If you’re looking for a centerpiece that blends comfort, savory flavors, and a touch of festive flair, the Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is your new go-to dish. Imagine tender bites of turkey mingling with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and a hint of herb, all cozied up in golden-baked crescent rolls. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or hosting a brunch that needs a showstopper, this dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let’s get baking and bring a little extra warmth (and deliciousness!) to your table with this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Every element in the Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring adds its own pop of flavor, creamy texture, or festive color, making each bite memorable and delicious.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: These make our ring delightfully fluffy and golden—you’ll need two cans to build the gorgeous wreath shape.
- Cooked turkey (shredded or chopped): Leftover roast turkey is perfect, but rotisserie chicken can pinch hit if needed.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: The tart-sweet contrast brightens the whole dish and pairs beautifully with the savory turkey.
- Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Choose your favorite for a gooey, melty fill—Swiss adds a nice nutty kick.
- Mayonnaise: It brings creamy richness and helps all the flavors come together smoothly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds just the right pop of tang and a little sophistication in each bite.
- Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with just enough heat—freshly ground is best for a spicier kick.
- Dried thyme: A hint of this herb makes the crescent ring wonderfully aromatic and brings out the turkey’s earthiness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top, it gives the finished ring that tempting, bakery-style gloss.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A touch of green adds extra color and a fresh finishing touch when serving.
How to Make Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which sets us up for baking success. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes the clean-up afterward as easy as eating the ring itself!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a medium bowl and combine your cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything until it’s evenly mixed. You’ll be greeted by a festive, creamy, and colorful filling that promises flavor in every bite of your Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Ring
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Arrange the triangles in a big circle on your prepared baking sheet, with the wide ends meeting in the middle and the points fanning outward—almost like the sun’s rays. Slightly overlap the wide ends so there’s a good base for holding in the filling, and press the overlaps gently to help seal them together.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Evenly spoon the turkey filling all the way around the inner circle of dough. Don’t be afraid to get generous here—the filling is the star! Next, fold the pointed tips of the dough triangles up and over the filling, tucking them gently underneath to make a beautiful, sealed ring. This step gives your Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring its signature wreath shape.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash and Bake
With a brush or the back of a spoon, coat the dough all over with the beaten egg. This simple extra step ensures your ring bakes up beautifully golden with a tempting shine. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is puffed and golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let your Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring cool for about five minutes—you want it warm, but set enough to slice easily. For a final flourish, sprinkle the finished ring with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Slice and serve while the cheese is still perfectly gooey!
How to Serve Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of thinly sliced green onions does wonders for color and freshness! If you want to get extra fancy, try a little dusting of flaky sea salt or even a few dried cranberries on top for added holiday charm.
Side Dishes
This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring pairs wonderfully with crisp salads or roasted green vegetables. Try serving it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted Brussels sprouts for a satisfying, balanced meal. If you’re hosting brunch, a bowl of fruit salad or a citrusy punch makes for a bright, festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the ring into smaller wedges and serve as a finger food appetizer—it’s a surefire conversation starter! Place the ring on a big wooden board with little bowls of extra cranberry sauce or spicy mustard for dipping. If you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, crown it with a vibrant ribbon of fresh herbs or edible flowers for extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wrap the cooled slices of Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to three days and make a fantastic next-day lunch!
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked ring cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole ring tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Make sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until piping hot—that way, the pastry stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven is your best bet for preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken works just as well as turkey and tastes fantastic, so feel free to substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
What’s the best way to keep the ring from unrolling while baking?
Make sure to press the wide ends of the crescent dough triangles together firmly in the center before adding your filling, and then tuck the tips snugly underneath the ring. The egg wash also helps hold the dough in place as it bakes.
Can I make the Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring ahead of time?
You can easily mix the filling a day ahead, and even shape the ring on your baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just wait to add the egg wash until right before you put it in the oven.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella or Swiss?
Good melters like Monterey Jack or provolone are tasty alternatives. For extra sharpness, try a little shredded cheddar blended in for a new twist on your Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
If you’re worried about soggy bottoms, use parchment paper and make sure the filling isn’t too wet (drain any extra liquid off the turkey or cranberry sauce). Baking on the middle rack also helps ensure even browning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a delightfully impressive yet wonderfully easy dish, I hope you’ll give the Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring a try. It’s one of those recipes that always gets rave reviews and brings people together, whether for a simple supper, festive brunch, or holiday celebration. Here’s to sharing something delicious—enjoy every gooey, savory, sweet-tart bite!
Print
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delightful way to use up leftover turkey, featuring a flavorful mix of tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for a holiday brunch or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Crescent Ring:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Turkey Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pepper, and thyme.
- Prepare the ring: Unroll the crescent dough and arrange in a circle on the baking sheet. Spoon the turkey mixture onto the dough and fold the triangles over the filling.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Let cool, garnish with parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Swap cranberry sauce for chutney or add cooked bacon for a twist.
- Works well as a party appetizer or holiday brunch centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg