If you’re craving a festive, crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the comforting flavors of the holidays into one eye-catching presentation, then this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender shredded turkey, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, crisp celery, and melted cheese all wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll crust shaped like a charming wreath. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any holiday brunch or a clever way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers without any fuss. Once you try this delightful recipe, it’s bound to become a new family favorite that combines ease, taste, and a bit of festive flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this gorgeous Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery crescent dough that creates the crispy exterior to the creamy tang of the cranberry mayo filling, every item is essential to bring this recipe to life.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The flaky base that forms the wreath’s beautiful golden crust.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded: The hearty protein bringing savory goodness and leftover magic to the dish.
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds sweetness and a gorgeous pop of festive red color.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides creaminess that binds the filling and balances flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that cuts through richness and elevates the taste.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Offers a refreshing crunch, adding texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings mild onion brightness and a splash of green.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bind and enrich the filling.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Provides a glossy golden finish to the crust when brushed on.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wreath Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into triangles. Arrange these triangles in a large circle on a baking sheet or pizza stone, overlapping the wide ends slightly in the center and allowing the triangular points to face outward. This formation creates the classic wreath shape that will impress everyone at the table.
Step 2: Mix the Turkey Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your chopped or shredded turkey with the whole berry cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, green onions, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir everything gently until it is evenly blended, combining creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory notes into one irresistible filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Wreath
Using a spoon, carefully spread the turkey mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent dough triangles placed on your baking sheet. Then, take each point of the triangles and fold them over the filling, tucking the ends under the center to seal the wreath. This step folds all those delicious flavors inside the golden pockets of dough, creating a beautiful, filled ring.
Step 4: Finish and Bake
Brush the entire dough wreath with the beaten egg to help it develop that perfect shiny, golden-brown crust. Place the wreath in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns a gorgeous golden color and is fully cooked through. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing to keep all that juicy filling intact and ready for serving.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds a lovely aromatic note and an elegant green touch to your wreath. You could also scatter some extra chopped green onions or drizzle a little additional cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. These simple garnishes make your dish look even more inviting and bring that festive spirit straight to your plate.
Side Dishes
Serve this wreath alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the richness of the filling. A light vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad also pairs well, providing a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy wreath. These sides round out your meal with fresh textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive spread, place your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe on a decorative platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine. You might also cut it into individual slices and serve with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce or mustard for dipping. Whether on a holiday buffet or cozy family table, this wreath always steals the show and adds that extra touch of creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Turkey and Cranberry Wreath slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy all over again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep the wreath longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can prepare it in advance for a busy holiday season or quick meals anytime you want a festive treat.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crescent dough soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe works just as well with cooked chicken, offering the same delicious texture and taste. It’s a great way to adapt the dish to what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?
You can substitute with any cranberry sauce you like, including homemade versions or jellied cranberry sauce. Just remember that whole berry sauce adds a lovely texture and visual interest to the filling.
Can I make this wreath gluten-free?
To keep this recipe gluten-free, try using gluten-free crescent roll dough available at many grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a festive option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is this wreath suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! The Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is not just delicious, but it also looks stunning on the table, making it a perfect conversation starter and centerpiece at gatherings large or small.
Can I add nuts or herbs to the filling?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts provides a delightful crunch, and fresh herbs such as sage or parsley can boost the flavor. Customize the filling to suit your taste and make the wreath uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is a joyful combination of simplicity, savory flavors, and holiday charm. It’s a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around a uniquely beautiful and tasty dish. Give it a try—you might just discover a new holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to each year!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and delicious Turkey and Cranberry Wreath made with flaky crescent roll dough, filled with a savory mixture of turkey, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, and cheese. Perfect for holiday brunches or to creatively use Thanksgiving leftovers, this wreath is baked to golden perfection and offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Wreath Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the wreath evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Arrange these triangles in a circle on a large baking sheet or pizza stone, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, forming a wreath shape.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped or shredded turkey, whole berry cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, green onions, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Wreath: Spoon the prepared filling in a ring over the wide ends of the dough triangles arranged on the baking surface. Then fold the pointed ends over the filling and tuck them under the center to secure the wreath shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire dough wreath with the lightly beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the wreath in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the wreath to cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This festive wreath is perfect for holiday brunches or using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
- You can substitute chicken if desired for a different protein option.
- Add chopped nuts or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for a milder, melty texture.
