Introduction
Remember those cozy holiday gatherings, the scent of festive spices filling the air, and that one dish that everyone always asks for the recipe? This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is exactly that kind of memorable treat! It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas, but honestly, it’s so delicious and easy, you’ll want to make it anytime the craving strikes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this super simple, yet incredibly flavorful appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: We’re talking minimal prep time, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Easy: Seriously, even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can whip this up.
- Giftable: Imagine bringing this warm, cheesy ring to a potluck – it’s a guaranteed hit!
- Crowd-pleasing: The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and gooey cheese is irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped: This is your flavor powerhouse! Leftover roasted turkey is perfect, but rotisserie chicken works in a pinch too.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a little something to boost that savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: The star of the show for that sweet and tangy holiday flavor. Use your favorite homemade or store-bought kind!
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that really complements the turkey and cranberry.
- 2 (8 oz each) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret to this recipe’s ease! Those flaky, buttery layers are a dream.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To add a little bit of zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese: This is your binder, making everything creamy and delicious. Mayonnaise adds a little richness, while cream cheese gives it a delightful tang. You choose!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Oh, the melty, gooey cheese! Mozzarella for that classic stretch, or Swiss for a nuttier flavor.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this party started! Grab your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen.
- Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven nice and toasty at 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks up beautifully golden.
- Whip up the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your chopped cooked turkey, garlic powder, that yummy cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and your choice of mayonnaise or cream cheese. Give it a good stir. Now, toss in the black pepper and salt. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. I like to give it a little taste at this stage to make sure it’s perfect!
- Get the dough ready: Unroll those packages of crescent roll dough. You’ll find they’re already separated into those lovely little triangles. Lay them out on a clean surface.
- Spread the love: Take your delicious turkey mixture and spread it evenly over the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Don’t be shy!
- Add the cheesy goodness: Sprinkle that shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese generously over the turkey mixture on each triangle. Get ready for that amazing melt!
- Roll ’em up tight: Now, starting from the wider end, carefully roll up each triangle. Make sure they’re rolled up snugly so all that delicious filling stays inside.
- Form the ring: This is where the fun shape comes in! Arrange the rolled crescents in a circle on a baking sheet. I like to place them with the pointed ends facing inward, touching each other. It looks so pretty when it bakes!
- Bake to perfection: Pop that beautiful ring into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color and for the crescents to be puffed up and cooked through.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderful as is, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity!
- For the Turkey: If you don’t have leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute. You could even try finely chopped ham for a different savory flavor.
- For the Cranberry Sauce: If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, or just don’t have any on hand, a dollop of apricot jam or even a bit of orange marmalade can offer a lovely fruity sweetness.
- For the Cheese: Feel free to mix up your cheeses! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is always a winner. A little bit of crumbled blue cheese could add a sophisticated tang if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add some Veggies: Finely chopped celery or green onions mixed into the turkey filling can add a nice crunch and freshness.
- Herbs: A pinch of dried thyme or rosemary stirred into the filling will enhance the savory notes.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this recipe even more foolproof!
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, be careful not to overstuff the crescent rolls. This can make them harder to seal and might cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Seal Those Seams: Make sure to press the seams of the rolled crescents together gently to help prevent the filling from escaping.
- Prep Ahead: You can totally assemble this ring a few hours before you plan to bake it. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Baking Sheet Choice: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet makes for super easy cleanup!
How to Store It
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring reheats beautifully.
Once cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice (or the whole ring!) on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is re-crisped. You can also pop a slice in the microwave for a quick warm-up, though the pastry might lose some of its crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ring a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just be aware you might need to bake it a little longer.
What kind of turkey works best?
Leftover roasted turkey is ideal. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great alternative.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic appetizer for holiday parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want something easy and delicious to share.
Can I freeze this?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you could try freezing baked and cooled individual crescents. Reheat them in the oven to revive their crispness.
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Equipment
- Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
- Medium-sized bowl
- Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper recommended
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey chopped, leftover roasted turkey is ideal
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese your choice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese or a blend
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped turkey, garlic powder, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise or cream cheese. Stir well. Add black pepper and salt, and mix until combined.2 cups cooked turkey
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.2 cups cooked turkey
- Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the wider end of each crescent roll triangle.2 cups cooked turkey
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the turkey mixture on each triangle.2 cups cooked turkey
- Roll up each triangle snugly, starting from the wider end.
- Arrange the rolled crescents in a circle on a baking sheet, with pointed ends facing inward.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.