Name: Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 8 oz tube crescent rolls; 2 Tbsp butter (melted); 1/2 tsp poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese (softened); 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (divided); 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (May use Swiss or Monterey Jack) (divided); 1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli turkey); 1 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

I’m so excited to share this cozy, flavorful Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes I reach for when I want something that’s as comforting as a warm hug but also impressive enough for special gatherings. The way the savory turkey and melted cheese blend with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough is pure magic to my taste buds. This ring is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and I promise you’ll love every bite just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

What really makes this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe stand out for me is the incredible play of flavors happening in every slice. You get the creamy tang from chive and onion cream cheese paired with the mellow bite of Dijon mustard, fresh aromatic herbs like rosemary, and then that beautiful balance of savory shredded turkey and sweet cranberry sauce. The Gruyere cheese melts perfectly, adding a nutty richness that ties all the ingredients together. It’s like a warm Thanksgiving feast packed into a shareable, flaky crescent ring.

Aside from the amazing taste, I’m always impressed by how easy this recipe is to prepare. If you have crescent rolls and a few simple ingredients on hand, you can have this showstopper ready in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for holiday brunches, casual family dinners, or even game day snacks because it looks stunning and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Honestly, I find this ring to be a fantastic way to use leftover turkey or deli slices creatively without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round pastry topped with layers of thinly sliced turkey arranged in a circular pattern. On top of the turkey, there are dollops of bright red cranberry sauce scattered evenly around the ring. The pastry base is a light golden color with sections stretching outward like star points, each with a delicate flaky texture. The dish is placed on a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. The arrangement looks fresh and colorful with a combination of soft textures and vibrant red contrasts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is such a breeze because each one adds a unique and essential touch to the final dish. From the flaky crescent dough that bakes golden and crisp, to the fresh herbs that brighten everything up, these simple staples come together to create a ring that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Crescent rolls: The flaky dough makes shaping the ring easy and bakes up with a golden, buttery crust.
Chive and onion cream cheese: Adds a creamy, savory base with a subtle fresh onion flavor.
Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang that complements the turkey and balances the sweetness of cranberry sauce.
Fresh rosemary or thyme: Herbs add an aromatic earthiness to elevate the whole dish.
Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully with a nutty flavor, but Swiss or Monterey Jack works well too.
Thinly sliced turkey: Whether leftover or deli turkey, it provides the main savory protein.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds that classic sweet-tart punch that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Melted butter: Brushed on top to create a shiny, golden crust with extra flavor.
Poppy seeds, garlic powder, and salt: Seasoning to finish the ring with a tasty, aromatic crunch and flavor boost.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.

Step 2: Carefully separate the crescent rolls from the package. Arrange them on the parchment in a circle, with the widest part of each triangle toward the center, overlapping the edges slightly to form about a 4-5 inch circle in the middle.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the chopped rosemary or thyme until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly onto the widest portions of the crescent dough, right where you’ll add the fillings.

Step 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the cream cheese layer. Then layer the turkey slices on top, overlapping them to cover the ring well. Spoon half of the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey, reserving the rest for serving. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the cranberry layer.

Step 5: Gently bring the narrow ends of the crescent dough up and over the filling, tucking the edges under the ring on the inside to fully enclose the filling and seal the ring.

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the entire top and sides of the crescent ring to help it turn golden and add delicious flavor.

Step 7: Place the ring in your preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and a deep golden brown color.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the ring rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before slicing. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary or thyme over the ring, and serve with the leftover cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe yields about 8 hearty servings — perfect for sharing with family and friends. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and assemble the ring, followed by 22-24 minutes of baking. Adding in the 5-minute resting time after baking, you’re looking at just around 40 minutes total from start to finish. I love how this fits perfectly into a relaxed weekend lunch or as an impressive appetizer for holiday celebrations.

How to Serve This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a stuffed pastry cut in half on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The pastry has a golden-brown flaky crust on the outside, with a soft, layered texture inside. The filling is creamy and mixed with small pieces of white meat, light green herbs, and small dark red bits, creating a contrast in the creamy mixture. The pastry looks warm and fresh, with the crust slightly shiny from baking. In the background, more whole pastries are visible but out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe, I find it’s best enjoyed warm so you get that gooey cheese and flaky crust at its peak. I like to plate individual slices on a pretty platter, and then add a small ramekin of extra cranberry sauce for dipping — it always makes the presentation feel extra special.

For sides, I love pairing this with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to keep things colorful and festive. This ring also goes beautifully alongside classic fall favorites like mashed sweet potatoes or a tangy slaw.

For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled sparkling cider complement the dish wonderfully. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, iced tea with a splash of lemon or homemade cranberry lemonade feels refreshing and ties into the cranberry notes in the ring. This recipe really shines during holidays, casual get-togethers, or a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but fun to share.

Variations

I love customizing this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe depending on the ingredients I have or the occasion. If you want a different cheese experience, swapping Gruyere for sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda creates a tasty twist. For a herb variation, you can try fresh sage or tarragon for a new flavor dimension.

If you’re looking for dietary modifications, this recipe can be adjusted fairly easily. Using gluten-free crescent rolls makes it suitable for gluten-sensitive diners. For a vegan version, swap the turkey for seasoned plant-based deli slices, use vegan cream cheese, and a dairy-free cheese alternative — although melting might be a bit different, the flavor will still come through.

For a heartier twist, I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the filling with the turkey. Alternatively, bake the ring in a skillet to get an extra crisp bottom crust, then transfer to the oven to finish baking. These little changes keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time I make it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend placing the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3-4 days. I find it’s best to slice the ring before storing so you can grab individual portions easily without reheating the entire thing.

Freezing

This crescent ring actually freezes quite nicely if you want to prepare ahead. After baking and completely cooling, wrap the ring tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use a conventional oven or toaster oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Place the ring on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the crust is slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese greasy. Reheating with gentle oven heat brings back that freshly baked feel beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked turkey is one of the best ways to make this recipe. It adds great flavor and is a wonderful way to use up holiday turkey or deli slices from the store.

Can I make this crescent ring ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ring up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This saves time and helps deepen the flavors.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme?

If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary or thyme works well too — just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese and turkey?

Definitely! You can use vegan cream cheese, plant-based sliced turkey, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. It won’t melt exactly the same but will still be delicious and satisfying.

Can I substitute the crescent rolls with puff pastry?

You can substitute puff pastry sheets if you prefer a flakier, buttery crust. Just follow the same assembly method, but keep an eye on baking time as puff pastry may cook faster.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that warms your heart and impresses every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it brings together seasonal flavors in a fun and easy-to-make package. I can’t wait for you to experience how delicious and satisfying this crescent ring is — it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!