Why Make This Recipe
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavor of turkey with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for many occasions, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a cozy dinner at home. The best part is that it is quick and easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all experience levels.
This dish is all about comfort food. It fuses familiar holiday flavors into a fun, handheld treat. Imagine the crispy, flaky texture of crescent roll dough wrapped around a warm filling bursting with flavor. This makes it a great choice for an appetizer or as part of a main meal. No one can resist the combination of turkey, cheese, and cranberry, especially when it’s served warm and fresh from the oven.
In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also adaptable. You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Overall, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a crowd-pleaser that invites everyone to the table and makes any meal feel extra special.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Making the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is an enjoyable process that is both fun and simple. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a tasty dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by turning on your oven so it heats up while you prepare your dish. This step is important for achieving a golden and flaky crust.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the crescent dough from sticking to the pan. It helps ensure a perfect bake!
Unroll the crescent roll dough. Take the two packages of dough and carefully unroll them. You will find that the dough is already divided into triangle shapes.
Arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet. Overlap the triangles slightly to form a ring shape. This is where all your delightful filling will go.
Mix your filling in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, your choice of cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. The blend of flavors here makes this dish truly special.
Spoon the turkey mixture onto the wide ends of the crescent dough. Make sure to add enough filling to create a tasty bite but not too much that it spills over.
Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling. Gently tuck them under the base to seal in all that delicious goodness. This creates a neat and beautiful ring.
Bake for 20–25 minutes. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on the ring as it bakes and look for that golden brown color to know it’s done.
Let it cool for 5 minutes, slice into wedges, and serve warm. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly. This waiting period is important as the filling will be very hot. After cooling, slice it into wedges and serve it on a platter.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Serving the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is easy and fun! This dish is best enjoyed warm and freshly baked. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a festive buffet.
Here are some ways to enhance your serving experience:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme on top adds color and freshness.
- Add dipping sauces: A little extra cranberry sauce or a mustard dip can be delightful for those who enjoy a bit more flavor.
- Serve with sides: Pair it with a light salad or vegetable platter to create a balanced meal.
- Make it a family dish: Let everyone pull apart their own wedges for a fun dining experience.
How to Store Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
If you have leftover Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring, storing it right can help maintain its flavor and texture.
- Wrap the leftovers: Place the cooled leftover portions in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from drying out.
- Refrigerate: Store the wrapped leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- To freeze: Wrap the crescent ring well in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
To reheat, you can place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the dough crispy.
Tips to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Here are some useful tips to make your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring even better:
- Use pre-cooked turkey: This makes the recipe quicker. Leftover turkey from a holiday meal works perfectly, and you don’t need to cook it again.
- Mix fresh ingredients: Try using homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought for an extra boost in flavor.
- Experiment with cheese: For a unique twist, try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella or Swiss.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add your spices. A little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
- Don’t rush folding: Take your time when folding the dough over the filling. A good seal will keep the filling inside.
Variations
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is very flexible. You can customize it in several ways to suit your taste and what you have available. Here are some variations:
- Vegetarian version: Replace the turkey with cooked spinach, artichokes, or any sautéed vegetables. Add some feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Add nuts or dried fruit: Mixing in crushed walnuts or dried cranberries can add a nice crunch and sweetness.
- Different sauces: Instead of cranberry sauce, experiment with barbecue sauce or a spicy salsa for a different flavor profile.
- Use different dough: Try using puff pastry or phyllo dough for a different texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving or Christmas in a new dish.
Can I freeze the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring?
You can freeze the ring before baking or after. Make sure it is wrapped tightly and stored properly. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! If you have a different cheese on hand or prefer a specific flavor, feel free to substitute the mozzarella or Swiss with another cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack.
How can I make the filling creamier?
If you want a creamier filling, increase the amount of mayonnaise or cream cheese. You can also add sour cream or Greek yogurt for additional creaminess without a strong flavor.
Making a Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a simple and rewarding experience. Whether for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish.
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough into triangle shapes.
- Arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, overlapping slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spoon the turkey mixture onto the wide ends of the crescent dough.
- Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them under to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve warm.