Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is one of those recipes that feels instantly festive while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. With flaky crescent dough wrapped around a warm, savory filling of tender turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. It is especially ideal for using up leftover turkey, but it works just as well with freshly cooked meat. I first made this for a casual holiday brunch, and it disappeared faster than any dessert on the table. The contrast between the buttery pastry and the sweet-tart cranberry layer makes every bite interesting and satisfying. Whether served as a centerpiece appetizer, a light dinner, or a holiday snack, this crescent ring is both visually impressive and wonderfully approachable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to assemble, bakes beautifully, and looks far more impressive than the effort involved. The crescent ring presentation makes it perfect for gatherings, while the flavors feel familiar and comforting. It is versatile, customizable, and works well for holidays, potlucks, or simple family meals. Best of all, it uses accessible ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a reliable go-to when you want something special without stress.
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Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring – Festive, Flaky, Comfort-Filled
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A festive savory crescent ring filled with turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and herbs—easy to assemble and perfect for using leftover holiday turkey.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded or sliced turkey
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp dried thyme or sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and arrange triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, with wide ends overlapping and points facing outward to form a ring.
- In a bowl, mix turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the wide ends of the crescent dough.
- Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck underneath to seal the ring.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Great for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
- Substitute chicken if turkey isn’t available.
- Add a bit of Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crescent roll dough
Forms the flaky, buttery base that wraps around the filling and bakes to golden perfection.
Cooked turkey
Provides hearty protein and savory depth; leftover roast turkey works especially well.
Cranberry sauce
Adds sweetness and tang, balancing the savory filling beautifully.
Cream cheese
Creates a creamy, rich layer that binds the filling together.
Shredded cheese
Adds meltiness and flavor; mozzarella or cheddar both work well.
Onion or green onions
Bring mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.
Garlic powder
Enhances savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Adds gentle herbiness that complements turkey and cranberry.
Salt and pepper
Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles and arrange them in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward, forming a sunburst shape.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded turkey, shredded cheese, onion, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the center of the crescent ring, spreading it gently over the overlapping dough. Add small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey mixture.
Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling, tucking them under the ring to seal and create a braided appearance. Brush lightly with beaten egg or milk if desired for extra shine. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Allow the ring to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10–15 minutes.
Bake time: 20–25 minutes.
Total time: approximately 35–40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover crescent ring slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain flakiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the pastry. This dish can also be assembled ahead and baked fresh just before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Turkey and Brie Crescent Ring
Replace cream cheese with brie for a richer, more elegant flavor.
Cranberry Jalapeño Version
Add finely chopped jalapeños for a sweet-spicy contrast.
Chicken Substitute
Use cooked chicken instead of turkey for a year-round option.
Spinach and Turkey Ring
Add sautéed spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Herb-Forward Filling
Increase thyme or add sage for a more traditional holiday flavor.
Pesto Turkey Crescent Ring
Add a thin layer of pesto for an herby, savory twist.
Ham and Cranberry Ring
Swap turkey for ham for a salty-sweet variation.
Cheddar Lovers’ Version
Use sharp cheddar for bolder cheese flavor.
Mini Crescent Rings
Form smaller rings for individual servings or party trays.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, both jellied and whole-berry cranberry sauce work well.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
What turkey works best?
Leftover roasted turkey or deli-style carved turkey both work.
Can I freeze this crescent ring?
It is best baked fresh, but leftovers can be frozen and reheated.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and bake on parchment for even heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach are great additions.
Does this work for breakfast or brunch?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with fruit or salad for brunch.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent-style dough if available.
What dipping sauces go well with it?
Honey mustard, gravy, or extra cranberry sauce.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Conclusion
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a flaky, flavorful dish that brings comfort and festive charm to any table. With its creamy filling, tangy cranberry notes, and golden crescent crust, it delivers both visual appeal and satisfying flavor. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is perfect for holidays, leftovers, or anytime you want a warm, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that feels special without being complicated.
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