Need a quick holiday appetizer? This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is festive, flaky, and full of flavor. Savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce are wrapped in golden crescent dough for an easy, crowd-pleasing wreath that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
It’s simple, stunning, and ready in under an hour. You can prep it ahead, bake it fresh, and customize it with your favorite fillings. The mix of buttery dough, tender turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce makes every bite taste like the holidays.
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easy ingredients to make this festive appetizer:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup whole cranberry sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or honey mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 egg (for brushing the top)
These simple ingredients blend into a rich, creamy filling with a buttery crust that’s flaky and golden every time.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange dough: Separate crescent triangles and lay them in a circular ring shape, wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing out.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mustard, and herbs until evenly blended.
- Spoon mixture onto the widest part of the ring, spreading evenly.
- Fold and tuck dough points over the filling toward the center to form a wreath.
- Brush with beaten egg for shine, then bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
It’s that easy — crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and bursting with festive flavor.
You Must Know
For the best flavor and texture, use real cooked turkey — roasted or leftover works great. Avoid deli-style slices; they don’t hold the same richness. Always dry your turkey slightly before mixing, so the filling doesn’t get watery.
When shaping the ring, make sure the center opening stays wide enough for even baking. If the center is too tight, the dough might stay undercooked inside. Brushing the top with beaten egg adds that glossy, bakery-style finish.
Finally, let the crescent ring cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the filling creamy inside and helps the layers hold together beautifully when served.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the ultimate golden crust, bake on the middle rack and check it around the 20-minute mark. Every oven is different, so you’re looking for a deep golden brown color on top. If it’s browning too fast, loosely cover with foil.
Want an extra boost of flavor? Sprinkle a light mix of Parmesan cheese and dried herbs over the top before baking. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen.
And here’s a pro tip — don’t overstuff the ring. Too much filling can cause it to leak. A balanced layer ensures a flaky crust and creamy interior. Once baked, the contrast between buttery pastry and sweet-tangy filling makes every bite unforgettable.
Add Your Touch Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Make this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring your own with a few simple twists. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley or sage for an aromatic lift. Want a creamy boost? A little brie or goat cheese mixed in with the filling adds a gourmet touch.
You can also give it a sweet-savory twist by brushing the baked ring with a mix of melted butter and honey or orange zest right before serving — it gives a glossy finish and a hint of festive sweetness.
For presentation, garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or orange slices around the platter. It turns your crescent ring into a holiday centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers (if any!) keep well. Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through — this helps the crust stay crisp. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the pastry soggy.
You can also freeze unbaked rings for up to a month. Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. It’s perfect for prepping ahead before the holiday rush.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Use fresh dough: Crescent rolls rise best when cold, so keep them refrigerated until ready to shape.
- Avoid soggy bottoms: Place the ring on parchment or a perforated baking tray for even airflow.
- Balance the flavors: If your cranberry sauce is very sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright contrast.
- For extra crispiness: Brush the top with melted butter after baking and let it rest on a cooling rack.
- Serving idea: Slice into wedges and serve with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or a light mustard dip — guests will love it!
Little details like these take your crescent ring from “great” to “absolutely irresistible.”
FAQ for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works just as well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — assemble the ring up to 6 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Of course! Any homemade or canned version will add that perfect holiday tang.
Conclusion
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is everything you want in a holiday appetizer — flaky, flavorful, festive, and easy. It turns simple leftovers into a show-stopping centerpiece that brings comfort and cheer to any table. Whether for Thanksgiving brunch or a cozy winter evening, one thing’s for sure — your guests will ask for the recipe!
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring – Simple, Stunning, and Perfect for Holidays
Description
This festive Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough. It’s quick, elegant, and perfect for holidays or leftover turkey nights!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange dough in a circle with the wide ends overlapping.
Mix filling: turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, and herbs.
Spoon mixture over the dough, fold points over the filling, and tuck under.
Brush with beaten egg and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden.
Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.
Add brie or Swiss cheese for a richer taste.
Garnish with fresh rosemary or cranberries for a festive look.
