© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🍽️✨ Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer! 🎉🥧
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for an impressive yet approachable holiday appetizer, look no further than the Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring. Combining tender turkey, tangy cranberry, and flaky crescent dough, this dish embodies festive flavors in every bite. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this savory finger food is sure to become a new tradition. Its aromatic herbs and crispy exterior create irresistible textures and flavors that will please all your guests.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- One-pan wonder — simplifies cleanup and prep.
- Festive appearance — creates wow-factor when served.
- Customizable — adapt with your favorite herbs or cheese.
- Family-friendly — a delightful turkey appetizer or festive finger food.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients elevates this savory turkey cranberry crescent ring. Opt for fresh, organic turkey breast or lean ground turkey for richer flavor and better texture. Fresh cranberries provide a bright, tart contrast that balances the savory ingredients. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones work well — just thaw and drain excess moisture. Use freshly chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to amplify aroma. For cheese, a sharp cheddar or creamy Swiss adds depth. Lastly, select a good store-bought crescent dough — you want it flaky and tender, so check the expiration date for freshness.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To craft this savory masterpiece efficiently, having the right tools makes all the difference. Consider the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for faster cooking with crispy results or the T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set to help with preparing and baking. For precise assembly, a good KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer can be useful for mixing ingredients, ensuring smoothness. These tools streamline the process, making holiday entertaining more enjoyable!
5. How to Make Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking your turkey until fully cooked, seasoning with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. The scent of herbs aromatic fills your kitchen, promising a flavorful dish. Once cooked, shred or chop the turkey finely. In a bowl, combine the turkey with fresh cranberries, a splash of orange juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness. Add a dollop of cream cheese or shredded cheese for extra richness. Mix thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
Assemble the Ring
Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the turkey cranberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a ring shape, pinching the seams to seal. Brush the top with beaten egg for golden, crispy edges, and sprinkle with herbs or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Place the ring in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy. You’ll smell delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen as it bakes. Serve hot, sliced into portions that showcase the colorful filling inside.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure your turkey is fully cooked and shredded finely for even distribution and a tender bite.
- Use fresh cranberries for vibrant flavor; frozen ones work in a pinch but may release excess moisture.
- Don’t overstuff the ring; too much filling can make sealing difficult and cause spills during baking.
- Brush the dough with egg wash for a shiny, crispy crust — this also helps herbs stick for added flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños to the filling.
7. Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is flexible to accommodate dietary preferences. Substitute turkey with cooked chicken, or go vegetarian with seasoned roasted vegetables or plant-based protein. For a cheese-free version, skip the cheese or replace it with a nut-based spread. For added zest, incorporate a dash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
8. Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. To keep the crust crispy longer, consider reheating in an air fryer using the Air Fryer for best results.
9. FAQ
How do I prevent the crescent ring from becoming soggy?
Ensure the dough is sealed tightly and brush the top with egg wash before baking. Using a hot oven helps crisp up the crust, while avoiding excess moisture in the filling keeps it from becoming soggy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ring up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness and crispness.
What are some suitable side dishes for this appetizer?
Pair your savory turkey cranberry crescent ring with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup like butternut squash or pumpkin for a complete festive meal.
10. Conclusion
The Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful holiday appetizer that combines savory, sweet, and crispy elements into one stunning dish. Its colorful presentation and mouthwatering flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. Ready in minutes, easy to customize, and irresistibly delicious, this dish will surely impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite.
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Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
A flaky and savory crescent ring filled with turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and herbs, baked to golden perfection for a festive appetizer.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 1 lb cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, wide ends facing outward, overlapping slightly and leaving a hole in the center.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the center of the dough circle.
- Fold the outer edges of the dough over the filling and tuck the tips underneath, forming a ring.
- Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or green onions for extra flavor.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg