Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

A stunning, flavor-packed holiday appetizer or centerpiece that wraps tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, herbed cream cheese, and melted Gruyère in golden, flaky crescent dough. Baked into a beautiful ring and brushed with garlic butter, this show-stopping dish is perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas brunch, or any festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another leftover hack—it’s elegant comfort food. With layers of savory turkey, creamy chive-and-onion cheese, fragrant rosemary, and a sweet-tart ribbon of cranberry sauce, every bite tastes like Thanksgiving in a flaky, buttery package. The golden, overlapping crescent points form a gorgeous wreath-like shape that’s as impressive to serve as it is easy to make.

Perfect for:

• Holiday breakfasts, brunches, or appetizers
• Using up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers
• Potlucks and party spreads
• Freezer-friendly crowd-pleasers

Ingredients

For the Ring Base

• 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough (do not use biscuits or pie crust)

For the Filling

• 4 oz (115g) chive and onion cream cheese, softened
• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard (adds tang and depth)
• 3 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, divided (2 tsp in filling, 1 tsp for garnish)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
• 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced turkey (leftover roasted or high-quality deli)
• ½ (7 oz / 200g) can whole berry cranberry sauce (reserve the other half for serving)

For the Garlic-Herb Glaze

• 2 tbsp (¼ stick / 28g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp poppy seeds (for crunch and visual appeal)
• ½ tsp granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Serving

• Reserved cranberry sauce, warmed
• Optional: Fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or extra cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Pan

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Arrange the Crescents

• Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
• Arrange them on the prepared pan in a circle, placing the wide ends toward the center and pointed ends outward, so they overlap slightly like flower petals.

3. Make the Creamy Herb Layer

In a small bowl:

• Mix softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 2 tsp of the fresh herbs until smooth.
• Spread evenly over the wide center portion of each triangle.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Gruyère.

4. Layer Turkey & Cranberry

• Place turkey slices over the cheesy layer, slightly overlapping.
• Spread half the cranberry sauce (about 7 oz) evenly over the turkey.
• Top with the remaining 1 cup of Gruyère cheese.

5. Form the Ring

• Gently lift each narrow end of the dough and fold it over the filling, tucking it underneath the circle to create a sealed ring.
• Press lightly where pieces meet to help them adhere.

6. Brush with Butter Glaze

In a small bowl:

• Whisk together melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt.
• Use a pastry brush to coat the top and sides of the dough generously.

7. Bake Until Golden

• Bake 22–24 minutes, until the crescent dough is deep golden brown and crisp.
• Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes—this helps hold shape when slicing.

8. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tsp of fresh herbs.
• Slice with a sharp knife or kitchen shears into wedges.
• Serve warm with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

You Must Know

• Use refrigerated dough —not frozen or homemade unless adjusted.
• Softened cream cheese blends best —microwave 10 seconds if needed.
• Don’t overfill —too much sauce causes leaks.
• Tastes better the next day! Reheats beautifully in oven or air fryer.
• Freezer-friendly —bake, cool, freeze, then reheat.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may soften crust.
• Freeze before or after baking:
  • Unbaked: Freeze on tray, then bag. Bake from frozen (+3–5 mins).
  • Baked: Cool completely, freeze flat, reheat in oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a platter with toothpicks or small forks.
• Great for holiday buffets—cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.
• Double the batch and freeze half for future comfort.
• Pair with a charcuterie board or fruit platter.

Cultural Context

Inspired by American holiday traditions and French-inspired cheese rings, this recipe celebrates the joy of reinventing leftovers into something special. Found at Thanksgiving tables, Christmas mornings, and cozy kitchens alike, it honors gratitude, flavor, and the art of sharing food made with love.

Pro Tips

• Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Want more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese or use spicy mustard.
• Make ahead: Assemble unbaked ring and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
• Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
• Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead?
A: Yes! Roll out a sheet, fill, and twist or fold into a ring. Bake 20–25 mins.

Q: Why did my ring leak filling?
A: Likely overfilled or under-tucked. Keep filling centered and seal well.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using GF crescent-style dough (rare).

Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Absolutely! Use individual rolls or cut into pinwheels—bake 15–18 mins.

Q: Can I air fry it?
A: Not the whole ring—but reheat slices at 375°F for 6–8 mins.

Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (cheese, butter), eggs (in dough), wheat (dough).
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF crescent dough (if available).
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always check labels—especially on processed meats, cheeses, and pre-made dough.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 8 servings

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 680mg

This ring doesn’t whisper. It emerges golden from the oven, crisp and inviting, saying everything a great snack should: “Cut me. Share me… maybe.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with turkey, tenderness, and someone who says, “Let’s make it unforgettable.”