Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delicious and festive dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season. This savory-sweet creation is not just an excellent way to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s also a show-stopper for gatherings and cozy dinners alike. The combination of flaky, golden crescent rolls with the delightful pairing of turkey and cranberry creates a mouthwatering experience that delights the taste buds.

When you take a bite, you are greeted with the rich creaminess of chive and onion cream cheese complemented by savory turkey, melty Gruyere cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard topped with vibrant cranberry sauce. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This dish not only offers a burst of flavors, but it also allows you to celebrate the essence of Thanksgiving with every mouthful. Let’s dive into why this recipe should be your go-to for the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

• Flavors of the Season: The combination of turkey, cranberry, and herbs brings a festive flair to your table.
• Easy Preparation: Using pre-made crescent dough minimizes cooking time while maximizing flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or as a unique way to enjoy leftovers.
• Cheesy Goodness: Gruyere cheese adds a rich flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its ring shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before embarking on the journey of creating the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure an easy cleanup later.

For this recipe, you will need a few key tools:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet for the crescent ring.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For combining the cream cheese and other spread ingredients.
• Spatula: To help spread the cream cheese mixture evenly.

As you prep your workspace, gather all your ingredients and tools nearby. This will make your cooking experience smoother and ensure that you don’t miss any crucial steps while assembling this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tube crescent roll dough
• 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• 1 lb sliced turkey (leftover or deli)
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp poppy seeds
• ½ tsp granulated garlic
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crescent ring will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown exterior. While the oven is heating, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only makes for easier cleanup, but it also helps prevent the crescent rolls from sticking, maintaining their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Form the Dough Ring

Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate the triangles. Arrange these triangles in a circle on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the wide ends of the dough are overlapping towards the center. This overlapping allows for a sturdy base for your delicious filling.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Spread

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened chive and onion cream cheese with the Dijon mustard. Add in 1 teaspoon of the chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, blending everything until smooth. This creamy spread will enhance the flavor of your turkey and cranberry, creating a deliciously rich base layer for the filling.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodies

Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the wide ends of the crescent triangles. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, layer the sliced turkey evenly on top of the cheese, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor. Following the turkey, spoon half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey, and top it off with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, creating a melty layer of cheesy goodness that will hold everything together.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Take the pointed ends of the crescent triangles and fold them over the filling, tucking them under the ring. This secures the filling inside and creates a beautiful, enclosed shape that will bake nicely.

Step 6: Brush with Flavor

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. This mixture will not only add flavor but also give the crescent ring a lovely golden color as it bakes. Using a brush, coat the top of the dough gently with this mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the crescent ring turns a golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as ovens may vary slightly in temperature. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, giving it time to set up and make slicing easier.

Variations

• Protein: Swap out turkey for chicken or ham if you’re looking for a lighter option or want to change up the flavor.
• Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for a nutritional boost and added flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with spices like sage or more robust herbs for a richer flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure your cream cheese is adequately softened for a smooth mixture; you can microwave it for a few seconds if needed.
• For a crispier crust, bake a few extra minutes while keeping a close watch to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice the crescent ring into wedges and serve it warm alongside a dish of cranberry sauce for dipping.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips

• If you have leftovers, reheat the crescent ring in a toaster oven to maintain its flaky texture.
• Consider making additional cranberry sauce if you run low—you can never have too much during the holidays!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Total Time: 44 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 560mg

FAQs

Can I use store-bought turkey?

Absolutely! Deli-sliced turkey works wonderfully and saves you time.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the dish up to a day in advance, then bake before serving.

What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?

Swiss cheese or mozzarella would be excellent alternatives if Gruyere is unavailable.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is not only a spectacular way to celebrate the holiday but also allows you to transform your leftovers into a new culinary delight. With its stunning ring shape, delicious flavor combinations, and ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite. We hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your holiday table. Don’t forget to comment below and share your variations or let us know how it turned out!