If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts stunning and satisfying, look no further than this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath. It’s a golden, flaky ring filled with creamy cheese, savory turkey, and bursts of tangy cranberries, all hugged by tender crescent dough. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking to wow your family with leftovers, this centerpiece-worthy wreath will steal the show and have everyone gathered around for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a showstopper. Every component plays a starring role, from the buttery dough to the vibrant cranberries, ensuring each bite is balanced and memorable.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans): The foundation of your wreath, these rolls bake up beautifully flaky and golden.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Use leftover roast turkey or pick some up from the deli—just be sure it’s tender and juicy.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a tart, sweet pop that plays perfectly with the turkey; go for whole berry for extra texture.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Makes the filling creamy and melds everything together.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Boosts richness and helps the filling stay moist.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a little warmth to the mix; adjust to taste.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth to every bite—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): The cheese brings creaminess and a lovely melt—choose your favorite variety.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped, plus more for garnish): Adds bright color and a fresh finish to the wreath and your platter.
- Egg (1, beaten): For brushing the top so you get that irresistible gleaming crust.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a total breeze. You’re already setting yourself up for holiday success!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and dreamy, then add in your shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle mix until well combined—the filling should look creamy, studded with pops of red, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Wreath
Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate the triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping at the center and the pointed ends radiating out, forming your wreath shape. Press the overlapping centers to flatten slightly so everything stays together as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Using a spoon, mound the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly in a ring around the center of the dough circle, keeping it anchored on the wide ends of the triangles. This step is what creates that gorgeous, filled-to-the-brim look while ensuring every slice is stuffed with flavor.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Take the pointed ends of each triangle and gently fold them up and over the filling, tucking them underneath the center edge to seal the wreath. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic always looks lovely once baked! Your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is already looking fabulous.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Brush the entire top of your wreath with the beaten egg. This simple step ensures a spectacular golden finish. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crescent dough turns beautifully golden brown and everything is hot and bubbling inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Shower it with extra chopped parsley for vibrant color, then transfer to your serving platter and get ready for the oohs and aahs!
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath
Garnishes
A generous scatter of fresh parsley or even a few pomegranate seeds will give your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath a burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra festive, tuck a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the edge for a holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair your wreath with a bright green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, a bowl of extra cranberry sauce, or even a creamy soup for a complete meal. Some fresh fruit or pickled vegetables on the side also balance the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath into wedges as a shareable appetizer, or plate individual servings on small dishes with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side. To make entertaining easy, serve bite-sized pieces as part of a larger holiday buffet—guests will love picking up these handheld slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Turkey and Cranberry Wreath tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crescent dough softens slightly but stays tender, and the flavors meld together in the most delicious way.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover slices! Wrap them individually in plastic and tuck into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To preserve the best texture, avoid freezing and thawing the whole wreath all at once.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices into a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the dough at its flaky best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken work perfectly and still give that cozy, savory flavor in your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath.
What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?
No worries—swap in regular jellied cranberry sauce, a handful of dried cranberries, or even a spoonful of cranberry chutney for a slightly different texture and sweetness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the flaky dough and cheesy turkey filling, and you can always leave out the cranberry if younger eaters prefer it milder—just offer cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I assemble the wreath ahead and bake later?
For best results, assemble the wreath up to two hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Try not to go much longer, as the crescent dough is at its best when baked soon after assembling.
What cheese works best in the filling?
Swiss adds lovely nuttiness, while mozzarella gives you delicious gooeyness—feel free to combine them or use whichever you love or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a Turkey and Cranberry Wreath before, now’s the perfect time to give it a whirl. It’s inviting, versatile, and just a bit showy—everything a great gathering dish should be. Gather your loved ones, serve up generous slices, and enjoy this festive treat together!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is a delightful way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. A flaky crescent roll wreath filled with a savory mixture of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese, perfect for a festive appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Turkey Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, and parsley; mix well.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll crescent dough and arrange in a circle on baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center.
- Add Filling: Spoon turkey mixture around the inner ring of dough. Fold and tuck dough to seal.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool, garnish with parsley, and slice to serve.
Notes
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for a quick and festive appetizer.
- Substitute dried cranberries for a more savory version.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce or mustard dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
