If you are looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your holiday table, the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the juicy, savory flavors of shredded turkey with tangy cranberry sauce, all baked inside a buttery, golden crescent roll ring that’s as beautiful as it is scrumptious. It’s perfect for serving a crowd, sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying as a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the satisfying contrast of creamy, savory, sweet, and crispy in every bite.
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: The flaky, buttery base that wraps everything up in a perfect golden ring.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: Adds hearty protein and classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Brings a bright, festive tartness that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Provides creamy, smooth richness that helps hold the filling components together.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and tang while keeping everything perfectly spreadable.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Delivers a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Offers melty, nutty goodness that binds the turkey and cranberry together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh green sprinkle that brightens the presentation and adds mild herbal notes.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your crescent ring bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. This little prep step is key to an easy cleanup and a beautifully crisp crust.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until silky smooth. This creamy mixture acts as the base layer that brings together all the flavors and keeps the fillings moist without sogginess.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough Ring
Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on your baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends in the center and pointing the tips outward like sunrays. This shaping not only looks stunning but also creates pockets for the filling to shine through.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the wide ends of each crescent triangle. Be generous but careful not to overload so the ring can fold up neatly later.
Step 5: Layer the Turkey, Cranberry, and Cheese
Evenly distribute the shredded turkey on top of the cream cheese, then spoon dollops of cranberry sauce across the turkey layer for bursts of tart sweetness. Finally, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over everything to add a melty, savory finish.
Step 6: Fold and Form the Ring
Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling, then tuck them under the wide parts at the center to seal the ring. This step is like assembling a delicious puzzle that holds all those fantastic flavors inside a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the ring for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crescent dough turns a gorgeous golden brown and feels fully cooked. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, which helps it set up for easier slicing. If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top now to add a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a lovely garnish that adds a hint of freshness, but you can also top your ring with finely chopped green onions or a drizzle of honey mustard for extra flavor contrast. These simple touches take your presentation from great to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. You might also enjoy roasted Brussels sprouts or a creamy mashed potato to round out your meal with classic holiday sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the crescent ring on a wooden cutting board surrounded by mini bowls of extra cranberry sauce, gravy, or mustard for dipping. Alternatively, slice individual portions and serve as handheld appetizers at a Thanksgiving party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day treat or quick lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover ring by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer bag. It’s best enjoyed within one month when thawed and reheated, preserving the flaky texture and flavorful filling.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crescent dough soggy and lose its delightful flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers, giving turkey new life inside a flavorful, cheesy, and tangy ring that everyone will love.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey with cooked mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based protein to keep the same great flavors without meat. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the ring and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it well so the dough doesn’t dry out, and bake it right before serving.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce works well. Choose one that’s thick enough not to make the dough soggy but still sweet and tangy to balance the savory elements.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor that complements the turkey and cranberry, but you can swap in mozzarella, provolone, or even sharp cheddar for a different taste profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe that makes it an instant favorite year after year. It’s easy to prepare, visually impressive, and bursting with familiar holiday flavors in every bite. Whether for a festive get-together or a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become one of your cherished traditions too. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious warmth it brings to your table!
Print
Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive and flavorful appetizer or main dish that combines tender shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and quick to prepare with a golden, savory crust and a deliciously balanced filling.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the crescent ring.
- Mix Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Arrange Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles on the baking sheet in a circular ring. Position the wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward, forming a sun-like shape.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the wide parts of the crescent dough triangles within the ring.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Distribute the shredded turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer, then spoon dollops of cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers.
- Fold and Form Ring: Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling toward the center, tucking the dough ends under the wide ends to seal and form a complete ring.
- Bake: Place the ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cooked turkey leftovers or rotisserie turkey for convenience.
- Adjust cranberry sauce quantity based on sweetness preference.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Allow the ring to cool slightly before slicing to maintain structural integrity.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
