Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

This savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring transforms holiday leftovers or everyday deli turkey into an impressive meal that's ready in under an hour. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 30 to 45 minutes of baking, you can serve this showstopping main dish for brunches, weeknight dinners, or holiday gatherings. The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese makes it a flavorful centerpiece everyone will love.

I created this Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring last year faced with a fridge full of leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a family favorite. What started as a resourceful way to enjoy holiday flavors beyond November and December is now a recipe we crave year round. The beautiful ring presentation, paired with the nostalgic aroma of herbs and cranberry, always brings everyone to the table with anticipation for this reinvented classic.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough (8 oz tube): Look for the seamless dough sheet for easy assembly; regular triangles work with a bit more effort and can be gently pressed together.
• Chive and onion cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Ensures easy spreading and infuses the filling with subtle onion flavor; plain or whipped cream cheese can be substituted.
• Dijon mustard (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds tangy depth and elevates the turkey; honey mustard or whole grain can be used for slight flavor differences.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (3 teaspoons, finely chopped, divided): Fresh herbs brighten the whole dish; if using dried herbs, use one third the amount and crush them between your fingers before adding.
• Shredded Gruyere cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts smoothly and adds a nutty, rich taste; substitute with Swiss, fontina, or sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile.
• Turkey (1 lb thinly sliced): Leftover roasted turkey or quality deli meat both work. Thinner slices create a more tender, cohesive ring.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce (1 14 oz can): The whole berries add texture and color; homemade or jellied cranberry sauce can be substituted according to preference.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Brushed on top for a golden, glossy crust; margarine is an easy swap if needed.
• Poppy seeds (1/2 teaspoon): Offer subtle crunch and visual interest; sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning can be used for variation.
• Granulated garlic (1/2 teaspoon): Gives umami depth without overpowering; garlic powder is an acceptable substitute.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Brings all the flavors together; flaky finishing salt can be sprinkled after baking for extra punch.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning. This extra step saves cleanup time and makes transferring the ring much easier after baking.

Arrange the Crescent Dough:

Open the crescent roll tube and unroll the dough onto your prepared sheet. Arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapped in the center, pointed tips outward, making a sunburst. Press overlapping edges to create a continuous ring so the filling doesn't leak during baking.

Mix and Spread the Base Layer:

Combine softened chive and onion cream cheese with Dijon mustard and half the fresh herbs until fully blended. Spread this mixture onto the wide section of the dough, leaving half an inch at both the center and edge for easy sealing later. Even coverage ensures every slice is flavorful.

Add Cheese and Protein Layers:

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyere evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture. Lay thin slices of turkey over the cheese, slightly overlapping for uniform coverage. Layer half the cranberry sauce over the turkey and top it with the other cup of cheese for melting and moisture.

Form the Crescent Ring:

Bring each pointed end of crescent dough over the filling, tucking it underneath to create a secure ring and leave a partial opening in the center. Check that any exposed edges are fully sealed to keep fillings in place and promote a beautiful final shape.

Topping and Baking:

Blend melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously on the top and sides of the dough for a golden, aromatic crust. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes at 375°F until the ring is deeply golden and fully set.

Cool, Garnish, and Serve:

Let the crescent ring rest on the pan for 5 minutes so the filling sets. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs for fresh aroma and flavor, then slice into portions. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce alongside for added sweetness.

Through several test batches, I realized layering cheese directly on the dough under the turkey creates a moisture barrier that keeps the crescent perfectly flaky. This small tweak dramatically improved the texture and integrity of each bite, turning an already tasty ring into a dish that reliably wows my family and guests every time.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring adapts well to any leftovers or dietary needs. Swap in cooked rotisserie chicken, ham, or even roasted vegetables like butternut squash and mushrooms for a different protein. Change up the cheese with sharp cheddar, brie for creaminess, or a dairy free alternative to fit your preferences. If you want a different sweet accent, fig jam or orange marmalade in place of cranberry sauce lets you match the filling to any season or occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

For best results, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and keep the dough crisp. Store extra cranberry sauce separately to prevent sogginess. To reheat and restore the original texture, warm individual slices on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving since it can make the dough chewy and diminish the flaky quality.

What to Serve with Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Balance the rich, savory flavors of this crescent ring with fresh and seasonal sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed with apples and walnuts, roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots, or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a comforting meal. Offer extra cranberry sauce and a fruit salad with winter citrus for color and bright contrast, making the whole plate both beautiful and satisfying for guests of all ages.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite its decadent taste, this Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring provides a balanced mix of nutrients. Each serving includes about 350 calories, 15 grams of protein from turkey, and a moderate amount of healthy fats and carbohydrates. The turkey gives you lean protein, Gruyere cheese supplies calcium for bone health, and whole berry cranberry sauce offers vitamin C and antioxidants—especially when using leftover roasted turkey and homemade sauces for less sodium.

Recipe Success Tips

To prevent tears in your dough, handle gently and patch thin spots with extra scraps as you go. Reduce soggy bottoms by ensuring cranberry sauce is not watery and by blotting turkey dry before assembling. For aesthetic appeal, don’t overfill—an even, modest layer ensures the ring holds its shape and the slices are uniform. Make sure to check for doneness at 18 minutes and tent loosely with foil if the crust is browning too quickly.

This Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is our top pick for transforming leftovers into a special meal everyone will look forward to sharing. With very little effort, you can bring holiday flavors to your table any time and enjoy the compliments that follow!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use leftover roasted turkey?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly. Thinly slice or shred before layering with cheese and cranberry.

→ What cheese can substitute Gruyere?

Swiss or mozzarella cheese are great alternatives, offering a similar melt and mild, nutty flavor.

→ Is homemade cranberry sauce suitable?

Absolutely, homemade sauce adds freshness and allows you to control sweetness and texture.

→ How do I prevent the crescent ring from getting soggy?

Ensure cranberry sauce is not too runny and layer cheese beneath the turkey for a moisture barrier.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Assemble the ring up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

→ What side dishes complement this ring?

Serve with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or classic mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.