The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive and tasty holiday appetizer that brings together savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and flaky crescent roll dough in a fun ring shape. It’s a clever way to combine classic holiday flavors into one easy-to-share dish that looks as good as it tastes.
I love making this crescent ring because it’s so simple but feels special. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to impress your guests, and the combination of melty cheese, turkey, and tangy cranberry is always a crowd-pleaser in my house. One tip I use is to warm the cranberry sauce slightly before adding it, so it spreads nicely and blends into the other fillings.
When I serve this dish, I like to add a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. It makes the ring feel even more festive and gives people a chance to add a little extra sweetness if they want. Plus, it’s great for holiday parties because it’s easy to eat with your hands and share around. This crescent ring brings holiday cheer in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough brings a flaky, buttery base that holds everything together. If you want a flakier texture, try puff pastry. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent dough at specialty stores.
Turkey: Using cooked turkey breast works best for flavor and texture. Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken are both great time-savers. You can also use turkey deli meat if you prefer a less chunky filling.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice mild sharpness and melts well. You can swap with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese if you want a different flavor or creaminess.
Cranberry Sauce: This adds a sweet-tart contrast that balances the savory elements. Jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce both work—it’s all about your preference for texture.
Nuts & Herbs: Optional pecans or walnuts add crunch, while fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note. You can skip these or try rosemary or sage for a different twist.
How Do You Twist the Crescent Dough for the Perfect Ring?
Twisting the strips shapes the ring and shows off the turkey and cranberry inside. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut the dough strips evenly to about 1 inch wide to bake uniformly.
- Hold each strip firmly and twist it away from the center twice. This creates a fun spiral and keeps filling visible.
- Leaving a 2-inch uncut center helps the ring hold together when baked.
- Press the edges of the dough well to seal and avoid filling leaking out while baking.
- Brushing with egg wash before baking gives a shiny golden look and helps nuts and herbs stick.
Patience with twisting and sealing is key for a sturdy and beautiful crescent ring that slices easily and wow guests.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a flat surface for baking the crescent ring evenly.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – perfect for cutting dough into clean, even strips.
- Pastry brush – helps spread the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Mixing bowl – handy for beating the egg and mixing optional ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for shredded rotisserie chicken to make it quicker and just as tasty.
- Try Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a different melt and flavor.
- Add chopped cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in a sprinkle of ground sage or rosemary for a more herb-forward holiday flavor.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Other:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for baking. You’ll also want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so plan for a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish – quick and perfect for holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crescent Dough Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and press the perforations to seal, creating two large rectangles. Place one rectangle on the baking sheet.
2. Add Fillings and Assemble the Ring:
Spread half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Then layer the shredded turkey on top, followed by spreading half of the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then place the second dough rectangle over everything. Press the edges to seal the layers well.
3. Cut and Twist the Dough Strips:
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, cutting from the outer edge toward the center but stopping about 2 inches from the middle to keep the ring intact. Twist each strip away from the center twice to form spirals, which will reveal the filling beautifully.
4. Final Touches and Bake:
Create a small well in the center by gently pressing down, then fill it with the remaining cranberry sauce. Brush the entire crescent ring with the beaten egg to get that shiny, golden crust when baked. Sprinkle chopped nuts and thyme leaves on top if you like. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the ring is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Allow the crescent ring to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect warm and can be paired with extra cranberry sauce for dipping, making it a delightful holiday appetizer everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Crescent Ring?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crescent dough flaky.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring but don’t brush it with egg wash or bake. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready, brush with egg and bake as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you don’t have cranberry sauce, try using a tangy jam like raspberry or a sweet chutney for a similar sweet-tart contrast that complements the turkey.
