Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring brings together all the best flavours of a holiday feast in a beautifully presented, easy-to-share dish. Tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and buttery crescent dough come together to create a comforting bake that works for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or using up leftovers. It looks impressive yet requires very little effort, and it always earns compliments from guests. I have even tested this recipe with a lighter homemade cranberry sauce made using almond milk for extra creaminess, and it still held its structure wonderfully. This crescent ring is satisfying, flavourful, and perfect for serving warm right from the oven.
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Savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring made with buttery crescent dough filled with seasoned turkey, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce—perfect for holidays or using up leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded or chopped turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix turkey, cream cheese, mozzarella/Swiss cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and arrange triangles in a ring on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the tips pointing outward.
- Spoon the turkey mixture around the base of the dough ring.
- Add small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the turkey filling.
- Fold the pointed ends of the crescents over the filling and tuck them under the center to seal.
- Brush the top with melted butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly, slice, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Swiss cheese adds a sharper flavor than mozzarella.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
Turkey serves as the hearty centre of the ring, absorbing flavours from the cranberry and cheese while remaining tender and satisfying.
Crescent roll dough
This forms the beautiful ring shape. It bakes into a buttery, golden crust that encloses the filling and adds a flaky texture.
Cranberry sauce
A balance of tart and sweet, cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey and cheese, adding brightness to each bite.
Shredded cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend melts beautifully and helps bind the filling, giving the ring its irresistible gooey centre.
Cream cheese
Softened cream cheese adds richness and helps hold the turkey mixture together, creating a more cohesive filling.
Green onions
Chopped green onions add freshness, mild sharpness, and colour to enhance the overall flavour profile.
Salt and pepper
Seasoning that brings all the elements together and ensures the filling remains balanced.
Egg wash
Brushed over the crescent dough, the egg wash delivers a shiny, golden finish.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate baking temperature. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey with cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended and evenly coated.
Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on a lined baking sheet, with the wide ends forming the inner ring and the pointed tips facing outward. Slightly overlap the edges so they connect and form a sturdy base. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the ring, keeping it on the wider portions of the dough.
Fold the pointed ends of the crescent triangles over the filling and tuck them underneath the inner edge to form a sealed ring. Brush the top lightly with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish. Bake until the dough is crisp and golden and the filling is warmed through. Allow the ring to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy its festive layers of flavour.
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
This recipe typically serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 10–15 minutes, while baking requires an additional 20–25 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive dish to prepare.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispness of the crescent dough. Microwaving works as well, though the crust may soften slightly.
Variations and Customizations
Thanksgiving Leftovers Ring
Add leftover stuffing or mashed potatoes inside the crescent ring for a complete holiday-inspired filling.
Turkey and Brie Crescent Ring
Replace shredded cheese with brie for a creamier, more luxurious flavour.
Savory Herb Turkey Ring
Add rosemary, thyme, or sage to the filling to enhance the festive aroma.
Spicy Cranberry Turkey Ring
Mix a spoonful of chilli sauce or red pepper flakes into the cranberry mixture for heat.
Ham and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Swap turkey for diced ham for a slightly sweeter, saltier variation.
Turkey Bacon Ranch Ring
Add cooked bacon and a bit of ranch seasoning for a fun twist.
Cheddar Jalapeño Turkey Ring
Incorporate diced jalapeños and sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy bite.
Vegetable-Loaded Ring
Add finely chopped spinach, roasted peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
Turkey Alfredo Crescent Ring
Stir a small amount of Alfredo sauce into the filling for a creamy, savoury version.
Low-Sugar Cranberry Ring
Use low-sugar or homemade cranberry sauce for a less sweet, more savoury profile.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
What type of cheese melts best in this recipe?
Can I make the crescent ring ahead of time?
How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Can I freeze the assembled ring before baking?
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Do I have to use cream cheese in the filling?
How do I get the crescent ring to keep its shape?
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Conclusion
This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is an elegant yet effortlessly simple dish that brings festive comfort to any table. With flaky crescent dough encasing a creamy, flavour-packed turkey filling, it is perfect for entertaining or transforming leftovers into something truly special. The recipe is highly adaptable, easy to assemble, and always visually impressive. Whether you serve it for brunch, dinner, or a holiday gathering, it delivers warmth, convenience, and memorable flavour in every slice.
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