Crescent Roll Turkey Ring

After the big holiday feast—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special occasion—you’re likely to find yourself with a refrigerator full of leftovers. While reheating a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce can be satisfying, there’s something about transforming those leftovers into an entirely new dish that makes the post-holiday meals even more exciting. Enter the Crescent Roll Turkey Ring, the ultimate makeover for your Thanksgiving leftovers!

This crescent roll ring is a genius way to repurpose everything from leftover mashed potatoes to turkey and cranberry sauce. It’s an easy, delicious, and visually impressive dish that you can whip up with minimal effort using pre-made crescent roll dough. The best part? The ingredients are entirely customizable based on whatever you have in your fridge, making it the perfect post-holiday meal. With a few simple tweaks, your leftovers turn into a comforting, flaky, golden crescent roll masterpiece.

Plus, this Crescent Roll Turkey Ring is great for feeding a crowd, and it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it in advance and enjoy it later. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, savory leftover meal, along with plenty of tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you use up every bit of your holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Turkey Ring

1. Creative Use of Leftovers: It’s a fun way to give your Thanksgiving leftovers a new lease on life. Plus, the mix of textures and flavors—from creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce—is just irresistible.
2. Easy to Make: Using pre-made crescent roll dough makes this recipe incredibly simple, and the assembly is as easy as pie.
3. Customizable: Don’t have turkey? Use ham, chicken, or even roast beef. Leftover sweet potatoes? Throw them in! You can make it your own with whatever you have on hand.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone around the table.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ring ahead of time and bake it when ready, making it a stress-free dish for busy holiday weekends.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice of crescent roll ring

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Crescent Roll Ring:

• 2 tubes of crescent roll dough (store-bought, about 16 rolls total)
• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup leftover stuffing
• 1 ½ cups shredded leftover turkey (or chicken, ham, etc.)
• ½ cup leftover cranberry sauce (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

For the Gravy Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup leftover gravy, warmed for dipping
• A pinch of black pepper or paprika for extra flavor (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for an extra gooey, cheesy filling
• ½ cup sautéed onions or mushrooms for added texture and flavor
• Chopped green onions for a fresh kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

1. Arrange the Dough:

Open both tubes of crescent roll dough and separate the dough into individual triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circular pattern, overlapping the wide ends slightly to form a ring. The narrow points of the dough triangles should face outward, creating a starburst shape.

The wide ends will serve as the base for holding all your delicious leftovers, while the pointed ends will fold over the top to encase the filling.

Step 3: Layer the Leftovers

1. Add the Mashed Potatoes:

Start by spreading the mashed potatoes evenly around the ring, on the wide ends of the dough triangles. This acts as a base layer, adding creaminess to the filling.

2. Add the Stuffing:

Next, spoon the leftover stuffing on top of the mashed potatoes. The stuffing adds a great savory flavor and texture that pairs well with the creamy potatoes.

3. Layer the Turkey:

Now, sprinkle the shredded turkey (or other meat, like ham or chicken) over the stuffing. Make sure to spread it evenly so that each slice of the ring gets some meat.

4. Drizzle the Cranberry Sauce:

Drizzle the cranberry sauce over the top of the turkey. The sweetness and tartness of the cranberry sauce balance out the richness of the savory ingredients.

5. Optional Add-Ins:

If you’re using any optional ingredients, like shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or onions, sprinkle them on top of the filling now.

Step 4: Fold and Seal the Crescent Roll Ring

1. Fold the Dough Over the Filling:

Carefully fold the narrow ends of the crescent roll dough over the filling toward the center of the ring. Tuck the points underneath the wide ends of the dough to seal the ring. Don’t worry if the filling peeks out in some places—that’s part of the rustic charm!

2. Brush with Melted Butter:

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the crescent roll ring with the melted butter mixture. This will give the dough a golden, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Bake the Crescent Roll Ring

Place the crescent roll ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to ensure the top doesn’t get too dark.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley:

Once the crescent roll ring is out of the oven, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

2. Slice and Serve:

Carefully slice the ring into portions and serve warm. You can serve it as is or with a side of leftover gravy, warmed for dipping. The gravy adds extra richness and pairs beautifully with the buttery crescent roll crust.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This crescent roll turkey ring makes a fantastic main dish for brunch or lunch. Serve it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
• As an Appetizer: Cut the ring into smaller portions and serve it as a party appetizer. It’s perfect for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or game day spreads.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair the turkey crescent ring with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a hearty, savory breakfast or brunch.
• On the Go: These crescent rolls are great for leftovers the next day! Pack slices in lunch boxes or bring them on a picnic for a delicious and convenient meal on the go.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overfill the Ring: Be mindful not to overstuff the crescent dough with too much filling, as this can make it difficult to fold and seal the ring properly. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
2. Use Cold Leftovers: It’s easier to handle the filling if your leftovers are cold. Room temperature or warm fillings can make the dough more difficult to work with.
3. Brush with Butter for a Golden Finish: Brushing the crescent roll dough with butter before baking ensures a beautifully golden and flavorful crust.
4. Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add veggies like sautéed spinach or roasted sweet potatoes, use different cheeses, or throw in some leftover gravy inside the ring for an extra savory twist.
5. Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers of your crescent roll ring, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will keep the dough flaky and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Recipe Variations

This Crescent Roll Turkey Ring is incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients to match your leftovers or preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ring:

If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, try making a ham and cheese version of this ring. Use ham, shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of mustard inside the crescent dough for a savory, cheesy treat.

2. Veggie Lover’s Crescent Roll Ring:

For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and stuffing and load the crescent roll ring with roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Add in some shredded cheese and mashed potatoes for a hearty, veggie-filled meal.

3. Turkey and Brie Crescent Roll Ring:

For a more elegant take, fill the crescent rolls with turkey, Brie cheese, and cranberry sauce. The creamy Brie pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry sauce and savory turkey.

4. Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Roll Ring:

Turn this into a chicken pot pie-inspired dish by filling the crescent rolls with shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and a spoonful of cream sauce or gravy.

5. Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Crescent Roll Ring:

For a sweet and savory twist, use leftover sweet potatoes (or sweet potato casserole) and mini marshmallows inside the crescent dough. The result is a deliciously gooey, sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftover crescent roll ring slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

Freezing the Crescent Roll Ring:

To freeze, assemble the crescent roll ring but don’t bake it. Place it on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the unbaked ring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Tips:

For the best results, reheat leftover crescent rolls in the oven or toaster oven to retain the flakiness and crispness of the dough. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet: You’ll need a large baking sheet to bake the crescent roll ring.
• Parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the dough with melted butter before baking.
• Spatula: To help lift and serve the crescent roll slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer to make your own dough, you can absolutely use a homemade crescent roll dough. Just roll it out and follow the same assembly instructions. However, using pre-made dough saves time and makes this recipe extra convenient.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

You can use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for a flakier, more buttery version of this dish. Just make sure to roll the puff pastry into a similar starburst shape and bake according to the instructions.

3. What other sauces can I serve with the crescent roll ring?

In addition to leftover gravy, you can serve the crescent roll ring with ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy cheese sauce for dipping.

4. Can I make this crescent roll ring vegan or gluten-free?

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and a vegan meat substitute (like plant-based turkey or sausage). You can also try using gluten-free crescent roll dough or homemade gluten-free dough to make this dish gluten-free.

5. Can I make this crescent roll ring in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the ring and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven and bake as directed.

Conclusion

The Crescent Roll Turkey Ring is the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into something new and exciting. With its flaky, golden crust and savory filling, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer. This easy recipe is perfect for repurposing mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into a delicious meal that feels fresh and inventive.

Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also endlessly customizable. You can switch up the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, or try one of the many variations to suit your taste. And the best part? It’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, so you can always have a meal ready when you need it.

So, next time you find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers, grab some crescent roll dough and turn them into this irresistible Crescent Roll Turkey Ring. It’s sure to become a new holiday tradition!

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