When holiday leftovers start stacking up in the fridge, this cozy turkey cranberry crescent ring is the answer. It’s buttery, flaky, and wrapped with creamy cheese, roasted turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce basically, Thanksgiving wrapped in a golden hug. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, dinner, or post-holiday brunch centerpiece, it’s always a crowd favorite
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Why This Crescent Ring Works
This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have especially after a big holiday meal. It transforms leftover turkey into something brand new without feeling like, well, leftovers. The tangy cranberry paired with savory turkey and melty cheese makes each bite rich and balanced. Plus, the crescent dough gives it a buttery, golden finish that makes it look way fancier than it actually is
It’s also versatile. You can serve it warm or room temp, make it ahead, or switch up the fillings depending on what’s in your fridge. We even love slicing it up and serving it with a bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a comforting dinner combo
Ingredients You’ll Need for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
For the Filling
2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or sliced)
⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese (or plain with chopped rosemary)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
For the Dough and Topping
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon poppy seeds
Pinch of salt
How to Make a Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Step 1 Prep the Crescent Ring Base
Unroll both cans of crescent dough and separate the triangles. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping slightly in the center, points facing outward. You’ll form a sun-like shape with a 4 to 5-inch hole in the middle. If you want it perfectly even, you can place a small ramekin in the center as a guide
Step 2 Mix and Spread the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped rosemary until smooth. Use a spoon or offset spatula to spread the mixture over the wide ends of the dough, leaving the points clean
Step 3 Layer the Filling
Add the cooked turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce around the ring, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Don’t overload it’ll melt and spread as it bakes
Step 4 Fold and Seal
Gently lift each crescent point and bring it over the filling, tucking it under the inner edge. Repeat all the way around, shaping the ring as you go. Some filling will peek through and that’s totally fine
Step 5 Brush and Bake
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Brush over the dough. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and baked through
Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. The center will firm up a little and give you cleaner cuts
Tips for Flaky, Golden Perfection
If your crescent dough gets too soft while working, pop the whole tray into the fridge for 10 minutes to chill before baking
Leftover roasted turkey gives the best texture, but deli-style slices work in a pinch
Don’t skip the buttery topping it adds flavor and helps the dough brown beautifully
For extra flavor, toss in a few chopped pecans or dried cranberries before folding it up
Want a festive appetizer to pair with this ring? These Harvest Cranberry Deviled Eggs are always a hit and share similar seasonal vibes
Easy Variations
Swap Gruyere for sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack
Use honey mustard instead of Dijon for a sweeter twist
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an earthy layer
Not a fan of cranberry? Try a fig jam or even a spoonful of whole grain mustard
For a more bite-sized version, try these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites same idea, party-ready size
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prep the whole ring, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and chill it unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake straight from the fridge when ready
Store baked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven or an air fryer until warmed through. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating
What to Serve It With
Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping for a potluck, this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring pairs perfectly with soups, salads, and simple sides. You can also serve it with crusty Italian bread if you’re going all in on the carbs
It also works beautifully on a brunch board, especially around the holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade or canned whole berry cranberry sauce both work beautifully. You could also try orange marmalade or pepper jelly for a creative twist
What can I substitute for crescent rolls?
If you prefer, you can use puff pastry (just roll it into a circle and cut slits) or even homemade crescent dough if you’re feeling extra cozy
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the turkey for roasted butternut squash, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of spinach and goat cheese for a meatless twist
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or sliced
- ⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese or plain with chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Unroll crescent dough and arrange triangles in a circle on parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a sun shape with points facing out and wide ends overlapping in the center.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped herbs. Spread over wide ends of dough, leaving tips clean.
- Layer turkey evenly over cream cheese, drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold dough points over filling, tucking under the inner edge to form a ring. Some filling will peek through—don’t worry!
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Brush over the dough.
- Bake at 375°F for 22 to 28 minutes, until golden brown and baked through. Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.