Looking for a festive dish that looks fancy but secretly takes almost no effort? The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is your new holiday hero. Imagine buttery crescent rolls hugging juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese—all baked into a golden ring of deliciousness. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving and your guests think you’ve been cooking all day (we won’t tell them it took less than 30 minutes).
Whether you’re hosting friends, wrangling family, or just craving a cozy night in, this dish checks every box. The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe also makes the most out of leftover turkey, saving you from another boring sandwich. Let’s just say it’s part comfort food, part holiday magic, and 100% crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
What is Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe?
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is like the love child of Thanksgiving dinner and a warm pastry. Think flaky crescent rolls wrapped around a mix of tender turkey, creamy cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a touch of Dijon mustard for that perfect zing. It bakes into a golden, pull-apart ring that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you only need a few ingredients and about half an hour.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving leftovers or a random Tuesday night, this ring brings together sweet and savory in the most comforting way. It’s great for brunches, potlucks, or when you just want something that looks “wow” with minimal effort. If you love dishes like my Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing or Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, this recipe will fit right into your rotation.
Reasons to Try Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Why should you try this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe? Let’s be real—it’s the easiest way to impress your family without losing your sanity. First, it’s a genius use for leftover turkey. No more sad reheated slices or soggy sandwiches. Second, it’s versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or even breakfast (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it).
Third, it’s the kind of recipe that looks straight out of a bakery window—golden, glossy, and perfectly shaped. Plus, that sweet-tart cranberry with the savory turkey is a flavor combo that just screams holiday happiness. Bonus: kids love it. Even picky eaters tend to cave when cheese and crescent dough are involved. Pair it with my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese for a cozy, well-rounded meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Ready to bring this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe to life? Follow this step-by-step guide that walks you through every stage—from dough prep to that golden, picture-perfect finish. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving leftovers or just want something cozy and impressive, this walkthrough ensures every bite turns out buttery, savory, and slightly sweet.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s start this step-by-step journey by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature gives your crescent dough that golden, flaky finish everyone loves. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup ridiculously easy—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. If you’re looking for other clever baking hacks, check out my tips in the Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese post—it’s packed with practical advice for smooth, stress-free cooking.
Step 2: Chill and Unroll the Crescent Dough
This step-by-step process works best when your dough is slightly chilled. Cold dough is easier to handle and less likely to tear. Open up the crescent roll packages and gently unroll each triangle. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circular shape, overlapping the wider ends in the center to create a ring. The points should face outward, forming what looks like a sunburst pattern. Don’t worry about perfect symmetry—it’ll all come together beautifully once baked.
If you’ve ever struggled with shaping pastry dough, you might enjoy reading my Easy Apple Turnovers with Biscuits article. It includes some foolproof techniques for handling pre-made doughs that apply here too!
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Now comes the flavorful heart of this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until everything is evenly coated and looks rich and creamy. You’ll notice the cranberry sauce blending with the cheese and turkey to create that classic holiday flavor combo—savory, sweet, and just a touch tangy.
For a fun twist, you can swap in leftover roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken. If you’re curious about other creative ways to repurpose leftovers, check out my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew. It’s another comforting recipe that helps stretch your holiday feast in delicious ways.
Step 4: Assemble the Ring
Here’s where the magic happens in this step-by-step guide. Spoon your turkey-cranberry mixture evenly around the ring, focusing on the wider ends of the dough. Try not to pile it too high—you want a generous layer that still allows you to fold the points over without spilling. Once the filling is in place, take each pointed end of the crescent triangle and gently fold it over the filling toward the center of the ring. Tuck the tips under the bottom layer of dough to seal it.
Don’t stress about making it look perfect; this is one of those recipes where “rustic” automatically translates to “delicious.” You can brush the top with a little melted butter for that bakery-style sheen or sprinkle sesame seeds for added crunch.
For extra visual appeal (and a flavor boost), pair this dish with my Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe. It adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory turkey perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your assembled ring into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. This step-by-step stage is where patience pays off—your kitchen will start to smell like Thanksgiving and a bakery had a baby. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
For the best results, resist the urge to cut into it right away. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes so the filling can set slightly. This makes slicing easier and keeps that lovely ring shape intact.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Once cooled slightly, slice your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe into even wedges, just like a pizza. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear within minutes. It’s ideal for a brunch spread, a casual dinner, or even as a leftover turkey centerpiece. If you’re planning a full festive meal, try pairing it with my Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole or Holiday Green Bean Casserole for a balanced, comforting feast.
That’s it—your step-by-step guide to making the ultimate Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe! With its flaky crust, cheesy turkey filling, and bright cranberry flavor, this dish is destined to become your new holiday favorite. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this recipe brings warmth and flavor straight to your table—no stress, no fuss, all comfort.
What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe pairs beautifully with just about anything from your holiday spread. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole or Holiday Green Bean Casserole. Want to keep it light? A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. And if you’re setting up a holiday brunch table, throw in some sparkling cranberry punch and roasted veggies for a festive touch. The savory-sweet balance of this dish makes it incredibly versatile—perfect for casual get-togethers or elegant dinners alike.
Key Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Chill your crescent dough before unrolling to keep it from tearing.
- Don’t overfill—the dough needs room to puff up.
- For an extra golden crust, brush with an egg wash or melted butter before baking.
- If using leftover turkey, warm it slightly before mixing to keep your filling creamy and smooth.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme for an aromatic boost.
With these tips, your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe will come out perfectly golden and bakery-worthy every time.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep that crust flaky. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the crescent dough soft and chewy instead of crisp. For longer storage, freeze the baked ring (wrapped tightly in foil) for up to a month. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. It’s just as delicious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the ring, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely—rotisserie chicken works great.
What kind of cheese is best? Mozzarella gives a gooey stretch, while Swiss adds a nutty flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries? Stick to cranberry sauce—it blends better with the filling.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is proof that easy and impressive can coexist. It’s festive, comforting, and the perfect way to use up holiday leftovers without sacrificing flavor. From weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving brunch, this ring will steal the spotlight every time. For more cozy, holiday-inspired recipes, check out my Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe or Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Looking for an easy and festive dish to wow your guests this holiday season? This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough. A show-stopping centerpiece!
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, overlapping slightly to form a ring. The pointed ends should face outward, creating a sunburst effect.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Spoon the filling onto the wide ends of the crescent dough, forming a circular mound. Gently fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling, tucking them under the base to seal.
5. Place the crescent ring in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Let the ring cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Chill the crescent dough slightly before unrolling to prevent tearing.
Brush the top of the crescent ring with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Serve with extra cranberry sauce or a light salad on the side for a complete holiday meal.
Great for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a creative and delicious way.
