The day after Thanksgiving is honestly my favorite food day of the year. The pressure of the big meal is gone, but the fridge is full of delicious food. For years, I just made cold turkey sandwiches. They were fine, but they weren’t exciting. Then, I tried this recipe, and everything changed.
This turkey and cranberry crescent ring turns humble leftovers into a stunning, golden centerpiece. It looks like a fancy holiday wreath, but it is incredibly easy to throw together. The combination of savory meat, creamy melted cheese, and sweet tart cranberry sauce inside flaky dough is magical. It has become a new tradition in my house that my kids ask for every single year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Leftover Hero: It is the absolute best way to use up extra turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Ready in 35 Minutes: It looks impressive but takes very little time to prep and bake.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and simple flavors make it a hit with picky eaters.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit whatever is in your fridge.
- Festive Presentation: It looks beautiful on a holiday table or at a potluck.
The Secret Ingredients for an Unforgettable Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
You don’t need a long grocery list for this recipe. In fact, you probably have most of these items right now.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: These are the magic behind the ring. You will need two tubes (8 oz each). They bake up buttery and flaky every time.
- Cooked Turkey: You need about 2 cups. You can chop it or shred it. If you don’t have leftovers, deli turkey works great too!
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce adds a great texture, but jellied sauce works perfectly fine if you mash it up a bit first.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese is my favorite because it melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. Provolone or white cheddar are excellent substitutes.
- Egg Wash: (Optional) Just one egg beaten with a splash of water. Brushing this on top gives the ring that bakery-style shine.
Bringing Your Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring to Life, Step by Step
Making this ring is like doing a simple puzzle. It is actually really fun to assemble!
1. Prep Your Station Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large round pizza pan or a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops the cheese from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Create the “Sun” Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on your pan. The wide ends should overlap in the center, and the pointy ends should face outward. It should look like a big sun. Refer to the image above: Notice how the center creates a solid circle of dough to hold the filling.
3. Layer the Flavors Spread your cranberry sauce over the wide part of the dough circle. Top that with your turkey. Finally, layer the cheese slices on top of the meat.
4. Fold and Tuck Take the pointy end of a triangle and fold it over the filling. Tuck the point under the center of the ring to secure it. Repeat this with every triangle until you have a wreath shape. The filling will peek through the gaps, which looks lovely.
5. Bake to Perfection If you are using an egg wash, brush it over the dough now. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the dough to be a deep golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly.
A Few Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result
I have made this dozens of times, and I have learned a few tricks to ensure it comes out perfect.
- Keep Dough Cold: Keep the crescent rolls in the fridge until the very last second. Cold dough is easier to handle and puffs up better in the oven.
- Don’t Overfill: It is tempting to pack it full, but too much filling will make the ring burst open. Stick to the measurements!
- Shred the Meat: Shredded turkey stays in the ring better than big cubes. It bites easier, too.
- Use Parchment: I mentioned this before, but it is vital. The cranberry sauce can get sticky, and parchment paper saves your pan.
- Cool Down: Let the ring sit for 10 minutes after baking. This lets the cheese set so it doesn’t run out when you cut it.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce for a nice texture contrast.
- Safety First: Leftover turkey is good for 3-4 days in the fridge. According to the USDA, you should reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Variations to Try
Cooking is all about creativity. Here are a few ways to switch things up.
If you have gluten-sensitive guests, try a Gluten-Free Ring. Many stores now carry gluten-free crescent-style dough in the freezer section. Just thaw it out and follow the same steps.
For my vegetarian friends, make a Veggie Stuffing Ring. Skip the turkey and use leftover bread stuffing mixed with roasted vegetables like mushrooms and squash. It is hearty and delicious.
Want some heat? Try a Spicy Jalapeño Ring. Swap the cranberry sauce for pepper jelly and add slices of jalapeño with Pepper Jack cheese. The sweet and spicy combo is amazing.
You can even make a Breakfast Ring. Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese. It is the perfect brunch dish.
How to Store & Reheat Your Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
If you somehow have leftovers of your leftovers, they store well!
Storage: Wrap the cooled ring slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Avoid the microwave if possible; it makes the dough soggy. Instead, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until crisp and hot.
Perfect Pairings for Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
This dish is rich and filling, so it pairs well with lighter sides.
A warm bowl of soup is a classic choice. This ring dips perfectly into our Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe. The flavors of pumpkin and cranberry feel very festive together.
If you want something fresh, serve a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acid in the dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese. A simple fruit salad also works well for a brunch setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the ring up to 2 hours before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It is a great year-round dinner option when it isn’t turkey season.
Why is the bottom of my ring soggy?
This can happen if the cranberry sauce is very watery. Try to drain any excess liquid from the sauce before spreading it. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated.
Can I use gravy instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, but use it sparingly. Gravy is thinner than cranberry sauce and can run out easily. It might be better to serve the gravy on the side for dipping.
What other cheeses work well?
Brie is a fantastic, creamy option that feels very gourmet. Mozzarella is great for a mild, stretchy cheese pull that kids love.
Can I freeze the baked ring?
I don’t recommend freezing the baked ring. The crescent dough tends to get crumbly and the texture suffers when thawed and reheated. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Do I have to use a round pan?
No. A large rectangular baking sheet works fine. Just form the circle in the middle of the sheet.
Can I add stuffing inside?
Yes! A thin layer of stuffing adds great flavor. Just make sure you don’t overstuff the ring, or it will be hard to close.
How do I know when it is done?
The dough should be a deep golden brown on top. If you lift up an edge gently, the bottom should also be brown and firm, not doughy.
Is this recipe expensive?
Not at all. Since it uses leftovers and affordable canned dough, it is a very budget-friendly meal to feed a family.
Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Equipment
- Pizza Pan or Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tubes Refrigerated Crescent Rolls (8 oz each)
- 2 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup Cranberry Sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 6 slices Swiss Cheese (cut in half)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash – optional)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (for garnish – optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large round baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange Dough: Unroll both tubes of crescent dough. Separate into 16 triangles. Arrange triangles in a circle with wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing out (resembling a sun).
- Add Sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the wide ring of dough in the center.
- Add Turkey: Top the sauce with the shredded turkey.
- Add Cheese: Lay the half-slices of cheese over the turkey.
- Fold: Bring the point of each triangle up and over the filling, tucking it under the center ring to secure. Repeat around the whole ring.
- Bake: Brush the top with the beaten egg if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Notes
Conclusion
This turkey and cranberry crescent ring proves that leftovers don’t have to be boring. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special and tastes incredible. It is the perfect way to extend the holiday joy for one more meal.
Ready for your next kitchen adventure? Explore more delicious recipes here at SpoonnSpice!