The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a warm, flaky crescent ring filled with tender turkey and tangy cranberry sauce, making each bite a delightful mix of savory and sweet. The golden, buttery crescent dough wraps around the filling, creating a beautiful and tasty wreath that’s as nice to look at as it is to eat.
I love making this crescent ring because it’s so easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. You just layer the turkey, cranberry sauce, and a little bit of cheese inside, then fold the dough over and bake until it’s golden and bubbly. I find it’s a great way to use up leftovers from the holiday meal, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy any time you want a seasonal treat.
My favorite way to serve this is right out of the oven, with a little extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family while chatting over holiday drinks. This ring always brings smiles and makes any holiday gathering feel a little more special and cozy—a simple recipe that feels like a warm holiday hug.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This gives the ring its flaky, buttery base. You can find it in most grocery stores refrigerated. For a healthier option, try puff pastry instead—it’s a bit thicker but works well.
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly here and adds great flavor. If you prefer, chicken or even ham can be great substitutes, making it flexible for different tastes.
Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart cranberry sauce adds a festive touch. I like using homemade, but canned works fine too. For a different twist, try apple or apricot jam.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts nicely and adds creaminess. If you want a stronger flavor, Swiss or sharp cheddar are good choices. For dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Chopped Nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch on top. If you have nut allergies, simply skip this or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
How Do You Create the Perfect Twisted Crescent Ring Without It Falling Apart?
One key step is carefully sealing the two dough layers and making clean cuts without slicing all the way through. This keeps the ring intact while twisting.
- Line the dough triangles in a circle, overlapping slightly to form a base.
- After spreading fillings, cover gently with the second dough layer and press edges firmly.
- Cut strips about 16 wide, stopping 1 1/2 inches from center to keep the middle connected.
- Twist each strip evenly 2-3 times to show layers and filling without tearing.
- Arrange twisted ends back to the center and press gently to maintain the ring shape during baking.
- Brush with butter to help the dough brown beautifully and hold together.
Taking these steps slowly and carefully helps you get those pretty twists that hold all the yummy fillings in place. It’s worth the gentle touch for a ring that’s both beautiful and tasty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the crescent ring and catching any drips.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the ring from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helps you cut clean, even strips for twisting the dough.
- Pastry brush – lets you spread melted butter evenly over the ring for a golden finish.
- Spatula – useful for lifting and transferring the ring gently without breaking it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked chicken or ham for a different holiday twist that tastes just as good.
- Add a layer of cream cheese or brie inside for extra creaminess and richness.
- Include chopped green onions or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add a fresh, savory note.
- Mix in walnuts or pecans inside the filling for added crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Filling:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
For The Topping and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes in the oven. Allow a few extra minutes to cool before serving. Total time is roughly 35 minutes, making it a quick and festive appetizer to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Unroll one can of crescent dough onto the prepared sheet, arranging the triangles in a circle with the points facing outward to form a wreath. Don’t seal the tips; just place them touching to form the ring.
2. Add the Filling and Second Layer:
Spread the cooked turkey evenly over the dough circle. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then add spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Leave the edges clear for folding. Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it over the filling, slightly offset to cover everything.
3. Seal, Cut, and Twist the Dough:
Press the edges of the two dough layers together around the ring to seal it. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the ring into about 16 equal strips, cutting from the outer edge towards the center but leaving about 1½ inches uncut at the center to hold the ring shape. Twist each strip two to three times, exposing the layers and filling. Gently press the strip ends back to the center to keep the circle intact.
4. Bake and Garnish:
Brush the entire ring with melted butter and sprinkle chopped nuts on top if you like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the ring turns a beautiful golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a festive touch before serving warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture before adding it to the crescent ring. This helps keep the dough from becoming soggy.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Yes, feel free to swap turkey for chicken or ham, or add cream cheese, herbs, or nuts inside to suit your taste!
