Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey in a creative, crowd-pleasing way. It’s packed with juicy turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Whether I’m hosting brunch, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want a comforting dinner, this ring always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick to put together but looks impressive on the table. The flavors are a perfect balance—savory turkey, sweet cranberry, and gooey cheese all wrapped in flaky dough. It’s great for using up holiday leftovers, but I make it year-round with deli turkey too. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different cheeses or add-ins based on what I have in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
 - Crescent roll dough (refrigerated tubes)
 - Whole berry cranberry sauce
 - Cream cheese (softened) or mayonnaise
 - Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
 - Dijon mustard (optional)
 - Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
 - Salt
 - Black pepper
 - Egg (for egg wash)
 
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 - I unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Then I arrange the triangles in a circle, overlapping the wide ends in the center and letting the tips point outward, forming a wreath shape.
 - In a bowl, I mix the turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese (or mayo), shredded cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and herbs or mustard if using.
 - I spoon the filling evenly around the center of the ring, over the wide ends of the dough.
 - I fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under the center to secure the ring.
 - I brush the top with a beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
 - I bake the ring for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
 - I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
 
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- I use brie or sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
 - I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a bit of crunch.
 - A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze on top after baking adds a sweet finish.
 - I’ve made mini versions using individual crescent rolls folded into pockets or pinwheels.
 
storage/reheating
I store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. The microwave works too, but the dough gets softer. If I’m making it ahead of time, I assemble the ring, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
FAQs
Can I use deli turkey instead of cooked turkey?
Yes, I’ve used deli slices when I don’t have leftovers, and it still tastes great. I just chop the slices into bite-size pieces before mixing.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
I like using whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but smooth works too. Homemade or canned both get the job done.
Can I freeze the baked crescent ring?
Yes, I let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F straight from frozen until warmed through.
How do I keep the crescent dough from getting soggy?
I avoid overfilling and make sure the filling isn’t too wet. I also bake it until deep golden brown to ensure the dough is fully cooked.
What can I serve with this crescent ring?
I usually serve it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or a simple soup. It’s also great on its own as a standalone meal or party appetizer.
Conclusion
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best parts of a holiday meal in one easy-to-make pastry. I love how versatile and festive it is, whether I’m using leftovers or starting from scratch. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses, no matter the occasion.
PrintSavory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive and easy way to use leftover turkey, combining sweet-tart cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and seasoned turkey in a flaky crescent roll wreath. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 25 minutes
 - Total Time: 40 minutes
 - Yield: 6 to 8 servings
 - Category: Appetizer
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 - Diet: Low Lactose
 
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
 - 2 cans crescent roll dough (refrigerated)
 - 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (or mayonnaise)
 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
 - 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
 - 1/2 tsp salt
 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
 
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 - Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Arrange in a circle on the baking sheet with wide ends overlapping in the center and tips pointing outward.
 - In a bowl, mix turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese or mayo, shredded cheese, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
 - Spoon filling evenly around the inner circle of dough.
 - Fold pointed ends of dough over the filling and tuck under to form a ring.
 - Brush top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
 - Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
 - Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
 
Notes
- Swap mozzarella with brie or cheddar for flavor variation.
 - Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
 - Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze after baking for sweetness.
 - Make mini versions using individual crescent triangles.
 - Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
 - Calories: 290
 - Sugar: 5g
 - Sodium: 480mg
 - Fat: 16g
 - Saturated Fat: 6g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 8g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 24g
 - Fiber: 1g
 - Protein: 13g
 - Cholesterol: 45mg
 
