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Turkey and Cranberry Wreath (Pampered Chef): A Festive Holiday Centerpiece

I remember the first time I saw this Turkey and Cranberry Wreath at a holiday party years ago. The aroma of warm, savory turkey and sweet cranberries filled the air, and the beautifully braided wreath was the centerpiece of the buffet table. I watched as guests devoured slice after slice, raving about the perfect balance of flavors and the impressive presentation. It looked like something out of a gourmet magazine, but the hostess, a friend of mine, revealed the secret – a simple recipe and the magic of crescent roll dough. Ever since, this wreath has been a staple in my holiday baking repertoire, a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 wreath
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup sliced celery
1 green onion, sliced thin (optional)
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
3 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg white, lightly beaten

Equipment Needed

Large pizza pan or baking stone
Mixing bowl
Small rolling pin or jar/glass
Ice cream scoop (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the filling. Combine the chopped cooked turkey, 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese, sliced celery, sliced green onion (if using), dried sweetened cranberries, snipped fresh parsley, mayonnaise, honey dijon mustard, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Unroll both packages of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls. Separate each package into its individual triangles, resulting in a total of 16 triangles.
On a large pizza pan or baking stone, arrange 8 of the crescent roll triangles in a circle. Position them so that the wide ends of the triangles are approximately 3 inches from the edge of the pan, with the points facing outwards, extending slightly off the edge of the pan.
Arrange the remaining 8 crescent roll triangles in the center of the pan, matching the wide ends with the wide ends of the triangles already placed in the outer circle. The points of these inner triangles will overlap in the center of the pan. Don’t seal center triangles.
Use a small rolling pin, a small round jar, or even a drinking glass to gently roll over the seams where the wide ends of the triangles meet. This helps to create a smoother surface for the filling and prevents the dough from puffing up unevenly during baking. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to tear the dough.
Using an ice cream scoop (or a spoon), evenly distribute the turkey and cranberry filling over the prepared dough in a continuous circle. Aim for a uniform layer of filling, leaving a small border around the very edge of the dough.
Now comes the fun part: creating the wreath! Starting with the last triangle you placed in the center of the pizza pan, gently bring the point of the triangle straight across the filling, towards the outer edge of the wreath.
Next, bring the point of the opposite outside triangle diagonally across the filling, covering the point of the previous triangle. The filling will show through, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Repeat this process, alternating between points of the inside and outside triangles, overlapping the points as you go, to form a woven wreath shape. As you work, the filling will be partially covered, adding to the rustic charm of the wreath.
Tuck the end of the last triangle under the first one to complete the wreath. This will help to secure the shape and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Brush the top of the wreath evenly with the beaten egg white. This will give the wreath a beautiful golden-brown sheen during baking.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the wreath.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the wreath is golden brown and the filling is heated through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Once the wreath is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking pan before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider using leftover turkey gravy or a creamy mushroom sauce as a base for the filling.
If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, Monterey Jack, Provolone, or even cheddar cheese will work well.
To prevent the bottom of the wreath from becoming soggy, place a piece of parchment paper between the pizza pan and the baking stone.
For a more vibrant color, brush the wreath with an egg yolk instead of an egg white.
If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Turkey and Cranberry Wreath warm as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Garnish with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an extra touch of elegance. It’s delicious on its own or served with a side salad.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual slices in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but be careful not to overheat them. It is not recommended to freeze the wreath as the crescent roll dough can become soggy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	382.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	135g	36%
Total Fat	15.1 g	23%
Saturated Fat	5.1 g	25%
Cholesterol	74.3 mg	24%
Sodium	435 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	40.5 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	8.6 g	34%
Protein	20.9 g	41%

Variations & Substitutions

Chicken instead of turkey: Feel free to substitute cooked chicken for the turkey for a lighter flavor.
Vegetarian option: Replace the turkey with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-free crust: While challenging, you can try using a gluten-free crescent roll dough alternative, though results may vary. Be sure to adjust baking time accordingly.
Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the wreath just before serving for the best results.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you’ll need to cook them down with a little sugar and water until they soften before adding them to the filling.

Q: What if my crescent roll dough is too sticky?
A: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A: Be sure to seal the seams of the crescent roll dough well, and don’t overfill the wreath.

Final Thoughts

The Turkey and Cranberry Wreath is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for any holiday gathering or even a cozy weeknight dinner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to wow your family and friends with this stunning and delicious creation. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling and add your own personal touch. And most importantly, enjoy the process of baking and sharing this festive wreath!

Turkey and Cranberry Wreath(Pampered Chef) Recipe