Description
Cranberry Turkey Crescent Ring
Perfect for your holiday table, this dish is as festive as it is tasty!
Ingredients:
2 cans crescent roll dough
1½ cups turkey slices
1 cup cranberry sauce
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp mayonnaise
Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Form a crescent dough ring.
Spread mayonnaise on the dough and layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheddar.
Fold dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
Bake for 20-25 minutes and sprinkle with rosemary.
#HolidayCrescentJoy
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Cranberry Turkey Crescent Ring every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll both cans of crescent dough. On the prepared sheet, arrange the 16 triangles in a large circle, with the wide bases overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward, creating a sun shape with a 5-inch open circle in the middle.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese with the mayonnaise. This helps the cheese stay moist and cohesive.
- Spread the mayonnaise-cheese mixture evenly over the wide, overlapping base of the dough circle in the center.
- Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the cheese mixture, followed by dollops of the cranberry sauce.
- Carefully lift each dough point and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip under the inner base of the ring to secure it. Repeat all the way around.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is deeply golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh rosemary before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This festive ring is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a stunning centerpiece for a holiday brunch or a light dinner alongside a crisp green salad or a warm roasted vegetable medley. For a full holiday spread, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling cider.
How-to Summary
Create a sun-shaped ring with crescent dough triangles. Layer a mayo-cheese mix, sliced turkey, and cranberry sauce in the center. Fold the dough points over the filling, seal, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover whole turkey instead of slices?
Absolutely. Shredded or chopped cooked turkey works perfectly. Aim for about 1.5 cups of meat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the ring up to a few hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Cream cheese (softened) or a light layer of whole-grain mustard are excellent alternatives for moisture and flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warm to restore crispness.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack cheese would all be delicious substitutes for cheddar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Ring: Using too much filling will cause it to spill out during baking and make the dough difficult to seal.
- Not Sealing the Base: Ensure the wide ends of the dough triangles are sufficiently overlapped in the center to create a stable base that holds the filling.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes transferring the finished, delicate ring to a serving platter much easier.
- Cutting Immediately: Let the ring rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set, ensuring clean slices.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Turkey Crescent Ring is more than just a meal; it’s a festive, flavorful, and surprisingly simple showstopper. By combining savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tart cranberry in a golden, flaky crust, it delivers the perfect taste of the holidays in every bite. Follow this enhanced guide to avoid common pitfalls and create a memorable dish that will impress your guests and become a cherished seasonal tradition.
