Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

This turkey and cranberry crescent ring is one of those recipes that quietly steals the show every time I make it. The first time it came together was after a holiday dinner when I had leftover turkey, half a bag of cranberries, and a can of crescent dough that needed to be used. I didn’t expect much, but once it came out of the oven—golden, flaky, and bubbling with savory filling—I knew it was going into my regular rotation. Since then, I’ve tweaked the balance of flavors, fixed a couple of soggy-bottom mistakes, and turned it into a dependable crowd-pleaser.

It’s warm, comforting, slightly sweet from the cranberries, and perfectly savory thanks to the turkey and cheese. Best of all, it looks impressive without requiring complicated steps.

Ingredients

For the Crescent Ring

• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (chopped if large)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• A pinch of dried sage or rosemary

Preparing the Filling

Mix Everything Evenly

• In a large bowl, combine turkey, cranberries, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Stir until well mixed and creamy

One of my early mistakes was leaving the cream cheese too cold, which made mixing uneven. Letting it soften fully makes the filling smooth and spreadable.

Taste and Adjust

• Taste the mixture
• Adjust salt or mustard if needed
• Stir in herbs if using

The balance should lean savory with just enough sweetness from the cranberries.

Assembling the Crescent Ring

Prepare the Dough

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
• Arrange crescent triangles in a circle with wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward

Make sure the center overlap is solid so the filling doesn’t leak.

Add the Filling

• Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the wide ends of the dough
• Spread gently, keeping it about 1 inch from the edge

Avoid overfilling—this was another lesson learned the hard way. Too much filling makes sealing difficult.

Form the Ring

• Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling
• Tuck the tips underneath the center ring
• Press gently to secure

Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic looks great once baked.

Baking Instructions

Bake Until Golden

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes
• Rotate the pan halfway for even browning
• The ring should be deep golden brown and fully cooked through

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Time Breakdown

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: About 50 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

Tips for the Best Crescent Ring

• Use finely chopped turkey so the filling holds together
• Soften cream cheese fully for smooth mixing
• Don’t overload the dough or it may split
• Seal the center well to prevent leaks
• Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing

Variations and Substitutions

Flavor Twists

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey
• Swap cranberries for dried cherries or apple chunks
• Add a drizzle of honey to the filling for extra sweetness

Cheese Options

• Sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor
• Gruyère for a richer, nutty taste
• Pepper jack for a subtle kick

Lighter Version

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese
• Increase the turkey slightly and reduce the cheese
• Add extra herbs for flavor without calories

@melissassk

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as a holiday appetizer
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Add roasted vegetables on the side
• Serve with cranberry sauce or honey mustard for dipping
• Great for brunch, potlucks, or leftover turkey nights

This dish works especially well when you want something festive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Let the ring cool completely
• Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

How to Reheat

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
• Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the ring, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?

It’s best baked fresh, but you can freeze it unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why is my crescent ring soggy on the bottom?

This usually happens if the filling is too wet or the dough overlap in the center is too thick.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, but reduce the amount and mix it well so the filling doesn’t become too loose.

What’s the best way to slice it cleanly?

Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then use a sharp serrated knife.

This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated. It uses simple ingredients, turns leftovers into something exciting, and always gets compliments when it hits the table. Once you make it once, it becomes one of those “remember that recipe?” dishes people keep asking you to bring back.