If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that combines festive flavors with easy prep, you’re going to adore this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of turkey mingling with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, all wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough shaped into a stunning wreath. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a bite-sized centerpiece that tastes as delightful as it looks. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, guaranteed to bring smiles and seconds around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe, you’ll want to have just the right balance of fresh, flavorful, and textural ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy mayonnaise binding everything together to the crisp celery adding freshness, and the crescent rolls providing that irresistible golden crust.
- Crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): These form the flaky, buttery wreath that holds the filling perfectly.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Acts as a creamy binder that keeps all ingredients moist and delicious.
- Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp): Adds a gentle tangy kick to balance the sweetness of cranberries.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Gives a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Cooked turkey, chopped (2 cups): The hearty star of the filling, providing savory flavor and protein.
- Celery, chopped (½ cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and bright flavor contrast.
- Sweetened dried cranberries (½ cup): Bring natural sweetness and a holiday vibe to the dish.
- Swiss cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts beautifully to add richness and a mild nutty note.
- Pecans, coarsely chopped (¼ cup): Introduce a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Egg (1, lightly beaten): Used for brushing the dough to achieve that golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Corners and Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it nice and ready. Then, unroll your crescent dough and separate it into 16 triangles. The key to a perfect wreath is in the layout: take 8 triangles and arrange them in a circle with the wide edges facing the center. Make sure the corners overlap by about an inch, creating a solid base for the wreath’s inner and outer layers.
Step 2: Build the Two Rings of Dough
Now take the remaining 8 dough triangles and position them inside the first circle. This time, the wide edges should be on the inside, pointing towards the wreath’s center, with the points overlapping slightly on the outer ring. You’ll have two distinct layers—the outer ring’s points going outward, and the inner ring’s points aiming inward—forming the classic wreath shape.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, chopped turkey, celery, dried cranberries, Swiss cheese, and pecans. This springy filling blends sweet, savory, and crunchy elements beautifully, making each bite nothing short of irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling and Fold
Carefully spoon the filling right over the seams where the dough triangles meet, shaping it into a neat circle inside your wreath base. Starting from the center, gently lift one triangle of dough across the filling, then fold an outer triangle, overlapping each slightly and working your way around. Tuck the last triangle under the first to seal your wreath perfectly.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the entire wreath with the beaten egg to give it that beautiful golden shine. Place the wreath in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dough is puffed and golden brown. The scent will fill your kitchen with a cozy, festive welcome.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for a rustic and aromatic touch that echoes the holiday spirit. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a hint of sweetness and snowy charm if you’re serving this during colder months.
Side Dishes
This wreath pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, offering a fresh counterbalance to the richness of the filling. Roasted root vegetables or a simple soup can complement this dish to round out an impressive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive table, place your Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe on a wooden cutting board surrounded by cranberries and nuts for a centerpiece effect. You can also serve individual slices with small ramekins of cranberry sauce or mustard on the side for dipping, making it interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Turkey and Cranberry Wreath tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents the dough from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked wreath after assembling it. Wrap it well in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the crust flaky and the filling deliciously warm without becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey works perfectly in the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe, making it a smart and tasty way to transform your holiday turkey into another fabulous meal.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other mild, melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or even Monterey Jack, depending on your preference. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor but keep the same creamy texture.
Can this wreath be made vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the turkey with a plant-based protein like cooked chickpeas or a meat-free chicken substitute, and it will still be delicious with the cranberries and pecans adding plenty of texture and flavor.
What kind of dried cranberries should I use?
Sweetened dried cranberries work best in this recipe, as they offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. If you prefer, you can soak them briefly in warm water or juice to plump them up before mixing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute the mayo with a vegan version to make the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets while keeping all the festive flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience to share with loved ones. Its beautiful presentation combined with a perfect harmony of flavors makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this wreath is sure to impress and delight. Don’t hesitate—grab those crescent rolls and get ready to put together one of the most delicious and charming dishes you’ve ever made!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Wreath Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A festive and savory Turkey and Cranberry Wreath featuring crescent roll dough filled with a delicious mixture of cooked turkey, cranberries, cheese, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Filling
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Glaze
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the wreath.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 16 individual triangles.
- Form Outer Ring: Arrange 8 crescent dough triangles in a circle on your baking pan with the wide edges facing the center and corners overlapping by about 1 inch.
- Form Inner Ring: Place the remaining 8 triangles inside the outer ring, with the wide edges facing inward and slightly overlapping each other, making the points of the dough face into the circle, creating an inner ring of dough.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, chopped turkey, celery, dried cranberries, shredded Swiss cheese, and chopped pecans until evenly mixed.
- Add Filling to Dough: Spoon the prepared filling mixture over the seams of the dough rings forming a circle inside the wreath.
- Weave Dough Over Filling: Starting from the center, lift one triangle of the inner ring dough over the filling, then alternate with triangles from the outer ring, slightly overlapping each one to create a woven wreath pattern. Tuck the last end under the first triangle to seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the beaten egg over the entire crescent wreath to help it brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake: Place the wreath in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use cooked turkey leftovers or deli turkey for convenience.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- To make prep quicker, chop the ingredients ahead and mix just before assembling.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
