© Original recipe by Tasty Keepsakes ©
🎉✨ Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring: The Perfect Festive Appetizer! 🦃🥂
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a stunning and delicious holiday appetizer that can impress your guests instantly, the Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is your answer. This festive hors d’oeuvre combines ground turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and flaky crescent dough for a warm, aromatic, and eye-catching dish. It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to your holiday table while offering a savory flavor experience that everyone will love.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With its simple assembly, you can have this ready in under 30 minutes.
- Festive presentation: The ring shape makes it perfect for holiday parties or family dinners.
- Versatile: Serve with a side of salad or festive dip to elevate your appetizer game.
- Make ahead: Prepare it in advance and bake just before serving for fresh, crispy bites.
3. Ingredient Notes
To create the perfect Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring, quality ingredients make all the difference. Use fresh, high-quality ground turkey for lean, flavorful meat that won’t dry out during baking. The cranberry sauce should be a good balance of sweet and tart—homemade or store-bought works well. I recommend choosing a sugar-free, natural cranberry sauce for a less sweet, more authentic flavor. For the crescent dough, store-bought sheets are convenient, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Herbs like thyme and rosemary boost the aroma and add depth to the turkey filling, while a touch of garlic gives an extra layer of flavor.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Preparing this delightful holiday appetizer is easy with the right tools. Check out the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics for quick baking or reheating that results in a crisp crust. The T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your turkey cooks evenly without sticking, and the nonstick surface simplifies cleanup. To mix your ingredients effortlessly, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer is excellent for achieving a uniform filling. These tools streamline the process and help you produce bakery-quality dishes at home.
5. How to Make Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by sautéing ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crumbly while releasing a savory aroma, about 8 minutes. Season with herbs and garlic for extra flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with cranberry sauce, creating a moist, flavorful filling that’s both tangy and savory.
Step 2: Assemble the ring
Unroll the crescent dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the dough in a circle, overlapping the edges slightly. Spread the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Carefully fold and fold up the outer edges of the dough over the filling to form a ring. This creates a beautiful, braided look and ensures the filling stays in place during baking.
Step 3: Bake to golden perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown. The aroma of baked dough combined with the savory filling will fill your kitchen with festive cheer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to preserve its beautiful shape.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Chill your filling: Refrigerate the turkey mixture before assembling; it will hold its shape better when baked.
- Seal the edges well: Pinch the dough edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Use a pizza cutter: For clean, even slices, carefully cut through the ring with a sharp pizza cutter before serving.
- Optional toppings: Brush the crust with beaten egg for a glossy finish or sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this appetizer for different tastes or dietary needs. Substitute ground chicken or plant-based meat for turkey. Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce to reduce sweetness, or add chopped pecans for some crunch. For a gluten-free version, try a pre-made gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry. To make this more indulgent, sprinkle with shredded cheese before baking.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm and crispy. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 makes reheating quick and keeps the crust crunchy. For best results, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ring a few hours in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
With a gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry substitute, this can be adapted, but always check ingredients to avoid gluten.
Can I make this with leftover turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey works great and adds to the convenience of this holiday appetizer.
10. Conclusion
The Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the comforting flavors of turkey and cranberry in a stunning presentation. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any celebration, this easy appetizer will become a new tradition on your holiday table. Smile, serve, and enjoy the delightful burst of flavors with every bite!
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Savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
A delicious holiday appetizer featuring a flaky crescent dough ring filled with seasoned turkey, cranberries, and cheese, baked to perfection.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
Ingredients
- 2 packages crescent roll dough
- 1 lb cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and arrange in a large circle on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly to form a ring, leaving the center open.
- In a bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling evenly inside the crescent ring, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling slightly to partially enclose, pinching the dough to seal if needed.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Use leftover cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free, Easy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg