This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s made from flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a tasty mix of turkey and cranberry sauce, creating a beautiful ring that looks as good as it tastes. The combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberry gives every bite a delightful balance of flavors that everyone can enjoy.
I love making this ring when friends or family come over because it’s so easy to put together and always gets a lot of compliments. Sometimes I add just a sprinkle of cheese inside or some herbs to give it an extra little kick, but it’s great as is. Plus, it bakes up golden and flaky, which makes it look super inviting on the holiday table.
My favorite way to serve this crescent ring is with a simple side of extra cranberry sauce or a little mustard for dipping. It’s always a hit at parties, and I find myself going back for seconds! It’s one of those appetizers that feels special without needing a lot of time to prepare, which makes holiday hosting a whole lot easier and more fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough is what makes the ring flaky and golden. If you want a homemade touch, puff pastry is a great substitute and gives a nice flaky texture as well.
Turkey: Using cooked turkey breast is best for a tender bite. Leftover turkey or even rotisserie chicken can work if turkey isn’t handy.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a sweet, tart burst. If you prefer less texture, jellied cranberry sauce also tastes delicious here.
Cheese (Optional): Mozzarella or Swiss melt nicely without overpowering. Feel free to skip it or swap for cheddar or provolone for a sharper flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Spread a thin layer for a subtle tang that balances the sweet cranberry. You can swap with honey mustard or skip it if you prefer.
How Do You Twist the Crescent Dough Without It Tearing?
Twisting the dough strips is what creates the pretty pattern and shows off the filling. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After layering the fillings and covering with the second dough layer, cut evenly spaced strips about an inch wide.
- Gently lift each strip and twist it a couple of times — don’t force it or twist too tightly, or the dough might tear.
- Keep the twists even and tuck the ends slightly under the ring to hold the shape.
- If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your fingers or the knife to keep things neat.
With these tips, your crescent ring will look neat and hold the filling perfectly while baking!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface for the crescent ring to bake evenly and hold its shape.
- Parchment paper – stops the ring from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – perfect for cutting clean strips in the dough without tearing.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the egg wash evenly for a golden, shiny crust.
- Mixing bowl – handy if you want to mix mustard or other add-ins before spreading.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked ham or roast chicken for a different protein taste.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or sage with the turkey for an earthy touch.
- Include thinly sliced apples or pears inside for a sweet crunch that pairs well with cranberry.
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, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you can have a lovely holiday appetizer ready in around 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unroll both cans of crescent dough and press the triangles together to make two large rectangles. Take one rectangle and shape it into a ring on the baking sheet, leaving a small hole in the middle.
2. Add the Filling:
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the dough ring. Then, evenly arrange the sliced turkey all around. If using, sprinkle cheese over the turkey. Add dollops of cranberry sauce spaced regularly on top for that wonderful sweet-tart flavor.
3. Wrap and Shape:
Place the second rectangle of dough over the filling, gently pressing the edges together. Cut the dough ring into 1-inch strips from the outer edge toward the center, spacing them evenly. Twist each strip a couple of times to show off the filling beneath.
4. Bake and Serve:
Brush the entire ring with the beaten egg to get a golden shine and sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if you like. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is golden and cooked through. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh thyme if you want, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and sliced before using. Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge overnight for best results.
Can I Make the Crescent Ring Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the ring and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add cheese, fresh herbs, or even thinly sliced apples or pears for extra flavor and texture.
