This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is such a fun and festive appetizer that brings holiday flavors to the table in a really easy way. It combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent roll dough all wrapped up into a ring that looks as good as it tastes.
I love making this appetizer because it’s a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike can’t get enough of that mix of sweet and savory flavors. One of my favorite tricks is to add a little cream cheese in the filling to make it extra creamy and delicious. It also comes together super fast, which is great when you’re juggling lots of holiday cooking.
The best part is how great it looks when you bring it out to the party—you just slice the ring into beautiful wedges, and suddenly everyone’s reaching for seconds! I usually serve it warm with a side of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. It’s perfect to set out while guests are arriving or whenever you want a simple, tasty dish that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives the ring its flaky, buttery texture. If you’re short on time, pre-made crescent dough is a great shortcut. For a healthier twist, you can try puff pastry instead.
Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey works perfectly here, making it a great way to use holiday scraps. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken or even deli sliced meat can be swapped in.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds sweetness and a bit of tang. Feel free to swap with homemade cranberry relish or even a tart jam like raspberry for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess and helps all ingredients stick together. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat alternative. You can also mix in a bit of mayonnaise or sour cream for added richness.
Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): Fresh rosemary and thyme bring that classic holiday aroma. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs are a fine substitute but use less since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Twist the Crescent Dough Strips Without Losing the Filling?
This step shapes your ring and shows off the layered filling, so it’s worth taking your time.
- Cut strips carefully with a sharp knife, stopping about 1 inch from the center, to keep the ring intact.
- Hold each strip gently but firmly near the middle so the filling stays inside while twisting.
- Twist each strip away from the center only once or twice — too many twists can cause the dough to tear or filling to spill out.
- Lay each twisted strip back down gently to keep the ring shape even and pretty.
- If any filling peeks out, don’t worry — the egg wash will help everything stick and brown nicely.
Doing this step slowly and gently helps keep your crescent ring looking tidy and full of flavor for serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough for your crescent ring to spread out evenly without crowding.
- Parchment paper – stops the dough from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the dough into neat strips without tearing.
- Mixing bowl – to combine turkey, cheese, and herbs evenly.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing the egg wash to get that shiny golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option that tastes just as good.
- Use brie or goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer, tangier filling.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside or on top for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the turkey to sneak in some veggies and extra earthiness.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough & Filling:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (plus some whole sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: walnuts or pecans, chopped, for garnish or inside
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 10-15 minutes to prepare the dough and filling, plus 20-25 minutes baking time. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving. In total, this tasty ring takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the crescent ring from sticking. Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough side by side, then press the seams together to form one large circle on your baking sheet.
2. Add the Cream Cheese and Turkey Mix
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch clear at the edges. In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey, shredded cheese, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
3. Layer with Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey mixture, spreading gently to cover the layer evenly.
4. Cut and Twist to Form the Ring
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the filled dough circle into 16 strips from the outer edge toward the center, stopping just before the middle to keep the ring intact. Twist each strip away from the center once or twice to reveal the layers and then lay them back down to shape the ring.
5. Brush, Bake, and Garnish
Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg to create a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle a bit more rosemary or chopped nuts if you like. Bake the ring in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool a few minutes before transferring to a serving plate. Garnish the center with extra cranberry sauce and fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the ring into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful blend of flaky crescent dough, savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and melty cheese—a perfect holiday appetizer to share!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps keep the crescent dough from getting soggy.
Can I Prepare the Crescent Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring up to the twisting step, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover crescent ring slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for the Cream Cheese?
You can use goat cheese, mascarpone, or a soft ricotta as alternatives if you want a different flavor or texture. Just make sure they’re spreadable to hold the filling together.