Thanksgiving Leftovers Christmas Wreath
Holiday mode is a notch above fourth gear no matter who you are; from Thanksgiving week all the way through New Year's Day. It's also the time when you want to place an emphasis on sharing inspiring meals at home with family and loved ones. Who possibly has the time and energy to do it all nowadays and continue to keep up with the daily schedule that already existed and did not check out for the holidays? With a smart plan ahead of time you can pull off more than you thought possible. A big part of meal planning is simply having all your ingredients on hand ahead and being able to complete a task without having to run to the store for something. Remember "mis-en-place"? It's the culinary term meaning to have all your ingredients and tools needed on hand, measured, cut, peeled, etc. before you begin cooking. This recipe fits the bill for simplicity and stunning presentation. It can be served as an appetizer or a simple meal. A sure way to satisfy your guests with love and comforting food. Using your thanksgiving leftovers and other ingredients that can be bought ahead of time, this wreath can easily be prepped and served within an hour. A perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers and get inspired to head out for Christmas sales, events, and festivities. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025 to you all!
Christmas Wreath Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups chopped turkey
1 cup crumbled leftover dressing
1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 ounces softened or whipped cream cheese
4 Tablespoons dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 can whole cranberry sauce
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl gently combine turkey, dressing, spinach, dried cranberries, and shredded cheese.
In another bowl stir together the mustard, thyme, and garlic. In a separate bowl combine melted butter and poppy seeds, set aside.
Arrange the separated crescent roll triangles onto a round pizza pan to form a circle with the thin points facing toward the middle. Allow the pieces to overlap each other slightly so they will hold the ingredients snugly inside while cooking.
Carefully spread a thin, circular layer of cream cheese into the middle of your ring. Spread the mustard mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Then spoon your turkey mixture evenly on top of the mustard mixture. As always, feel free to substitute your favorite fillings, vegetables and spices to your liking.
Now take each triangle end in the middle and fold over the top of the ring and press to seal with the dough on the outside of the ring to form your wreath.
Brush the butter and poppy seed mixture over the top of the wreath.
Bake 20-25 minutes until the dough is lightly browned but thoroughly cooked. Allow the wreath to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven so it will stay intact when cutting individual portions.
Place a bowl of the whole cranberry sauce inside the middle of the wreath for dipping.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serves 6-8 as a meal; 10-12 as an appetizer.
By: Julie Culpepper
