Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive, show-stopping dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese are wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, creating a flavorful, golden-brown ring that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, party dish, or a creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crescent Ring:

• 2 cans crescent roll dough (8-count each)
• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or cream cheese, softened)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or rosemary
• Extra cranberry sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a cohesive filling.

Step 3: Arrange the Crescent Rolls

1. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
2. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, forming a sunburst shape. Leave a 3–4 inch hole in the middle.

Step 4: Add the Filling

1. Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly around the wide ends of the triangles, near the center of the ring.
2. Fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling, tucking them under the wide ends to form a ring. The filling should peek through the gaps between the dough.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

1. Brush the crescent ring with the beaten egg to give it a golden sheen.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the crescent ring from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.
3. Slice into wedges and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving:

• Serve this crescent ring as a centerpiece appetizer, light lunch, or snack. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds to retain flakiness.
• Freeze: Wrap the baked crescent ring tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.

Helpful Notes

1. Leftover Magic: This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce.
2. Cheese Alternatives: Swiss, mozzarella, or cream cheese work wonderfully, but you can experiment with gouda or cheddar for added flavor.
3. Make It Sweeter: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the filling for a touch of sweetness.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

1. Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the filling for an earthy, aromatic flavor boost.”
2. Ina Garten: “For perfect dough, make sure your crescent roll dough stays chilled until you’re ready to assemble. Warm dough can be harder to handle.”
3. Rachael Ray: “Layer in some greens like spinach or arugula for extra color and freshness.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use deli turkey instead of cooked turkey?

Yes, chopped deli turkey works as a convenient substitute.

2. What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a chutney for a sweet and tangy twist.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the ring up to 6 hours in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different dough?

Puff pastry or phyllo dough can be used for a flakier, more delicate alternative.

5. What other proteins can I use?

Shredded chicken, ham, or cooked sausage are great options if turkey isn’t available.

6. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick silicone mat.

7. Can I make a smaller ring?

Yes, halve the ingredients and use one can of crescent rolls for a smaller version.

8. What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy soup like butternut squash or potato leek.

9. How can I keep the ring warm for serving?

Cover loosely with foil and keep it in a warm oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

10. What’s the best way to cut and serve the ring?

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into wedges, ensuring the filling stays intact.