How to make turkey-shaped crescent rolls?

This recipe doesn’t shape the rolls like a turkey itself — instead, you use crescent roll dough to build a turkey cranberry crescent wreath . If you want a playful touch, arrange a few dough triangles at the base of the wreath to resemble “feathers.” It’s a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive without extra effort.

Why do people eat cranberry with turkey?

Cranberry and turkey have been a classic holiday pairing for centuries. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce balances the richness of savory turkey, creating the perfect bite. In this crescent wreath, that same pairing makes every slice taste like Thanksgiving or Christmas on a plate.

How many calories in a turkey cranberry sandwich?

A traditional turkey cranberry sandwich often ranges between 300–400 calories depending on bread and fillings. Our turkey cranberry crescent wreath falls in a similar range per slice — about 280–320 calories. The buttery crescent dough, creamy cheese, and cranberry sauce add richness, but it’s still lighter than many other holiday casseroles or pies.

What goes with turkey and cranberry?

This wreath pairs beautifully with cozy sides and soups. A crisp salad or roasted vegetables balance the flavors, while something heartier like this Homemade Vegetarian Chili turns it into a full dinner. On the sweet side, finish with a fruity dessert or a warm holiday drink.

What’s the difference between a crescent and a crescent roll?

“Crescent” refers to the signature crescent-moon shape of the dough. “Crescent rolls” are the actual baked product — light, flaky rolls made from yeasted dough. In this recipe, you start with pre-made crescent roll dough triangles and use them to build a wreath shape.

How to make crescent roll shape?

To shape crescent rolls, start with the dough triangle, roll it up tightly from the wide end toward the tip, then curve slightly to form a crescent. In this recipe, instead of rolling, you overlap the triangles in a circle to create the wreath’s structure.

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Wreath – Easy Holiday Recipe Guests Love

Description

Turkey cranberry crescent wreath is a festive holiday recipe with flaky crescent rolls, savory turkey, melty cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. A beautiful centerpiece that’s easy to make and perfect for Christmas dinner or holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wreath:

2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
2 cups shredded Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese
1 lb sliced turkey breast (leftover turkey or deli-style)
1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce

For the Topping:

2 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp poppy seeds
½ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat Oven – Heat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
Arrange Crescent Rolls – Separate crescent dough and arrange triangles in a circle with wide ends overlapping and tips pointing outward (like a sun shape).
Prepare Cream Cheese Mix – In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp rosemary until smooth. Spread evenly over the wide part of each triangle.
Add Cheese and Turkey – Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the cream cheese base. Layer turkey slices evenly around the ring.
Add Cranberry Sauce – Spoon half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Save the rest for serving. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Fold and Shape Wreath – Bring the narrow tips of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck under the ring. Continue until you form a closed wreath.
Brush with Topping – Mix melted butter, poppy seeds, and garlic powder. Brush over the dough for a golden finish.
Bake – Bake 22–24 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Garnish – Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining rosemary and slice into wedges. Serve with the extra cranberry sauce.

Notes

Use two cans of crescent rolls for a sturdier wreath and more servings.
Swap Gruyere for cheddar, brie, or mozzarella to change up flavors.
For a gourmet twist, add caramelized onions or chopped pecans before baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the wreath, refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Holiday Recipe
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: per serving, ~1 slice of wreath
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 510 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg