If you’re craving a festive, flavorful dish that truly lights up the table, look no further than this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe. It beautifully combines tender shredded turkey, the perfect tartness of cranberry sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent roll dough. Whether you’re eager to transform leftover turkey or simply want to impress guests with a showstopping centerpiece, this recipe is a delightful treat that balances savory and sweet with comforting texture and eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe are surprisingly simple but essential to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component brings something special, from the creamy base to the fresh crunch and that iconic cranberry zing.
- Cooked shredded turkey: The star protein that ensures the wreath is hearty and satisfying.
- Canned crescent roll dough: Provides buttery, flaky layers that wrap the filling beautifully.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds natural sweetness and a burst of vibrant color.
- Cream cheese softened: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds the filling.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances moisture and adds richness without overpowering the filling.
- Diced celery: Offers a refreshing crunch and a subtle freshness.
- Chopped green onions: Brings a mild onion flavor and lovely green flecks.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly to add a nutty, creamy depth.
- Salt: Balances and heightens every flavor in the wreath.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice that wakes up the filling.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a glossy, golden finish that’s irresistible.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your wreath will bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, whole berry cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped green onions, shredded Swiss cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until the mixture is evenly blended, creating a savory and slightly tangy filling that’s packed with exciting flavors and textures.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough
Unroll your canned crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on your prepared baking sheet so that the wide ends overlap at the center and the pointed ends face outward—this forms your wreath base and sets the stage for a stunning presentation.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Spread the turkey mixture evenly onto the overlapping wide ends in the center of the wreath, making sure every bite will be full of flavor. Then, fold the pointed ends over the filling, gently tucking them underneath the dough circle so it seals nicely. This technique ensures everything stays perfectly contained as it bakes.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the entire wreath with a beaten egg to give it that beautiful golden and glossy finish once it’s out of the oven. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough turns a delicious golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let it cool just a few minutes so it slices cleanly and is safe to eat.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme around the wreath for a festive look that also invites an herbal aroma. A light sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few whole cranberries scattered on top can also brighten the presentation and add fresh pops of color.
Side Dishes
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, a crisp mixed green salad, or mashed sweet potatoes. These accompaniments keep the focus on the wreath while rounding out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the wreath on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and creamy mustard for dipping. Another fun idea is to cut the wreath into individual “pinwheel” slices for easy sharing at a casual gathering or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want them), cover the wreath tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or snack option.
Freezing
You can freeze the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath by wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 325°F until warmed through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This reheating method preserves the crescent dough’s crispness and the filling’s creamy texture much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is perfect for transforming leftover turkey into a delicious new meal that feels fresh and exciting.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, mozzarella or provolone work beautifully here and give a slightly different but equally tasty flavor profile.
Can I make this wreath ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the wreath and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent the dough from drying out.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the Swiss cheese for a plant-based cheese that melts well.
How do I prevent the bottom of the wreath from getting soggy?
For a crispier bottom crust, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before assembling the wreath on it. This helps the bottom start cooking immediately and avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s not just a meal; it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a crowd-pleaser all in one. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own tradition!
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Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is a delicious and festive main course perfect for using leftover turkey. Made with crescent roll dough filled with a savory mix of shredded turkey, whole berry cranberry sauce, cream cheese, mayonnaise, celery, green onions, and Swiss cheese, this baked wreath is golden, flaky, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy-to-make holiday-inspired dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Wreath Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded turkey
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough and Topping
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8 oz), unrolled and separated into triangles
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, whole berry cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped green onions, shredded Swiss cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Arrange Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circular pattern with the wide ends overlapping to form a ring in the center and the pointed ends facing outward, creating a wreath shape.
- Add Filling: Spoon the turkey and cranberry filling evenly around the center ring where the wide ends of dough overlap, leaving enough space at the edges for folding.
- Fold Dough: Fold the pointed ends of each dough triangle over the filling towards the center and tuck them underneath the wide ends to seal the wreath and encase the filling securely.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire top surface of the wreath with the beaten egg to give the crust a beautiful, glossy golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is puffed, cooked through, and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the wreath to cool for a few minutes to set before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For a crispier bottom crust, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the assembled wreath on it.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or provolone for a milder or different cheese flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well in a 325°F oven until warmed through, maintaining the crust’s texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
