There’s something so heartwarming about gathering around a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is the perfect example—it’s festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. With layers of tender turkey, creamy cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent rolls baked into a golden wreath, this recipe brings instant comfort to the table.
It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover turkey during the holidays, but honestly, it’s just as delightful for a cozy family dinner or casual get-together any time of year.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories (approx. per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner / Holiday | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 8 | ~310 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss for extra richness)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese (for creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crescent base. Open crescent roll cans and separate into triangles. On the baking sheet, arrange them in a circle with wide ends overlapping slightly (points facing out), forming a star-like ring.
- Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill the ring. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly around the circle, over the overlapped crescent sections.
- Fold and tuck. Gently fold the pointed ends of dough over the filling and tuck them underneath to form a closed ring. Don’t worry if some filling peeks out—it’ll bake beautifully.
- Bake. Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and serve. Let the ring rest 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Prevent sticking: Use parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Make it melty: Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken if you don’t have turkey handy!
Recipe Variations
- Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor twist.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers to the filling.
- Lighter version: Use reduced-fat crescent dough and Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Offer extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
- Cut into smaller wedges for a fun holiday party appetizer.
Conclusion
This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is proof that comfort food can be both easy and impressive. It’s a dish that looks festive on the table yet comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Gather your loved ones, slice into the warm, golden ring, and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite.