for that fresh-baked aroma! Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Transform leftover crescent ring into tasty little sandwiches, or chop up the filling and mix it into a salad or pasta for a twist!
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, uncooked crescent ring. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This preserves that lovely crunch! The microwave can work in a pinch, but it may soften the dough.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves you prep time.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Sure thing! Chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or onions can add flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for a golden brown color and a bubbly filling; it should smell divine!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about the warmth of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience—filled with comfort, joy, and heartfelt memories. I can’t wait for you to share it with your family and build your own delightful traditions! Here’s to cozy kitchens, laughter, and delicious moments that will linger long after the last bite. Happy cooking, my friends!
Warmly,
Chef Caroline from TasteItRecipes.com
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients
For the Crescent Ring
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough Choose a quality brand for the best puff.
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped Leftover turkey is perfect; any cooked chicken works too.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce Use canned or homemade; the sweetness is delightful.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese Mix cheeses or try fontina for a creamy twist.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese Mayonnaise gives tang, while cream cheese adds richness.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard Adjust to taste; choose mild or spicy.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Or use fresh minced garlic for extra aroma.
- 1/2 tsp salt Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper Enhances flavor without overpowering.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough on the baking sheet, arranging the triangles in a circular pattern with the pointed ends facing outward.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Spoon the filling onto the wide ends of the crescent dough, creating a circular mound and fold pointed ends over the filling to seal it.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.