The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a stunning, easy-to-make holiday appetizer or main dish that blends the savory taste of leftover turkey with the sweet-tart burst of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough. This beautiful crescent ring is shaped into a festive wreath, making it perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or a centerpiece for your holiday brunch. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly delicious with minimal effort. The combination of textures, flaky pastry, moist turkey, creamy cheese, and zingy cranberry, makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to elevate your leftovers, this crescent ring delivers both style and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count each)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- ¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese or mozzarella
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, combine chopped or shredded turkey, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Arrange the crescent dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, form a ring by placing the wide ends of each triangle in a circle with the points facing outward, overlapping slightly. The inner circle should be about 4 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Add the filling
Spoon the turkey and cheese mixture in a circle over the dough, near the wide ends. Top the filling with cranberry sauce by dolloping or spreading it gently over the mixture. You can also add chopped nuts here for texture.
Step 5: Fold and seal
Take the pointed ends of the dough triangles and bring them over the filling, tucking them underneath the inner ring. The filling will show slightly between the folds. Repeat with all triangles until the ring is closed.
Step 6: Brush and bake
Brush the top of the ring with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and slicing into wedges.
Variations
- Swap turkey for cooked shredded chicken
- Use brie or goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer filling
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky touch
- Include a handful of baby spinach in the filling for color
- Try puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier crust
- Mix cranberry sauce with a bit of orange zest or juice for brightness
- Make individual crescent roll pockets instead of a ring
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overload the ring or it may fall apart while baking
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing
- Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup
- If using leftover roasted turkey, chop it finely for better texture
- Keep the crescent dough refrigerated until ready to use, it’s easier to handle
- Let the ring rest for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of green salad or roasted veggies
- Offer a small bowl of warmed cranberry sauce on the side for dipping
- Slice and serve as an appetizer or brunch entrée
- Pair with sparkling cider, Pinot Noir, or a festive cocktail
- Great for potlucks, Friendsgiving, or after-holiday brunch
- Serve with a cup of soup like butternut squash or creamy tomato
Tips
- Use a round pan or bowl in the center of your dough layout to form a perfect ring
- Freeze leftover portions by wrapping tightly and reheating in the oven
- Make ahead: prepare and assemble the ring, refrigerate, then bake just before serving
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the turkey and using sautéed mushrooms or lentils
- Don’t skip the egg wash, it gives the ring a beautiful golden color
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 390
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 760mg
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
- Yes, both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce will work, but whole berry adds texture and a more natural look. You can also make a homemade cranberry-orange compote for a gourmet touch.
Can this be made ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble the entire ring, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake right before serving. You can also bake it ahead and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
- Swiss and mozzarella melt well and pair beautifully with turkey and cranberry. Brie, Havarti, or Monterey Jack are also great options.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes. Slice into portions, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven. Avoid microwaving, it may make the dough soggy.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
- It’s best to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to make clean-up easier. No need to grease if using parchment.
Conclusion
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful way to transform leftovers or create a show-stopping holiday dish with very little effort. Its gorgeous ring shape makes it perfect for festive gatherings, while its flavor combination hits all the right notes, savory turkey, tangy cranberry, melty cheese, and flaky crescent rolls. It’s as easy as mixing, rolling, and baking, yet the result looks elegant and impressive. Whether you’re making this for a holiday appetizer, a brunch table centerpiece, or a creative way to use leftovers, this recipe is bound to impress. With endless customization options and a short prep time, it’s one of those recipes you’ll return to year after year.