Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Introduction
This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is a delightful twist on classic holiday flavors. It combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese all wrapped in buttery crescent dough, making it perfect as a festive appetizer or a comforting main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls (regular triangle-shaped)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
- ½ cup chopped celery (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded turkey with cranberry sauce, folding gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Add the shredded cheese and softened cream cheese to the bowl. Stir in mayonnaise and chopped celery if using.
- Step 5: Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Mix well until creamy but not runny.
- Step 6: Open the crescent roll cans and separate the dough into triangles. Arrange them in a circle on the baking sheet with wide ends toward the center, overlapping slightly to form a ring. Press the overlaps gently to seal.
- Step 7: Spoon the turkey-cranberry filling evenly over the wide ends of the dough, keeping it 1–2 inches from the outer edge.
- Step 8: Fold each pointed dough end up and over the filling, tucking the tips underneath the center to secure the ring shape.
- Step 9: Brush the top of the crescent ring with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Step 10: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and deep golden. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Step 11: Let the ring cool for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving warm, with extra cranberry sauce or gravy if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Using shredded turkey gives a softer texture, while chopped turkey offers more bite.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture; jellied sauce creates a smoother sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or fontina for varied flavor.
- Fresh herbs such as sage or tarragon can brighten the filling.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore the crescent dough’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust flaky.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this crescent ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ring and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking chilled.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If crescent rolls aren’t available, puff pastry sheets work well. Thaw and cut into triangles for a similar effect, though the texture will be flakier.
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Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring featuring a creamy turkey filling blended with cranberry sauce and cheese, wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting meal, this recipe combines festive flavors in an easy-to-make ring that looks impressive on any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls (regular triangle-shaped)
Turkey Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded (light or dark meat)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
- ½ cup chopped celery (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking and proper crisping of the crescent dough.
- Prepare Your Baking Surface: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. If parchment paper is unavailable, lightly grease the baking sheet.
- Make the Turkey-Cranberry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded turkey with the cranberry sauce, folding gently to coat evenly. Add shredded cheese to help bind the filling. Mix in the softened cream cheese (warm it for 10 seconds if too firm). Stir in mayonnaise for extra richness if using, then add chopped celery for crunch, fresh herbs if desired, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy but not runny.
- Prepare the Crescent Ring Base: Open the crescent rolls and separate the dough into individual triangles. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet in a circle with the wide ends toward the center, overlapping slightly to form a continuous ring. The pointed ends should extend outward like sun rays. Press the overlapping wide ends gently to seal the center with no gaps.
- Add the Filling to the Ring: Spoon the turkey-cranberry filling in a thick, even circle over the wide ends of the dough, keeping the filling 1–2 inches away from the outer edge to prevent spilling during baking.
- Fold and Seal the Crescent Ring: Lift each pointed end of dough up and over the filling, tucking the tips underneath the center ring to secure. Continue around the ring until the filling is fully enclosed, creating a wreath-like shape.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly coat the top of the dough ring with the beaten egg using a pastry brush to achieve a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake the Ring: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the dough is cooked through and a deep golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crescent ring to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into wedges like a pizza. Serve warm with additional cranberry sauce or gravy on the side.
Notes
- You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce depending on your texture preference.
- Light or dark turkey meat works well; shredded turkey produces a softer filling, while chopped turkey adds more texture.
- Mayonnaise and celery are optional but add creaminess and crunch respectively.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme enhance the holiday flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Softening the cream cheese makes mixing easier and creates a smoother filling.
- Be careful not to overfill or extend the filling too close to the dough edges to avoid spills during baking.
- If crescent sheet dough is used, shape adjustments may be needed to form the ring properly.
- Cover with foil if browning too fast to prevent burning while ensuring the dough cooks through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey crescent ring, cranberry turkey crescent, holiday turkey ring, savory crescent ring, turkey crescent appetizer, cranberry turkey baking
