Description
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful and visually appealing dish that combines the savory flavors of turkey with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky, golden crescent dough. It’s an ideal way to repurpose leftover Thanksgiving turkey or to create a festive appetizer for gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (or a blend)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for added creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Dough
- Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough onto a clean surface.
- Separate the dough into individual triangles.
- Arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the prepared baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward. This creates a sunburst or star shape with a central open space.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded or chopped turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mayonnaise adds a creamy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer a less creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Ring
- Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly along the wide ends of the crescent dough triangles, forming a ring.
- Ensure the filling is distributed consistently around the circle.
- Carefully fold the pointed ends of the dough triangles over the filling and tuck them under the center of the ring to seal. This creates a covered ring with a neat appearance.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
- Brush the top of the crescent ring with melted butter. This will help the dough turn golden brown and add a rich flavor.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds over the buttered surface for an attractive garnish and a subtle nutty flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the baking sheet with the assembled crescent ring in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Keep a close eye on the ring to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the crescent ring is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the ring to a serving platter.
- Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring warm, with extra cranberry sauce in a bowl in the center for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, turning it into an entirely new and exciting dish. The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese in a flaky crescent roll crust is simply irresistible. Plus, the ring shape makes it a visually stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at holiday gatherings or parties.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad.
- Place a bowl of extra cranberry sauce in the center of the ring for dipping.
- Pair with a light soup for a comforting meal.
Tips:
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar, to customize the flavor.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped celery, onions, or spinach into the turkey mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or sage into the turkey filling for an aromatic twist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the ring ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Crust Perfection: For an extra golden crust, brush the ring with an egg wash instead of melted butter.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is more than just a recipe; it’s a creative way to transform leftovers into a delicious and attractive dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer or a quick meal, this ring is sure to impress with its flavors and presentation. Enjoy the perfect blend of savory and sweet in every bite!
Questions and Answers
- Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
- Yes, absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce will add an even more special touch to the ring. Just make sure it’s not too runny.
- What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?
- If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with cream cheese, sour cream, or even a little bit of melted butter for moisture.
- Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
- Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or different types of cheese to customize the filling to your liking.
- How do I prevent the bottom of the ring from getting soggy?
- Make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the baking sheet. This helps to lift the ring off the sheet and allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.
- Can I make this ring ahead of time and freeze it? *Yes, you can assemble the ring ahead of time, but freeze before baking. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
