Name: Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped; 1 cup cranberry sauce (or half cranberry + half orange marmalade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing); 1 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Your New Go-To Holiday Showstopper: The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

Hey there, friend! Olivia here, waving from a kitchen that currently smells like heaven—buttery pastry, savory herbs, and that sweet-tart cranberry scent that just screams celebration. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s equal parts stunning, delicious, and surprisingly easy to pull off, you’ve absolutely come to the right place. Today, we’re making my legendary Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring, and trust me, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and the answer to your “what do I do with all that leftover turkey?” dilemma.

Picture this: flaky, golden-brown crescent dough, woven into a beautiful wreath, hiding a heart of tender, seasoned turkey, melty cheese, and a glorious burst of tangy cranberry. It’s warm, comforting, and feels incredibly fancy without any of the fuss. I’ve doubled the recipe here because one ring is never enough—this version makes two, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or ensuring you have plenty for seconds (and maybe a sneaky midnight snack). So, tie on your favorite apron, put on some festive tunes, and let’s create some magic together. This is the kind of cozy, homemade dish that turns a simple meal into a memory.

A Ring Full of Memories

This recipe always takes me right back to my first “hosting” attempt for my now-husband’s family. I was a ball of nerves, wanting everything to be perfect. The turkey was dry, the gravy was lumpy… it was a bit of a kitchen comedy. But then, I remembered this crescent ring concept my mom used to make with chicken salad. In a moment of “what have I got to lose?” inspiration, I threw together our leftover turkey with cranberry sauce from a jar, some cheese, and that trusty tube of crescent rolls. I arranged it into a ring, crossed my fingers, and popped it in the oven.

The moment I brought it to the table, the “oohs” and “aahs” started. It was golden, puffed, and beautiful. That first bite—the flaky crust giving way to the savory-sweet filling—saved the day. It’s been our mandatory day-after-Thanksgiving tradition ever since. It’s a reminder that the best dishes aren’t about perfection; they’re about joy, creativity, and sharing something delicious with the people you love.

Gathering Your Ingredients (Let’s Chat About Them!)

Here’s everything you’ll need for our double-batch of deliciousness. Don’t just think of this as a shopping list; think of it as your flavor roadmap! I’ve included all my favorite little tips and swaps to make this recipe truly your own.

4 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The hero of our show! This is our shortcut to a gorgeous, flaky crust without making pastry from scratch. Keep it chilled until the very last second for the easiest handling.
4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped: This is the perfect way to use up holiday leftovers! A rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, too, if that’s what you have.
1 cup cranberry sauce: I love the tangy sweetness it brings. Chef’s Twist: For a next-level flavor, try using ½ cup cranberry sauce and ½ cup orange marmalade. The citrus kick is incredible!
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Mozzarella gives you that fantastic stretch, while Swiss adds a lovely nutty flavor. Chef’s Upgrade: If you’re feeling fancy, use Gruyère. Its rich, creamy, and slightly salty profile is absolute perfection here.
½ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese: This is our binding agent! It adds creaminess and richness, ensuring the filling isn’t dry. Mayo will give you a more savory note, while cream cheese makes it extra luscious and tangy.
2 tsp Dijon mustard: Don’t skip this! It’s not for heat, but for depth of flavor. It cuts through the richness and adds a subtle complexity that makes the whole dish pop.
1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper: Our simple but essential seasoning trio. Garlic powder distributes flavor more evenly than fresh garlic here. Always taste your filling and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking!
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of fresh green color and a hint of freshness to balance the rich flavors. Chives or thyme would also be lovely.
1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing): The secret to that deep, golden-brown, glossy finish. It’s optional, but highly recommended for maximum visual appeal.
1 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping): Adds a lovely little crunch and makes it look professionally finished.

Let’s Build This Beautiful Ring! (Step-by-Step)

Okay, team! Let’s get our hands (a little) dirty. This process is so much fun—it’s like edible arts and crafts. Read through all the steps first, and you’ll be a pro.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook the crescent dough through without burning it before the inside is hot. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, this non-stick miracle will make cleanup an absolute breeze.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine your turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully combined. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands (clean ones, of course!) to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Chef’s Hack: Give the mixture a little taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning. Want more pepper? More tang? Add a little more Dijon! Make it yours.

Step 3: Now for the architecture! Unroll one package of crescent dough. You’ll see it’s perforated into triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward like a sun. It should look like a star. Repeat with the second package on the same sheet, connecting it to the first to form one large ring. Gently press the overlapping wide ends together to seal the center circle—this is your foundation! Repeat with the remaining two packages of dough on your second baking sheet.

Step 4: Take your delicious turkey filling and spoon it evenly around each ring, mounding it carefully onto the wide, sealed inner circle. Try to keep it away from the pointed ends; we need those to fold over!

Step 5: Here’s the magic moment! Take each pointed end of the dough and fold it up and over the filling, then tuck the point under the inner rim of the wide part of the dough. This seals everything in and creates that gorgeous wreath shape. If a little filling peeks out, don’t stress—it’s homemade charm!

Step 6: If you’re using it, lightly brush the tops of both rings with the melted butter. This is what gives it that gorgeous, bakery-worthy color and shine. Then, sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds for that final chef’s touch.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is a deep, glorious golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 8: This is the hardest part: let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly, so when you cut into it, it doesn’t all come spilling out. Then, garnish with that fresh, chopped parsley for a beautiful color contrast. Slice between the seams and serve!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Presentation is part of the fun! Place the whole ring on a large wooden board or a beautiful platter. I like to fill the center of the ring with a little extra cranberry sauce or a small bowl of gravy for dipping. It looks stunning and is so practical. This is a self-serve, hand-held kind of feast, perfect for a holiday buffet or a casual gathering. Pair it with a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted honey-glazed carrots and green beans for a full, festive spread.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to play!

Thanksgiving Leftover Style: Stir in ½ cup of chopped cooked stuffing and a handful of dried cranberries into the filling mixture.
Buffalo Chicken Swap: Use shredded chicken instead of turkey. Replace the cranberry sauce with ¾ cup of Buffalo sauce and use a blue cheese or ranch dressing instead of mayo. Top with blue cheese crumbles after baking!
Vegetarian Delight: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, and onions until soft and use them instead of turkey. A creamy goat cheese would be amazing here.
Ham & Swiss Classic: Substitute diced ham for the turkey and whole-grain mustard for the Dijon. A classic flavor combo that never fails.

Chef Olivia’s Notes

This recipe has evolved so much in my kitchen over the years. I once, in a pre-coffee haze, accidentally used cinnamon rolls instead of crescent dough. (Don’t ask how, it was a wild morning!). While a sweet and savory turkey ring wasn’t what I was going for, my nephew declared it the “best thing ever,” so maybe there’s something there! My biggest tip is to embrace the mess. The first time you make it, the ring might look a little… abstract. But I promise, once it bakes up golden and puffy, it will be beautiful. The flavor is always a 10/10. It’s become my signature “I-brought-appetizers!” dish for parties, and I love hearing how everyone puts their own spin on it. Cooking is about joy, not perfection. Now, go forth and bake!

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Q: My crescent dough got really soft and hard to work with. What did I do wrong?
A: This is the most common issue! The dough is easiest to handle when it’s cold. Keep it in the fridge until the very moment you’re ready to unroll and shape it. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly. If it does get too soft, you can pop the entire assembled ring into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to firm it up.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You have two great options. 1) Assemble completely: Assemble the rings right on the parchment-lined baking sheets, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding maybe 2-3 minutes to the baking time. 2) Prep the filling: You can mix the filling up to 2 days in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake!

Q: My filling is leaking out during baking. How can I prevent this?
A> A little leakage is normal and tasty! But to minimize it, make sure you are tucking the points firmly under the inner base of the ring to create a good seal. Also, avoid overfilling—spoon the mixture evenly but don’t mound it too high.

Q: Can I freeze a baked or unbaked ring?
A: You can! For unbaked: Assemble the ring and freeze it solid on the baking sheet. Then, wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time, until golden brown. For baked: Let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm throughout.

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

Author: OliviaBennett
Total Time: 45 mins

Print Recipe

Description

A holiday showstopper that’s golden, flaky, savory, and just the right touch of sweet! This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring transforms humble leftovers into something stunning. Perfect for gatherings, buffets, or cozy family nights, it’s a dish that feels festive without the stress. One bite of buttery pastry wrapped around tender turkey, melty cheese, and tangy cranberry, and you’ll see why this recipe becomes a tradition. Ready to create magic? Let’s bake!

Ingredients

Scale

4 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
1 cup cranberry sauce (or half cranberry + half orange marmalade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
½ cup mayonnaise or cream cheese
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
1 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayo (or cream cheese), Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Shape Dough: Unroll crescent dough. Arrange triangles in a circle on the sheet with wide ends overlapping in the center, points outward. Press seams to seal. Repeat for the second sheet.
Fill: Spoon turkey mixture around the inner circle. Keep filling away from the points.
Fold: Pull dough tips over filling and tuck under to form a wreath.
Finish: Brush with butter, sprinkle with seeds if using.
Bake: 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.

Notes

Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken.
Add leftover stuffing or veggies to the mix.
Try ham & Swiss for a classic twist, or go veggie with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

This dish isn’t just food—it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a cozy tradition waiting to happen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: This is an approximate estimate based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and substitutions used.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Recipe

So there you have it—the story, the secrets, and the step-by-step guide to creating a dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your own holiday traditions. The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is proof that the most memorable meals aren’t about flawless technique or the most expensive ingredients; they’re about the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious to share.

This ring is a celebration of simplicity, a masterpiece of convenience, and a testament to the magic that happens when we cook with heart. It’s the perfect bridge between the grandeur of a holiday feast and the cozy comfort of leftovers. So whether you’re using up Thanksgiving turkey, impressing guests at a potluck, or simply treating your family to a special weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, show-stopping success.

I hope this ring finds its way to your table and brings you as much laughter, joy, and satisfied sighs as it has brought to mine. Now, go enjoy the applause—you’ve earned it!