Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty snack that’s bursting with flavor and festive vibes, this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is going to steal your heart. Picture this: tender turkey mingling with creamy cream cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese, all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough shaped into a glorious ring. It’s comfort food meets party fare, perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or any time you want a show-stopping dish that’s both easy and impressive. Trust me, once you try this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for using up leftover turkey or just treating yourself to something deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry—each one is simple and thoughtfully chosen to build layers of amazing taste and texture. From the savory turkey to the sweet cranberry sauce, every element puts its best foot forward in this dish.

• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped): The heart of the ring, providing savory, meaty goodness and hearty texture.
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, creamy base that binds the filling flawlessly.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied): Brings a bright, tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly for a gooey, mild nuttiness that complements the turkey.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and moisture, keeping every bite tender.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and depth, grounding the sweet and savory notes.
• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough: The golden, flaky wrapper that transforms the filling into a stunning ring.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A hint of savory warmth that lifts the entire flavor profile.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Provides a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients together harmoniously.

How to Make Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your workspace

Before diving into the deliciousness, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and prevents any sticking or mess.

Step 2: Whip up the creamy filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is velvety smooth. This creamy mixture will hold the filling ingredients together and ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add in the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese

Fold in the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and shredded Swiss cheese gently. The cranberry sauce brings a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory turkey and cheese, while the Swiss cheese melts into the creaminess, creating a luscious filling.

Step 4: Arrange the crescent dough triangles

Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a circle on the parchment paper, placing the wide ends overlapping at the center and the points radiating outward. This sunburst shape is both eye-catching and functional—perfect for folding up the filling later.

Step 5: Spoon the filling onto the dough

Evenly dollop the turkey mixture around the wide center of the crescent dough circle, leaving a bit of edge around the dough’s center free. This ensures you can fold the points over the filling without it spilling out.

Step 6: Fold the dough to form your ring

Carefully lift each pointed tip of the crescent dough and tuck it over the filling, folding underneath the wide ends at the center. The dough will enclose the filling in a ring, creating beautiful layers that bake to a golden, flaky finish.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Pop the assembled ring into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. This baking time allows the filling to heat through and the crust to develop that irresistible flaky texture.

Step 8: Garnish and serve warm

Let the ring cool for a few minutes once out of the oven to prevent any molten filling from escaping. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness—then slice and serve with extra cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant look and fresh taste. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving also enhances the flavor. You can even add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This crescent ring shines best when paired with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, roasted green beans, or even creamy mashed potatoes. The contrast of fresh, crunchy veggies with the rich, cheesy ring creates a beautifully balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a party, place the ring on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces like extra cranberry sauce, a tangy mustard aioli, or warm turkey gravy. This presentation invites guests to dig in and customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for weekday lunches or snack cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked crescent ring by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen leftovers will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the ring on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the oven keeps the crescent dough flaky and golden.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey or fresh-cooked turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey from a roast or fresh-cooked turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even heating.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Can I use puff pastry?

Puff pastry can be a great substitute and will give you a slightly different but equally flaky crust. Just remember to thaw and handle puff pastry carefully, and adjust baking time as needed because it can brown faster.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the turkey with cooked and seasoned mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives, and keep the rest of the ingredients for that same creamy, tangy filling experience.

Can I prepare the ring ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the entire crescent ring, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come closer to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

How should I serve this dish for a crowd?

This recipe is perfectly sized for sharing. Serve it on a large platter with sliced pieces and multiple dipping sauces to keep things interactive and fun for your guests.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic every time it comes out of the oven. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this ring is an unbeatable blend of flavors and textures that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Grab your ingredients, roll up those crescent dough triangles, and get ready to create a truly spectacular dish!

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