Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, family, and gratitude. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with an abundance of delicious leftovers? The endless parade of turkey sandwiches can quickly become monotonous. Fear not, holiday hosts and hungry families! This incredible Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring recipe is here to transform your post-Thanksgiving dilemma into a triumph of taste. Easy to prepare, bursting with festive flavors, and delightfully satisfying, this dish elevates classic holiday components into an exciting new meal, perfect for serving with a side of warm, comforting gravy. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that breathes new life into your cherished holiday remnants.
REINVENTING THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS: A DELICIOUS TURKEY AND STUFFING CRESCENT RING
In the perpetual quest to find innovative and exciting ways to utilize Thanksgiving leftovers, we proudly present the Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring. This culinary creation marries the savory goodness of leftover turkey and stuffing with the flaky, buttery perfection of crescent roll dough, a touch of creamy cheese, and a hint of fresh spinach for color and nutrition (because, why not add a healthy touch?). The result is a simple yet spectacular makeover meal that promises to delight your taste buds and banish the boredom often associated with post-holiday eating. Forget the mundane; embrace a dish that’s both effortless to assemble and incredibly rewarding to savor. It’s a testament to how easily you can transform familiar flavors into something completely fresh and captivating.
WHY THIS TURKEY AND STUFFING CRESCENT RING IS A MUST-TRY
This Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for busy holidays and a celebration of comfort food. Its appeal lies in its remarkable versatility and ease of preparation, making it a staple beyond the Thanksgiving weekend. Here are a few compelling reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation:
- **Ultimate Leftover Transformation:** It skillfully repurposes turkey and stuffing into a meal that feels entirely new and special, far from the traditional reheat. This innovative approach ensures that no delicious morsel goes to waste.
- **Effortless & Quick Preparation:** Utilizing pre-made crescent roll dough significantly cuts down on prep time. You can have this impressive dish assembled and baking in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- **Family-Friendly Appeal:** The familiar flavors of turkey and stuffing encased in a warm, flaky crust are universally loved. It’s a dish that appeals to both adults and children, often sparking conversations about the holiday feast it originated from.
- **Customizable to Your Liking:** The recipe serves as a fantastic base, allowing for endless customization. Whether you want to add more vegetables, different cheeses, or extra seasonings, it adapts beautifully to your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- **Perfect for Entertaining:** Its ring shape makes for an attractive presentation, ideal for casual gatherings or even a festive brunch. Place a bowl of warm gravy or cranberry sauce in the center for an inviting centerpiece.
- **Budget-Friendly:** By using ingredients you already have, this recipe helps you stretch your food budget further, turning potential waste into a wonderful, economical meal.
EXPERT TIPS AND DELICIOUS VARIATIONS FOR YOUR CRESCENT RING
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to interpretation, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t limit yourself to just Thanksgiving leftovers; this crescent ring is a fantastic meal solution all year round! Here are some tips to make it truly your own:
- **Beyond Thanksgiving Leftovers:** While perfect for post-holiday turkey, this recipe works beautifully with leftover shredded chicken or even rotisserie chicken. It’s an excellent weeknight meal when you need something quick and satisfying.
- **Veggie Power-Up:** I love adding fresh spinach leaves for a vibrant touch of green and added nutrients. However, feel free to omit it if it’s not to your liking. Other fantastic additions include sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, diced bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash for a fall-inspired twist.
- **Cranberry Sauce Customization:** Cranberry sauce adds a delightful tartness that cuts through the richness of the turkey and stuffing. If you’re not a fan, simply leave it out. Alternatively, consider using a cranberry relish or even a dollop of apple sauce for a different flavor profile.
- **Cheesy Choices:** While Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment. Cheddar provides a sharper taste, Swiss adds nuttiness, or a blend of Italian cheeses could offer a more robust profile. Provolone or mozzarella would also be excellent for a stretchier, gooey texture.
- **Add More Leftovers:** Got mashed potatoes? Spoon a thin layer over the stuffing for an extra layer of comfort food goodness. Sweet potato casserole leftovers could also be a surprisingly delicious addition, especially if it’s not overly sweet. The possibilities are truly endless!
- **Seasoning Smarts:** Beyond salt, pepper, and garlic powder, consider infusing more holiday flavor. A pinch of dried sage, thyme, or rosemary mixed with the turkey can enhance the overall aromatic experience. A dash of onion powder or a hint of smoked paprika could also add depth.
- **Make It Ahead:** You can assemble the crescent ring up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just before baking, brush with the butter and seasoning mixture, then bake as directed. This is perfect for party prep!
- **Freezing Instructions:** While best fresh, leftover slices can be frozen. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crisp.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR SAVORY CRESCENT RING
Crafting this delightful Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Many of these will likely be found among your Thanksgiving leftovers, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Crescent Rolls: The foundation of our ring, providing that irresistible flaky, buttery crust. Two standard tubes are typically sufficient.
- Shredded Leftover Cooked Turkey: The star of the show. Dark or white meat, or a mix, works perfectly.
- Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the turkey, especially if it’s unseasoned. Adjust to your taste.
- Leftover Cooked Stuffing: Adds a rich, herbaceous, and moist layer that’s quintessential to holiday flavors.
- Fresh Spinach Leaves: (Optional) For a burst of color, freshness, and a touch of added nutrition.
- Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tart counterpoint that brightens the entire dish.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory layer.
- Melted Butter: Brushed over the top for a golden, irresistible crust.
- Poultry Seasoning: Mixed with the butter, it amplifies the savory, herbaceous notes and gives that classic holiday aroma.
- Turkey Gravy: The perfect accompaniment for dipping, completing the ultimate comfort food experience.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO MAKE A TURKEY AND STUFFING CRESCENT RING
Creating this impressive Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to assemble a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for more:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a piece of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray for extra assurance. Place a small, oven-safe bowl in the very center of your prepared cookie sheet; this will serve as a guide for your crescent ring and will later hold the warm gravy.
Step 2: Arrange the Crescent Rolls
Carefully unroll both cans of crescent rolls. Separate the dough triangles. Lay them out around the base of the small bowl, with the wider ends overlapping and forming a continuous circle. The pointed ends of the triangles should extend outwards, creating a sun-like or starburst shape. Ensure there are no large gaps to keep the filling securely inside.
Step 3: Layer the Turkey
Now, it’s time for the first layer of savory goodness. Evenly distribute the shredded cooked turkey around the inside edge of the crescent rolls, forming a thick band. If your turkey isn’t heavily seasoned, consider sprinkling it with a bit of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder at this stage to boost its flavor.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing
Next, take your leftover cooked stuffing and spread it evenly over the layer of shredded turkey. This provides a wonderfully moist and flavorful core to your crescent ring. Gently press it down to ensure it stays in place.
Step 5: Introduce the Spinach
If you’re opting for a touch of green, place the fresh spinach leaves evenly over the turkey and stuffing layer. This not only adds a nutritious element but also a lovely visual contrast once the ring is sliced.
Step 6: Drizzle with Cranberry Sauce
Generously spread the cranberry sauce over the spinach leaves (or directly over the stuffing if omitting spinach). This layer introduces a delightful sweet and tangy note that beautifully complements the savory fillings.
Step 7: Crown with Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce layer. The cheese will melt into a gooey, delicious blanket, binding all the flavors together.
Step 8: Form the Ring
Carefully remove the small bowl from the center of the ring. Take the pointed end of each crescent roll triangle and pull it over the top of the filling, tucking it gently under the wider base of the opposite crescent roll. Continue this process with all the triangles, completely enclosing the filling to form a beautiful, unified ring. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly neat; it will look rustic and delicious once baked.
Step 9: Season and Bake
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and poultry seasoning. Using a pastry brush, generously brush this mixture over the entire surface of the crescent roll dough. This will give it a beautiful golden sheen and add extra savory depth. Carefully transfer the cookie sheet with the crescent ring to your preheated oven.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Step 10: Serve with Gravy
Once baked to perfection, remove the crescent ring from the oven. Carefully place the small bowl back into the center of the warm ring. Fill the bowl with warm turkey or chicken gravy. Allow the ring to cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Slice rolls and serve! Each slice will reveal the beautiful layers of turkey, stuffing, spinach, cranberry, and cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust.
CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? EXPLORE THESE DELIGHTFUL IDEAS!
If you’ve enjoyed reinventing your leftovers with this Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring, you’ll love exploring other creative and comforting recipes. Whether you’re looking for more ways to use holiday ingredients or simply seeking inspiring meals for any day of the week, these suggestions are sure to satisfy your culinary curiosities:
- Creative Leftover Turkey Recipes
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders: Miniature Feast
- Tender Crock Pot Boneless Turkey Breast
- Mastering Fried Turkey: A Guide
- Effortless One Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- Quick Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Convenient Crock Pot Stuffing
- Charming Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Bundles
- Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup: Your Complete Guide
Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring
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10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
16
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
-
2
(8 ounce)
tubes crescent rolls -
1
cup
leftover shredded cooked turkey -
salt, pepper and garlic powder
(to taste) -
1
cup
leftover cooked stuffing -
1
cup
fresh spinach leaves
(optional) -
½
cup
cranberry sauce -
1
cup
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
-
2
teaspoons
butter, melted
-
1
teaspoon
poultry seasoning -
1
cup
turkey or chicken gravy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out a piece of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet, and spray with nonstick spray.
- Place a small bowl in the center (you’ll use this later for the gravy). Unroll the cans of crescent rolls. Lay out rolls overlapping around the base of the bowl forming a sun-shape.
- Place turkey around the inside edge of the rolls. Optional: season the turkey with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread stuffing evenly on top of the shredded turkey.
- Next place the spinach leaves evenly on top of the turkey/stuffing layer.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly around and then cover with shredded cheese.
- Pull the end of each crescent roll over the top of the filling and tuck it under the base of the roll. Repeat with remaining rolls. Remove the small bowl from the center.
- Mix together the melted butter and poultry seasoning and brush over crescent rolls.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When rolls have baked and become golden brown, remove from oven.
- Add the small bowl back to the center of the crescent ring and pour warm gravy into the bowl. Cut rolls and serve!
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
77
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
7
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
4
g
|
Sodium:
188
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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