Name: Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise or softened cream cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese or mozzarella; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or sage; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional garnish: fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as easy as it is delicious, the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is your answer. Imagine flaky crescent rolls wrapped around a savory, creamy turkey filling that’s dotted with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate way to use up leftover turkey, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to buy turkey just for this recipe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just looking to bring a little festive flair to a weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress with its blend of flavors and beautiful presentation.

Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is how every ingredient plays an important role—nothing is extra, and everything brings something to the table. Each element layers on flavor, color, or that crave-worthy texture that makes each bite memorable.

Crescent roll dough: The foundation of the wreath, these give you a buttery, golden crust that’s practically foolproof.
Cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, turkey adds hearty protein and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: For that pop of sweet-tart brightness that balances the richness of the filling.
Mayonnaise or softened cream cheese: Helps bind the filling together and adds a creamy, luscious texture.
Shredded Swiss cheese or mozzarella: Melts into gooey goodness, bringing a subtle nuttiness or extra stretch—your choice!
Chopped celery: Adds a bit of crunch and fresh flavor for balance.
Chopped green onions: Offers a mild oniony zip and a touch of green color.
Dried thyme or sage: Just a dash gives that classic holiday aroma and depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and making all the other flavors pop.
Egg (beaten): The secret to a gorgeous, shiny crust on your finished wreath.
Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for a burst of color and herby aroma.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. You’ll want everything ready to go so you can assemble and bake your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath without a hitch.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise or cream cheese, shredded cheese, celery, green onions, dried thyme or sage, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix it all together until everything is evenly coated. This mixture is a little savory, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.

Step 3: Shape the Crescent Roll Wreath

On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a big circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points radiating outward, almost like a sun. Gently press the inner edges together to make a solid base for your filling—this helps keep all that deliciousness contained as it bakes.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon your turkey mixture evenly in a ring over the wide ends of the dough, making sure you leave the points free to fold over. Don’t worry if it looks generously filled; that’s what makes every slice wonderful!

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Take each point of dough and fold it over the filling toward the center, tucking the ends underneath the base to create a wreath shape. Press lightly to seal—this traps all the flavor inside and gives your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath its signature look.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the surface with beaten egg for that bakery-style golden sheen. Pop your wreath in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s beautifully puffed and golden brown. The aroma as it bakes will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!

Step 7: Cool, Garnish, and Slice

Once your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes so it slices neatly. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Slice into wedges and serve warm—watch it disappear!

How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or rosemary not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal aroma that brings the whole wreath to life. If you want to get fancy, try a few whole cranberries for a sparkling, holiday look.

Side Dishes

The Turkey and Cranberry Wreath pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, a bowl of creamy soup, or a platter of roasted veggies. For a festive meal, serve it alongside extra cranberry sauce or a warm turkey gravy for dipping—pure comfort!

Creative Ways to Present

Place your wreath on a wooden board with a little ramekin of cranberry sauce in the center for dipping. For an extra-celebratory touch, tuck a few sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers around the base. This dish is just begging to be the centerpiece at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices of Turkey and Cranberry Wreath tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled wreath slices individually and place them in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps the pastry stay crisp. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just know the crust may be a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe is just as delicious with cooked chicken. It’s a great way to use up any leftover roast chicken, and the flavors blend beautifully with the cranberry and cheese.

What kind of cheese works best?

Swiss cheese adds a lovely nutty flavor, but mozzarella is great for extra melt and stretch. You can also try Monterey Jack or even a little sharp cheddar for a different twist on your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath.

Can I make the wreath ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire wreath, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.

How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?

Make sure your filling isn’t too wet and that the crescent dough is pressed together firmly to form a solid base. Baking on parchment paper also helps keep the bottom crisp.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You could also toss in a handful of dried cranberries or even a few cooked veggies—just don’t overfill the wreath.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family with something comforting, festive, and downright delicious, give the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath a try. It’s the kind of recipe that turns leftovers into something magical and brings everyone running to the table. Happy baking!

Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe

4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is a festive and delicious way to transform leftover turkey into a savory holiday centerpiece. Made with crescent roll dough filled with a flavorful mixture of turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and herbs, this baked wreath is buttery, cheesy, and bursting with classic seasonal flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, it’s easy to assemble and impressive to serve hot from the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Filling

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise or softened cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese or mozzarella
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped turkey, whole berry cranberry sauce, mayonnaise or cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped celery, green onions, dried thyme or sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Arrange Crescent Rolls: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed tips facing outward, creating a sunburst pattern. Press the inner edges slightly together to form a firm base for the wreath.
Add the Filling: Spoon the turkey mixture evenly in a ring over the wide ends of the crescent rolls, making sure to distribute the filling uniformly around the wreath.
Fold and Seal: Fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling and tuck them under the center of the wreath. Press lightly to seal the edges and create a neat, enclosed wreath shape.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire top of the wreath with the beaten egg. This step will give the crust a beautiful golden brown and glossy finish when baked.
Bake: Bake the wreath in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through, with the filling hot and bubbly.
Cool and Garnish: Allow the wreath to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if desired to add a festive touch.
Serve: Slice the wreath into portions and serve warm. Pair with extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping for added flavor.