If you love the warm, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving but want to enjoy them any night of the week, this Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce all wrapped inside flaky, buttery crescent roll dough baked to golden perfection. This fun and festive ring not only tastes incredible but is a clever way to transform holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are simple staples, each playing a crucial role in delivering that classic holiday flavor in a warm, flaky package. Together, they create a delightful balance of textures and colors you’ll love digging into.
- 16 ounces crescent rolls (2) 8 count packages: Provides the buttery, flaky dough that encases all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned mashed potatoes: Adds a creamy, smooth base layer that comforts with every bite.
- 1 cup stuffing: Brings savory herbs and a satisfying crumbly texture right into the center.
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey cut into 1/2-inch pieces: The star protein, tender and flavorful, grounding the dish.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce: Offers a pop of sweetness and tang that cuts through the savory richness beautifully.
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a hit of fresh green color and mild herbaceous brightness to finish.
How to Make Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface and Crescent Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps ensure your Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe won’t stick and bakes evenly. Prepare your work surface as well since the dough will drape over the edges during assembly. Roll out the first package of crescent rolls on a second piece of parchment to help you shape the ring easily.
Step 2: Shape the Crescent Dough into a Circle
Place a 5-inch wide bowl in the center of the baking sheet as a guide. Arrange 4 crescent roll triangles with the wide ends touching the bowl on the north, south, east, and west points. Then fill in the diagonals with 4 more crescents (NE, SE, SW, NW). The dough will overlap, which is perfect for sealing in the fillings. Roll out the second crescent package and fill the rest of the circle, then carefully remove the bowl and press the dough around the center to adhere it firmly together.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread the mashed potatoes on the wide ends of the arranged crescent dough – warming them slightly first can make this much easier to do without tearing the dough. Add an even layer of stuffing over the potatoes, then scatter the diced turkey on top. Finally, place small dollops of cranberry sauce across the turkey and gently spread them out for bursts of tart sweetness throughout.
Step 4: Seal the Ring
Take each crescent dough point and carefully fold it over the fillings, tucking the pointed end underneath the center of the ring. This seals all the goodness inside as it bakes, creating that iconic crescent ring shape that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your ring into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dough is a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly flaky. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the fillings set just enough so everything holds together nicely with each bite.
How to Serve Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the completed ring adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, buttery dough and hearty fillings. You can also serve it alongside some extra cranberry sauce and a warm bowl of gravy right in the center for dipping or drizzling. These little finishing touches truly elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe is a hearty, filling dish on its own, but pairing it with a crisp salad or steamed green beans adds freshness and balance to your meal. Roasted root vegetables or a simple coleslaw can add a bright vegetable component to round out your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the ring on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and gravy strategically placed around it. You can also cut it into individual portions beforehand for a buffet-style setup, making it easy for everyone to grab a slice without mess. Adding some colorful autumn leaves or sprigs of rosemary around the platter can create an inviting seasonal centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Simply cover tightly to prevent the crescent dough from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling it as directed, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra time to ensure it’s thoroughly heated and golden all over.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back that flaky crust and warm the fillings nicely. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crescent dough crisp and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned cranberry sauce works perfectly in this Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe and saves prep time, while still providing that classic tart and sweet flavor.
Can I substitute the stuffing with something else?
You can swap the stuffing for sautéed vegetables or even a wild rice mix if you prefer, but traditional stuffing really complements the turkey and mashed potatoes best in this ring.
What type of turkey should I use?
Use cooked, leftover turkey breast or dark meat diced into small pieces. The key is to have it tender and seasoned well since it’s the main protein in the ring.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the turkey with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based turkey substitute and use vegetarian stuffing. Cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes remain delicious additions.
How can I ensure the crescent dough doesn’t get soggy?
Warming the mashed potatoes and stuffing before spreading helps to reduce excess moisture. Also, don’t overload the fillings—spread them evenly but moderately—and bake immediately after assembling for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe is a joyful way to turn leftovers into something magical. It brings that nostalgic holiday feeling to any weeknight while being simple enough for even the busiest cook. Give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your home with cozy aromas and your family with happy smiles!
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Turkey Crescent Ring Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving year-round with this easy and fun Turkey Crescent Ring. Made with leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce all wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 16 ounces crescent rolls (2 packages of 8 count each)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned mashed potatoes
- 1 cup stuffing
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Also, clean your work surface thoroughly as the crescent roll dough will extend beyond the edges while assembling.
- Roll Out First Crescent Package: Place a separate sheet of parchment on the counter and unroll one package of crescent rolls onto it.
- Create Crescent Dough Ring: Place a 5-inch wide bowl in the center of the lined baking sheet. Arrange the wide ends of 4 crescent rolls against the bowl in the north, south, east, and west positions. Add 4 more crescent rolls at the diagonal NE, SE, SW, and NW positions, allowing the dough to overlap.
- Fill in Dough Circle: Unroll the second package of crescent rolls onto the parchment and use pieces to fill the gaps in the ring, completing the circle. Carefully remove the bowl and gently press the dough around the center to seal.
- Spread Mashed Potatoes: Warm mashed potatoes in the microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, then spread evenly around the wide ends of the crescent rolls.
- Add Stuffing: Microwave stuffing if refrigerated to make it easier to spread, then layer it evenly on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Layer Turkey: Evenly distribute the diced turkey over the stuffing layer.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Place dollops of cranberry sauce around the circle over the turkey and gently spread without mixing layers.
- Fold Crescent Points: Bring each crescent dough point up and over the filling, tucking the ends under at the center to secure the ring.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the ring to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra cranberry sauce and a bowl of gravy in the center for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Warming mashed potatoes and stuffing before spreading helps with easier layering and spreading.
- Use leftover turkey for best flavor and texture but freshly cooked turkey can also be used.
- If desired, add a bowl of hot gravy in the center for extra moisture and flavor.
- Ensure the crescent dough is fully sealed around the filling to prevent leaking during baking.
- Leftover Turkey Crescent Ring can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
