Introduction and Overview
What is a Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring?
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a warm, flavorful dish that combines tender turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough. Shaped into a beautiful ring, it’s baked until golden brown and is perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or a creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. This dish marries the classic flavors of turkey and cranberry in a fun, easy-to-make presentation, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
A Festive Centerpiece for the Holiday Table
The savory turkey and creamy cheese balance the sweetness of cranberry sauce, all encased in flaky, buttery crescent rolls. Not only is it delicious, but its ring shape makes for an attractive holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Turkey
Leftover turkey (or deli turkey) is the star ingredient, providing a hearty, lean protein.
Crescent Roll Dough
Crescent dough forms the outer shell, baking into a buttery, flaky crust.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce adds sweetness and tang, perfectly complementing the savory turkey.
Cheese
Cheddar or Swiss cheese brings creaminess and richness, helping to meld the flavors together.
Cream Cheese (optional)
Cream cheese adds a smooth, tangy texture and flavor, often blended with the turkey filling for added richness.
Nutritional Benefits
Turkey: Lean Protein
Turkey is low in fat but high in protein, making it an excellent post-holiday dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Cranberries: Antioxidants
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them not only flavorful but also healthy.
Cheese: Calcium and Protein
Cheese adds not just flavor, but also calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make a Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring, you’ll need:
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (divided)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided)
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular ring on the baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends to form a base with the points facing outward.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp rosemary or thyme. Spread this mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent dough. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Layer Turkey and Cranberry: Place the sliced turkey over the cheese, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey, and then top with the remaining cup of Gruyere cheese.
- Form the Crescent Ring: Fold the narrow ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them under the wide ends, securing the ring shape.
- Top and Bake: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the crescent dough. Bake for 22-24 minutes, until the ring is golden and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the crescent ring to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining rosemary or thyme, slice, and serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal
Recipe Variations
Turkey and Brie Crescent Ring
For a more decadent version, replace the cheddar cheese with Brie. The creamy Brie melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the cranberry sauce.
Ham and Turkey Crescent Ring
Add slices of ham along with the turkey for a heartier version. The saltiness of the ham complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Vegetarian Crescent Ring
Swap out the turkey for a vegetarian filling like sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and use a cranberry chutney for a similar sweet-savory contrast.
Spicy Jalapeño and Turkey Crescent Ring
For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling. The heat of the peppers balances the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer
Serve this crescent ring as a warm appetizer for a holiday gathering or dinner party. Slice into wedges and serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
As a Main Course
Pair the turkey and cranberry crescent ring with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a wonderful option for a light lunch or casual dinner.
For Brunch
This dish works great for a festive brunch, served alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
Pairing Ideas
With White Wine
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy cheese and sweet cranberry flavors.
With Sparkling Water
For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water flavored with lime or lemon for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory filling.
With Cranberry or Apple Cider
For a seasonal touch, pair the crescent ring with a glass of cranberry or apple cider. The fruity flavors will complement the cranberry sauce in the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the crescent ring ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Bake as directed when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover crescent ring can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I use deli turkey instead of cooked turkey?
Yes, deli turkey works great in this recipe if you don’t have leftover cooked turkey on hand. Just chop or shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well in this recipe. You can use whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce depending on your preference.
Can I freeze the crescent ring?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked crescent ring. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Conclusion
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a versatile and delicious dish that brings together classic holiday flavors in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or creating it fresh for a party, this crescent ring is sure to impress. With its golden, flaky crust and sweet-tangy filling, it’s perfect for any occasion—easy to prepare and always a hit!