Name: Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped); 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied); 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Imagine all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving tucked into a flaky, golden pastry — that’s the magic of the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring! This dish combines tender turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and a hint of creamy Dijon, all hugged by buttery crescent roll dough. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser to use up holiday leftovers, or just want to wow your family with an impressive (yet deceptively easy) centerpiece, this ring brings together everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving flavors in every delicious bite.

Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is just how easy and familiar the ingredients are — yet each one plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s everything you need to bring your Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring to life:

Crescent roll dough: The buttery, flaky base that bakes up golden and holds all the goodness together.
Cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, this is the heart of the ring and a perfect way to use up leftovers.
Cranberry sauce: Adds pops of bright, tangy-sweet flavor that balance the savory turkey beautifully.
Shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy pockets that hold everything together; use your favorite or a mix!
Mayonnaise: Gives the filling a luscious creaminess and gentle tang.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, palate-awakening kick to the mix.
Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth with every bite.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Egg (beaten): Brushed on top for that gorgeous, shiny golden-brown finish.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness at serving time.

How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when your ring goes in. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper — this not only makes cleanup easy but also keeps the crescent dough from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped or shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly coated and luscious; you want a bit of cranberry and cheese in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Ring

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, lay out the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping at the center and the pointed ends facing out — it should look like a big sun. The dough may overlap quite a bit, but that’s perfect for holding all the filling inside.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly around the wide base of the crescent ring, keeping it in a tidy circle. This part is a bit like making a wreath — don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the dough will hide any uneven spots!

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the pointed tips of each crescent triangle over the filling and tuck them underneath the center of the ring. This clever wrapping technique keeps everything snugly inside and creates a beautiful wreath shape once baked.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until your Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is puffed and gloriously golden all over.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the ring cool a few minutes before slicing into wedges. If you like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for festive flair. Gather your loved ones and watch this centerpiece disappear!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Garnishes

For a burst of color and freshness, shower the finished ring with chopped parsley. If you want to go the extra mile, scatter a few dollops of extra cranberry sauce on top or around the serving platter. Even a few pomegranate seeds or sprigs of rosemary look stunning for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy mash. For a casual brunch, serve it with fruit salad or classic hash browns. It’s versatile enough to work with practically any side you love from your Thanksgiving feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring into smaller wedges and serve as finger food with extra cranberry sauce for dipping. Turn it into a brunch showstopper by arranging the slices around a pile of fresh greens, or serve wedges stacked on a platter for a potluck-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the cooled ring tightly in foil or place pieces in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen a bit, making for an even tastier snack the next day.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring! Once baked and cooled, wrap individual wedges in foil or plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through (about 10–12 minutes). You can also microwave individual pieces for 30–40 seconds, but the pastry will stay flakier if you use the oven. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes in the oven until warm and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken works beautifully in place of turkey, making this a year-round treat, not just for Thanksgiving leftovers.

Which type Main Course

Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce work well. Whole berry gives more tart bursts and texture, while jellied makes the filling slightly sweeter and smoother — choose your favorite!

Can I add other leftovers, like stuffing or gravy?

Yes! Stir some stuffing right into the filling or drizzle a little gravy inside the ring for even more holiday flavor. Just avoid adding too much liquid to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.

How can I make this vegetarian?

You can swap the turkey for roasted vegetables (think mushrooms, squash, or sweet potato) and use vegetarian cheese for a meat-free twist that’s just as festive and delicious.

Is it possible to prepare the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring in advance?

You can assemble the ring (without the egg wash) and refrigerate it covered for several hours or overnight. When ready to bake, just add the egg wash and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something new, festive, and unbelievably easy, the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a recipe you’ll come back to long after the holidays. It’s one of those centerpiece dishes that brings everyone to the table, and makes the most of those precious leftovers (or just gives you an excuse to buy an extra turkey breast). Gather your favorite people, pop this beauty in the oven — and prepare for smiles all around!

Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful way to enjoy holiday leftovers in a new and delicious form. A flaky crescent ring filled with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, gooey cheese, and a flavorful mix of seasonings, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a festive brunch or a light dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Ring:

2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Filling:

2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix filling: In a medium bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Prepare crescent ring: Unroll crescent dough into triangles on the baking sheet, overlapping wide ends in the center.
Add filling: Spoon turkey mixture around the center of the ring. Fold and tuck the pointed ends over the filling.
Egg wash and bake: Brush dough with beaten egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and slice into wedges to serve.