Name: Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 egg, beaten for egg wash; fresh parsley for garnish (optional); 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath combines savory turkey, tart cranberries, creamy Swiss cheese, and a buttery crescent roll crust into a showstopping holiday centerpiece. If you’re searching for a comforting holiday dish that doubles as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course, this wreath is a festive twist that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as you bring this golden, aromatic ring to the table—each bite is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors wrapped in flaky perfection!

Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Turkey and Cranberry Wreath are refreshingly straightforward, making prep a breeze but without sacrificing flavor or festivity. Each component brings something special: juicy turkey, chewy cranberries, and that indulgent, flaky pastry combine to create magic you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The foundation of the wreath—its buttery, tender texture is what makes every bite irresistible.
Cooked turkey, chopped: Use up leftovers or grab a rotisserie turkey for maximum ease and lots of flavor.
Dried cranberries: Their tart-sweet punch is what truly sets this dish apart from your typical savory bake.
Chopped celery: Adds a fresh, subtle crunch for texture that keeps each bite interesting.
Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts in beautifully, adding creaminess and a gentle nutty layer of flavor.
Mayonnaise: Binds everything together and brings a luscious creaminess to the filling.
Salt: Seasons the mixture so every ingredient shines (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste).
Black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle peppery edge.
Egg (beaten): Gives the crust a glossy, bakery-worthy finish when brushed on before baking.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green for color and a finishing touch of freshness.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath

Step 1: Combine the Filling

Start by stirring together the chopped turkey, dried cranberries, celery, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Give everything a good mix until it’s evenly blended—this creamy, studded filling is bursting with savory satisfaction and little pops of cranberry sweetness.

Step 2: Shape the Crescent Wreath

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping at the center and the points radiating outward. Your circle should have about a 5-inch opening in the middle, making room for all that lovely filling while letting the wreath keep its festive shape.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Spoon the turkey filling evenly around the circle, right on the wide ends of the triangles. Then, one by one, gently pull each dough point over the filling and tuck it under the inside edge to secure. This simple folding technique gives that signature woven, golden-ring look that makes a Turkey and Cranberry Wreath so inviting and impressive.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the entire dough surface lightly with your beaten egg. This step turns the crust beautifully shiny and deep golden once baked. Slide into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes—your kitchen will fill with an absolutely irresistible aroma!—until the ring is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath cool for about 5 minutes so the filling sets slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive flourish, slice it up, and serve warm. Expect everyone to dive in eagerly—this is one dish nobody can resist!

How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley across the top adds a vibrant pop of green, making your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath as stunning as it is delicious. For even more color, a few extra cranberries or a light dusting of flaky sea salt can create a beautiful, bistro-style finish.

Side Dishes

This wreath pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Think about roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes as cozy sides that make your holiday table feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the sliced Turkey and Cranberry Wreath on a wooden board surrounded by grapes, apple slices, and cheese cubes for a relaxed grazing-style appetizer. Or, set the whole wreath on a cake stand garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a dramatic, edible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, to be honest!), wrap them tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry stays surprisingly flaky, and the filling holds its flavor beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked Turkey and Cranberry Wreath in individual slices by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need a quick, comforting snack or lunch.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes—or until fully heated through and the pastry crisps up again. The microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating really brings back that wonderful fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken works beautifully in this recipe—just substitute it in a 1:1 ratio and follow the same steps. The flavors remain deliciously festive and satisfying.

What else can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

If you’re out of Swiss or want a different flavor twist, try Gruyère for extra richness or even sharp cheddar for bolder, tangier notes. Mozzarella works too, though it’s milder and a bit stretchier.

Can I assemble the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath ahead of time?

Yes, you can build the wreath and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 6 hours before baking. Simply cover loosely with plastic wrap, then brush with egg wash just before popping it in the oven.

What if I want an extra-sweet touch in this dish?

Try spreading a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the dough before adding the turkey filling. This extra element of sweet tang perfectly complements the savory ingredients and is especially gorgeous for a holiday brunch.

How do I keep the wreath from getting soggy on the bottom?

Bake it on parchment paper and use a light-colored baking sheet for even browning. Make sure your turkey filling isn’t too wet and always let the wreath cool slightly before slicing—these two tips help maintain the perfect flaky crust.

Final Thoughts

Few recipes combine impressive looks with such easy, comforting flavors as the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath. Whether you’re feeding holiday guests or just making a cozy family dinner a little more special, this wreath will quickly become a cherished tradition. Give it a try—the smiles and empty plates will tell you everything you need to know!

Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe

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4.7 from 16 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 dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. The combination of tender turkey, sweet cranberries, and gooey Swiss cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough creates a stunning wreath that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Roll Wreath:

2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 egg, beaten for egg wash
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Turkey Filling:

2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, cranberries, celery, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the wreath: Arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center. Spoon the turkey mixture over the wide ends and fold the pointed ends over the filling.
Bake: Brush the dough with beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.