Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of Thanksgiving wafting through the house. This Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring captures the essence of the holiday while offering a fresh twist on traditional flavors. Last Thanksgiving, I decided to surprise my family with this delightful dish, and the reaction was priceless. The blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberry, and creamy cheese wrapped in golden crescent rolls was a hit. My kids devoured it, and even my picky eater asked for seconds! It became a new favorite, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set this aside.
3. Arrange the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a circular ring on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, forming a sun shape.
4. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the wide part of the crescent dough.
5. Add Turkey and Cranberry Sauce: Evenly distribute the shredded turkey and cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the turkey.
6. Form the Ring: Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under the wide end to form a ring.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice the crescent ring into wedges.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with additional cranberry sauce if desired.

Additional Tips

1. Leftover Turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
2. Cream Cheese Variations: Try adding herbs or spices to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
3. Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or gouda for a different taste.
4. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the ring just before baking.
5. Crescent Roll Alternatives: If you prefer, use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier texture.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute turkey with roasted vegetables or a medley of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for some heat.
• Fruit Additions: Mix in chopped apples or pears for a sweet crunch alongside the turkey.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives into the cream cheese for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for a more traditional Thanksgiving feel.
• Offer a selection of dipping sauces, like extra cranberry sauce or a honey mustard dip.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unbaked crescent ring. Assemble it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought turkey?

• Yes, deli turkey or rotisserie chicken can be used as a quick alternative.

1. What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

• You can substitute with puff pastry or homemade dough, though the texture will differ.

1. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

• Absolutely! It reheats well and can be made ahead for convenience.

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free version.

1. What sides pair well with this dish?

• Consider serving it with green beans, stuffing, or a cranberry salad.

1. How do I reheat leftovers?

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

1. Can I make this vegetarian?

• Yes, simply omit the turkey and add more vegetables or legumes.

1. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. How long does it take to bake from frozen?

• Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes if starting from frozen.

1. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
   • Definitely! Homemade sauce will add a lovely personal touch.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful and unique dish that brings together the flavors of the holiday season in a fun and easy-to-make format. Whether you’re looking for a new centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or a creative way to use up leftovers, this crescent ring is sure to impress. With its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your holiday repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the season with this comforting and satisfying dish!

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