Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

You know, every holiday season I look forward to making this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe—it’s become a tradition in my family. The first time I served it, I was nervous about how my friends would take to it, but that warm, flaky crescent dough wrapped around layers of creamy cheese, savory turkey, and tangy cranberry was an instant hit. I still remember their eyes lighting up when they pulled apart that golden ring, steam rising and all those wonderful aromas filling the air.

What I really love about the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is how approachable it feels, even if you’re new to baking savory pastries. You don’t have to wrestle with dough from scratch, and the assembly comes together quickly. I’ll walk you through each step so you know exactly what to look for—from spreading that rich cream cheese layer to folding the dough perfectly over the filling. By the end, you’ll have a gorgeous, aromatic ring ready to wow your family or guests.

Gather Your Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive in, it’s best to have everything measured and ready. You’ll find all the exact amounts in the recipe card below, but here’s a helpful rundown of the basics and some tips for choosing or swapping ingredients.

• Crescent rolls: The base of the ring, use an 8 oz tube for that buttery, flaky texture.
• Chive and onion cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle onion punch; softened for easy spreading.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a slight tang that wakes up the flavors—super important!
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: Aromatic herbs that complement turkey perfectly; finely chopped and divided.
• Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully with a nutty flavor; Swiss or Monterey Jack are good stand-ins.
• Turkey slices: Leftover roasted turkey adds richness, but deli turkey works just fine.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Provides a tart sweetness that balances the savory layers.
• Butter: Melted and brushed on top for a gorgeous golden finish.
• Poppy seeds, granulated garlic, salt: Season and add flavor and crunch to the crust.

If you’re missing any fresh herbs, dried thyme or rosemary works, just use a little less since dried herbs are stronger. For cheese, whatever melts well and has some flavor will do in a pinch.

Kitchen Tools Required

• Baking sheet: For roasting the crescent ring evenly; choose one that fits your oven size well.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls: At least one small bowl for mixing cream cheese and mustard, and another for melted butter blend.
• Pastry brush: Essential for brushing melted butter on the dough to get that golden crust.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: To slice the finished ring neatly without squishing it.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning—don’t skip this to keep flavors balanced.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Ready to dive in? This recipe is all about layering and folding with care—the technique is simple but key to that beautiful ring shape.

1. Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Arrange the crescent rolls: Open the crescent roll tube and separate each triangle. Place them in a circle on your lined sheet with the widest edges toward the center, overlapping slightly to form about a 4-5 inch circle in the middle.
3. Mix the spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the chopped rosemary until smooth. This gives a tangy, herbaceous base layer.
4. Spread and layer: Spread this mixture evenly over the wide parts of the crescent dough. Sprinkle with half the shredded Gruyere cheese.
5. Add the turkey and cranberry: Lay the turkey slices over the cheese, overlapping for full coverage. Spread half of the cranberry sauce on top of the turkey, reserving the rest for serving. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyere over it all.
6. Fold the dough: Take the narrow ends of the crescent triangles and fold them over the filling toward the center of the ring, tucking them under to seal the filling inside the dough. This creates the iconic ring shape.
7. Butter and season: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush this mixture liberally over the entire ring’s surface — top and sides — to promote browning and flavor.
8. Bake and rest: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 24 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest on the pan for 5 minutes so cheese won’t ooze out.
9. Garnish and slice: Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary over the ring before slicing. Serve with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe Taste Enhancers

To make the flavors pop even more, I love finishing the ring with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary right before serving. A drizzle of a little honey mustard on the side or a few dollops of extra cranberry sauce make each bite irresistibly balanced between savory and sweet.

Tasty Combos

This crescent ring pairs amazingly with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette or even roasted veggies. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a spiced cider complements the layers of turkey and cranberry beautifully, especially during colder months.

Serving Tips

Slice the ring into wedges for easy sharing at parties or into smaller pieces for appetizer portions. It also makes a thoughtful gift when wrapped nicely with leftover cranberry sauce. Presenting it on a rustic wooden board with garnish elevates it for holiday hosting.

Easy Variations

• Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch.
• Swap Dijon for whole grain mustard for a more textured bite.
• Try smoked turkey for a deeper, savory flavor twist.
• Mix in dried cranberries with the fresh cranberry sauce for bursts of chew and tartness.
• Top with sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds for a different nutty finish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the baked ring wrapped in foil and place in a freezer bag—lasts up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid sogginess.

Common Questions

• Can I use canned crescent rolls from any brand? Absolutely! Most standard crescent roll tubes work well for this recipe as they bake up flaky and buttery.
• Is it better to use leftover turkey or deli turkey? Leftover roasted turkey brings more depth and juiciness, but deli turkey is fine if you’re short on time.
• What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? Use dried rosemary or thyme, but reduce the amount by half to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can assemble the ring a few hours before baking—just cover and keep refrigerated until ready.
• How do I slice the ring neatly? Letting it rest after baking is crucial; use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice gently in wedges from the center out.

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