If you’re searching for a delightful way to bring together your Thanksgiving flavors with a fun twist, the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe takes tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough to create a show-stopping ring that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines savory and sweet in the most harmonious way, making every bite feel like a holiday hug. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or preparing it fresh, this recipe is easy to assemble, bakes quickly, and promises a centerpiece your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, this recipe lets each component shine while complementing the others beautifully. The balance of protein, cheese, and cranberry adds texture, taste, and vibrant color that makes this crescent ring as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: This flaky, buttery dough forms the perfect golden crust that’s easy to shape into a ring.
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped): Tender turkey provides hearty flavor and protein, making this ring a satisfying dish.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied): Adds a burst of tart sweetness, enhancing the festive vibe of the recipe.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Creamy, melty cheese binds the filling together with rich, comforting flavor.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese (softened): Brings moisture and tang to keep the filling luscious and smooth.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and depth, brightening the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary: Herbs add fragrant earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the baked ring a gorgeous golden finish and a slight crunch.
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh pop of green to add brightness and a bit of color.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents your ring from sticking, letting your beautifully baked creation slide right off when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise or cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme or rosemary. Mix everything until it’s well blended because you want every bite to have a perfect balance of flavors and creamy texture.
Step 3: Arrange the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Arrange these triangles in a circle on your prepared baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends in the center and pointing the narrow ends outward. This creates a sun shape that will hold your delicious filling in the middle.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the overlapped center of the dough ring. Then, take the pointed ends of each crescent triangle and fold them over the filling, tucking the tips under the inner edge to seal everything inside. This step is the secret to locking in that juicy filling and keeping the ring intact during baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the entire ring with the beaten egg. This gives the crust a stunning golden hue and a lovely sheen. Pop your creation into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and beautifully browned. Let it cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean, easy cuts.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a delightful garnish for your Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the filling and the buttery crust beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve your crescent ring alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or warm mashed potatoes. These sides complement the flavors without overwhelming the star of the show, making every bite feel festive and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the ring on a rustic wooden board or festive platter to highlight its circular, sunburst shape. Slice it into wedges for easy serving and offer small bowls of extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping. This interactive approach makes your holiday gathering feel casual, inviting, and extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked crescent ring by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When well wrapped, it freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its flaky texture and flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, place the ring on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and ensures the filling heats evenly without becoming soggy, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, especially turkey. Just make sure your turkey is shredded or chopped nicely for even mixing with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce on hand?
If cranberry sauce isn’t available, you can use a tart jam like raspberry or cherry to add a similar sweet-tart element. However, cranberry sauce is unique and really complements the turkey beautifully.
Can I substitute the turkey with other meats?
Yes, feel free to swap turkey for ham or cooked chicken if you prefer. This flexibility makes the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe adaptable to your taste and what you have available.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and Swiss are both fantastic choices because they melt nicely without overpowering the other flavors. Brie or cheddar can add a different twist if you want to experiment.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild flavors combined with the fun presentation make this ring a hit with kids and adults alike. The little pockets of filling inside the flaky dough are easy for kids to enjoy without mess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and celebratory about the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate holiday meals or reinvent leftovers. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and bursting with flavor that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving perfectly. Give it a go — your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
Print
Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A delightful Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring that’s perfect for using up leftovers. Featuring tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough, this savory and festive dish bakes to a golden perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or main course, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please holiday guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Dough and Topping
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, softened mayonnaise or cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Arrange the crescent dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Lay the triangles in a circular shape on the prepared baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward, creating a sun-like pattern.
- Add the filling and fold dough: Evenly spoon the turkey mixture onto the overlapped center of the dough ring. Fold the pointed ends of the dough triangles over the filling and tuck them under the inner edge to seal the ring.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the surface of the dough circle with the beaten egg to give the ring a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the ring in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the ring to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Substitute turkey with ham or chicken, and try using brie or cheddar cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping.
- Make sure to seal the dough well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
