Easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring: The Ultimate Leftover Recipe!

Introduction

After the big feast, those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers often linger. This effortless Thanksgiving Crescent Ring recipe offers a brilliant solution. You can transform your holiday remnants into a brand new, utterly delicious meal that tastes just as good, if not better, than the original spread. Enjoy a quick, comforting dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, making post-holiday cooking a breeze. It is perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike.

According to the USDA, strategic planning and proper storage of holiday meals can significantly reduce food waste.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Crescent Ring

This delightful recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy your holiday flavors all over again.

• Perfectly repurpose your holiday leftovers. Give your delicious turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes a second life in a creative way.
• Minimal cooking, maximum flavor. You get all the comfort of Thanksgiving dinner without hours in the kitchen.
• Quick 15-minute prep, 20-minute bake. Ideal for those busy days after the holiday when you need something easy.
• Crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal. Everyone will adore this unique and tasty twist on classic holiday dishes.
• Deliciously comforting and satisfying. Each bite of this Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is packed with familiar, heartwarming flavors.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is simple, especially since you are using leftovers! These components come together to create a harmonious blend of holiday flavors.

• 1 (16oz.) can crescent rolls (e.g., Pillsbury, Annie’s)
• 1 cup mashed potatoes (leftover, plain or garlic)
• 1 cup stuffing (leftover, crumbled well)
• 2 cups shredded turkey (leftover, white or dark meat)
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• Gravy for serving (warm)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust these ingredients based on what you have on hand. These tips help ensure your Thanksgiving Crescent Ring turns out perfectly every time.

• Crescent Rolls: Any brand works, but flaky versions often yield the best texture. Ensure the dough is cold when you start.
• Mashed Potatoes: Use homemade or store-bought; just ensure they are not too watery. Plain or garlicky potatoes are fantastic.
• Stuffing: Homemade or boxed, simply ensure it is well-crumbled so it distributes evenly inside the ring.
• Turkey: White or dark meat works equally well. Shredded or finely diced turkey are both great options.
• Cranberry Sauce: Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce are delicious. Choose your favorite for a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
• Butter: If using unsalted butter, add a tiny pinch of salt to the melted butter for enhanced flavor.
• Cheese: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded white cheddar, American, Swiss, or Provolone cheese over the turkey before folding.
• Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the turkey. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables instead.

Equipment

Making this simple Thanksgiving Crescent Ring requires minimal kitchen tools. You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.

• Baking sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet prevents any spills.
• Parchment paper: This ensures a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
• Medium cookie scoop: Great for portioning mashed potatoes evenly.
• Spoon or rubber spatula: For spreading the fillings.
• Small microwave-safe bowl: To melt the butter quickly.
• Pastry brush: Essential for getting that beautiful golden, buttery crust.

Instructions

Creating this easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is straightforward and fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect result.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
2. Unroll the can of crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a starburst shape. The wider ends of the triangles should form the inner circle, and the points should face outwards. Slightly overlap the lower corners of the triangles in the center to create a solid base.
3. Scoop the mashed potatoes. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the mashed potatoes onto the thicker, wider end of each crescent roll triangle.
4. Gently flatten the potatoes with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula. Spread them slightly towards the center of each triangle, leaving a small border.
5. Layer the stuffing and turkey. Evenly distribute the crumbled stuffing over the mashed potatoes. Then, top the stuffing with the shredded turkey, creating a neat mound on each roll.
6. Add the cranberry sauce. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce onto the turkey layer of each crescent roll. This adds a delightful sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory fillings.
7. Fold and secure the ring. Gently pull the points of the crescent rolls up and over the mounds of filling. Tuck the point in firmly under the thicker end of the roll, ensuring all the filling is enclosed to form a complete ring shape. Take care to seal any gaps.
8. Brush with butter. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the top of the Thanksgiving Crescent Ring with the melted butter. This helps it achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and adds flavor.
9. Bake the crescent ring. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes. Continue baking until the tops of the rolls are deeply golden brown and the filling is heated through.
10. Finish and serve. Once baked, remove the Thanksgiving Crescent Ring from the oven. Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter for extra richness and shine. Garnish generously with fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this wonderful creation warm, with a small bowl of gravy placed attractively in the middle of the ring for dipping.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips ensure your ring is delicious, well-baked, and visually appealing.

• Don’t overfill: While tempting, too much filling can cause the crescent ring to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• Seal carefully: Ensure all the filling is completely enclosed by tucking the crescent roll points securely. This prevents any tasty ingredients from escaping.
• Even baking: For consistent browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This ensures all sides of the ring cook evenly.
• Avoid dryness: Do not pre-warm the leftovers before assembling the ring. The oven will heat them through perfectly, keeping them moist.
• Golden perfection: Bake until the top is a deep golden brown, not just lightly colored. This indicates a perfectly cooked and crispy crust.
• Serving suggestion: For an elegant presentation, place a small bowl of warm gravy in the center of the ring.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is a fantastic meal on its own, but you can also customize it to your liking. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve this delightful Thanksgiving Crescent Ring immediately while it’s warm and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with extra warmed gravy on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers of your delicious Thanksgiving Crescent Ring, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy your stored crescent ring, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating. The oven provides a crispier texture.
• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of savory flavor, sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded white cheddar, American, Swiss, or Provolone cheese over the turkey layer before folding the crescent rolls.
• Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute the mashed potatoes with leftover sweet potato casserole for a delicious sweet and savory combination.
• Vary Fillings: Feel free to get creative with other Thanksgiving sides. Green bean casserole, corn casserole, or even sautéed mushrooms can be added to the filling.
• Different Meats: If you don’t have turkey, you can easily use leftover ham or shredded rotisserie chicken as a tasty alternative protein.

There are many creative ways to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into new and exciting dishes beyond just sandwiches.

Nutrition Information

This Thanksgiving Crescent Ring offers a balanced way to enjoy your holiday favorites. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

Enjoying this dish provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to keep you satisfied. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient portions used.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Thanksgiving Crescent Ring.

Can I make this Thanksgiving Crescent Ring ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Thanksgiving Crescent Ring, cover it loosely, and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

This easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is truly a game-changer for your post-holiday meals. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious way to use up those cherished leftovers, transforming them into a brand new family favorite. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the season. This satisfying meal extends the wonderful flavors of Thanksgiving in a delightfully creative and family-friendly package.

Easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring: The Ultimate Leftover Recipe!

This easy Thanksgiving Crescent Ring is the ultimate way to use up your holiday leftovers. Simply fill crescent rolls with mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then bake until golden brown for a delicious and quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Servings 8 rolls

Calories 158 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium Cookie Scoop
• Spoon
• Rubber Spatula
• Small Bowl
• Oven

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can crescent rolls 16oz.
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup stuffing
• 2 cups shredded turkey
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• gravy for serving
• parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Unroll and separate the crescent rolls, arranging them in a starburst pattern with slightly overlapping corners.
• Use a medium cookie scoop to portion mashed potatoes onto the thicker end of each roll, then flatten them with a spoon or spatula.
• Top the mashed potatoes with a layer of stuffing, followed by the shredded turkey.
• Add 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce onto the turkey for each roll.
• Gently pull the points of the crescent rolls up and over the filling mounds, tucking them in to secure.
• Brush the rolls with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and bake for 17 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
• Brush the baked rolls with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately with gravy.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover Thanksgiving ingredients. Adjust filling amounts based on the size of your crescent rolls. Serve immediately for best results.