Introduction
Imagine golden, flaky crescent rolls wrapped around savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, and a sweet-tart kiss of cranberry sauce—all baked into one irresistible, shareable ring. Sounds like the ultimate post-Thanksgiving dream, right? This Thanksgiving Crescent Ring isn't just a clever way to repurpose leftovers—it’s a flavor-packed celebration of everything we love about the holiday, all in one easy-to-make dish. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to prep and bake!
I still remember the first time I threw this together on Black Friday. My fridge was overflowing with Thanksgiving leftovers, my family was tired of reheated plates, and I needed something new. On a whim, I rolled everything into crescent dough—and they devoured it before I could even grab a slice! It’s now a staple in our house the weekend after Thanksgiving. Compared to my Classic Turkey Pot Pie, this crescent ring is faster, fuss-free, and just as comforting. If you’re looking for a creative, kid-approved (and guest-impressing!) way to give your leftovers a second life, this recipe is your holiday hero. Let’s bake some magic!
What is Thanksgiving Crescent Ring?
“Thanksgiving Crescent Ring”? Sounds fancy, but it’s really just your leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce throwing a cozy party inside buttery crescent dough! Ever wonder why it’s called a “ring”? Well, because we arrange the filled crescents in a circle (like a delicious edible wreath) that bakes into one stunning centerpiece. Is it a casserole? A sandwich? A holiday pizza? Honestly—it’s all of the above! And as the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—but let’s be real, this ring wins over kids, grandmas, and picky eaters alike. So, ready to transform those tired leftovers into something exciting? Grab your baking sheet—this ring is calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Crescent Ring
This recipe is a triple threat: effortless, economical, and exceptionally tasty. First, it’s the ultimate flavor combo—tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce all hugged by buttery, flaky crescent dough. Every bite is a mini Thanksgiving feast! Second, it’s a genius way to stretch your holiday leftovers into another satisfying meal without spending extra money. (Hello, budget-friendly cooking!) Third, that finishing touch of melted butter and fresh parsley? Chef’s kiss. Serve it with warm gravy for dipping, and you’ve got comfort food perfection. If you loved my Leftover Turkey Soup, you’ll adore this equally cozy—but way more fun—leftover hack. Give it a try; your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
How to Make Thanksgiving Crescent Ring
Quick Overview
This Thanksgiving Crescent Ring comes together in under 30 minutes with zero fancy techniques. Just layer your leftovers onto crescent dough triangles, fold them into a ring, brush with butter, and bake until golden. The result? A warm, flaky, savory-sweet masterpiece that makes leftovers feel like a brand-new meal.
Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Crescent Ring
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup stuffing
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- Gravy, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. Arrange them on the baking sheet in a ring formation, with the wide ends forming a circle and the points facing outward—like a starburst. Slightly overlap the wide corners so they connect.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion about 1 tablespoon of mashed potatoes onto the wide end of each triangle. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to gently flatten it into a small oval.
- Top each mashed potato portion with about 1 tablespoon of stuffing, followed by a spoonful of shredded turkey.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey (about ½ cup total for the whole ring).
- Now, carefully lift the point of each crescent triangle and fold it up and over the filling, tucking the tip underneath to seal the pocket. The ring should now look like a continuous spiral of filled crescents.
- Brush the entire ring with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with a small bowl of gravy in the center of the ring for dipping!
What to Serve Thanksgiving Crescent Ring With
This crescent ring is a meal in itself, but you can round out your plate with a few simple sides:
- A crisp autumn salad with apples, walnuts, and vinaigrette
- Warm green bean casserole or roasted seasonal vegetables
- A mug of spiced apple cider or a glass of dry white wine
- For dessert? Leftover pumpkin pie—because why stop the holiday vibes?
Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Crescent Ring
- Add cheese! Tuck a slice of white cheddar, Swiss, or provolone under the turkey for extra richness.
- No need to reheat leftovers—using them cold prevents dryness since the oven heats everything through.
- Don’t overfill the crescents, or they’ll burst open during baking. Keep fillings compact.
- Use homemade or store-bought—this recipe works with any style of stuffing or cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry).
- Make it ahead: Assemble the ring (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because this dish uses previously stored Thanksgiving leftovers, enjoy it within 1–2 days for best quality and food safety. If your turkey or stuffing was already on day 3 or 4, it’s best to eat the crescent ring immediately and not save more leftovers.
To reheat: Place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp. Avoid the microwave—it makes the crescent dough soggy!
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the mashed potatoes and stuffing can become watery when thawed, compromising the texture of the dough.
Pro tip: If you’re making this on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), it’s the perfect “last hurrah” for your holiday leftovers—just don’t wait too long!
