Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive, easy-to-make appetizer that brings all the cozy holiday flavors into one delicious bite. Made with buttery crescent dough, tender turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese, this pull-apart ring is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas brunch, or a cozy fall gathering, this recipe will wow your guests without stress in the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers or add a seasonal twist to a party tray.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Crescent Ring

• Made with store-bought crescent dough for easy prep
• Uses simple leftover ingredients you likely already have
• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
• Impressive presentation with minimal effort
• Great for both appetizers or light meals
• Ideal for holiday brunches, parties, or even lunch
• Delicious warm or at room temperature

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients:

• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 cups cooked shredded turkey (leftover or rotisserie-style)
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jelly)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Swiss, or white cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary or parsley for decoration
• Extra cranberry sauce or Dijon mustard for dipping

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Dough Ring

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends in the center and pointing the narrow tips outward to form a wreath.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon the turkey mixture in a ring on the wide ends of the crescent dough, keeping the filling even all the way around.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Gently fold the pointed tips of the crescent triangles over the filling and tuck them under the bottom layer to secure. Your dough ring should now resemble a beautiful wreath.

Step 6: Add Egg Wash

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it evenly over the top of the dough to help it brown and shine.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a holiday touch
• Serve with a small bowl of cranberry sauce or honey mustard in the center of the ring
• Slice into 8–10 wedges for perfect individual servings

Tips for Success

• Use leftover holiday turkey to save time and reduce food waste
• Don’t overfill the ring — it should be evenly stuffed without bursting
• Add a layer of cream cheese to the dough before filling for a tangy twist
• For extra flavor, mix Dijon mustard into the filling
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup

Creative Variations to Try

Turkey Bacon Ranch Ring

Add cooked, chopped turkey bacon and a drizzle of ranch dressing to the filling. This version adds smoky flavor with a creamy twist.

Brie and Cranberry Ring

Swap shredded cheese for brie slices. The combination of melty brie and tart cranberries is perfect for elegant holiday gatherings.

Turkey & Spinach Ring

Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach or kale for a veggie boost. It adds color and extra nutrition.

Sweet & Savory Version

Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the turkey filling for a sweet touch that balances the cranberry and cheese.

Veggie-Friendly Alternative

Skip the turkey and use roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and goat cheese as a flavorful vegetarian filling.

Serving Suggestions

• As a starter: Pair with sparkling juice or a light fruit spritzer.
• As a main: Serve with a mixed green salad or roasted vegetables.
• As brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
• On a buffet: Add to a holiday snack table alongside deviled eggs, meatballs, or cheese boards.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the entire ring up to 4 hours in advance. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake.

Alternatively, prepare the filling the day before and store it separately. Assemble the ring on the day of serving for best texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works too, but the dough may soften.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.

Nutrition Info (Per Slice – makes 8 slices)

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a show-stopping holiday appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. It blends classic seasonal flavors in a way that feels both comforting and elevated.

Perfect for making the most of leftovers or crafting a new tradition, this crescent ring deserves a spot at every festive table. It’s quick, customizable, and delicious — what more could you ask for in a holiday dish?

Make one this season, and enjoy every warm, cheesy, cranberry-filled bite!

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

This festive crescent ring wraps tender shredded turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese in buttery dough for a pull-apart appetizer that wows with minimal effort. Perfect warm or at room temp for holiday brunches, parties, or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 cups cooked turkey shredded; leftover or rotisserie-style
• 0.5 cup whole berry cranberry sauce not jelly
• 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella, Swiss, or white cheddar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash

Optional Garnish & Dips

• fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish
• extra cranberry sauce or Dijon mustard for dipping

Instructions

 

• Preheat & pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
• Mix filling: In a bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
• Form dough ring: Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Arrange triangles in a circle on the sheet with wide ends overlapping at center and tips pointing outward to form a wreath.
• Add filling: Spoon the turkey mixture in an even ring over the wide ends of the dough.
• Fold & seal: Gently pull the pointed tips over the filling and tuck under the ring to secure. Neaten seams as needed.
• Egg wash & bake: Brush top with beaten egg. Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Cool 5 minutes.
• Garnish & serve: Garnish with rosemary or parsley. Slice into 8–10 wedges and serve with extra cranberry sauce or Dijon for dipping.

Notes

Tips: Don’t overfill; keep the ring evenly stuffed to prevent leaks. For a tangy twist, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on dough before filling or mix in a little Dijon. Use parchment for easy cleanup. Pork- and alcohol-free as written.

Make-ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash just before baking. Leftovers reheat best in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.

Keyword holiday appetizer, leftover turkey recipe, pull-apart ring, thanksgiving party food, turkey crescent ring

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