The Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is an absolute showstopper that combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Gruyere cheese all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough. This festive ring is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with a warm, satisfying dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Each bite blends savory herbs and creamy textures with a pop of sweetness, making it a beloved crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures in the Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the flaky crescent rolls that cradle the filling to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
- Crescent rolls: The flaky, buttery base that forms the beautiful ring shape and holds everything together.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Adds a rich and savory creaminess that complements the turkey perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle kick of tanginess that wakes up the filling with just the right amount of zing.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: Brings herbal freshness and aroma, balancing the richness in the dish.
- Shredded Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey texture and nutty flavor that ties the ingredients together.
- Thinly sliced turkey: The star protein providing hearty substance and that familiar savory flavor.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Offers a sweet and tart contrast that elevates the turkey.
- Butter: Used to brush the dough, creating a golden crust loaded with flavor.
- Poppy seeds: Sprinkle for crunch and a little nuttiness on top.
- Granulated garlic: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the buttery topping.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
How to Make Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated for baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your crescent ring doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Getting your workspace ready like this makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Arrange the Crescent Rolls
Carefully separate the crescent rolls and place them in a circle on your prepared baking sheet. Position them so the widest part is toward the inside, and let the edges slightly overlap to create a seal, which will later hold in all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and one teaspoon of your chosen fresh herb (rosemary or thyme). This flavorful mixture is what gives the ring its creamy, savory foundation, so spreading it evenly over the wide parts of the crescent rolls is key.
Step 4: Layer on the Cheese and Turkey
Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the cream cheese layer for that melty richness. Next, layer the thinly sliced turkey, overlapping slightly to cover the ring evenly. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of tender meat and gooey cheese.
Step 5: Add Cranberry Sauce and Remaining Cheese
Spread half of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, adding a pop of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements. Top it all with the remainingGruyere cheese, which will melt into a golden, bubbling blanket inside the ring.
Step 6: Shape the Crescent Ring
Fold the narrow ends of each crescent dough piece over the filling and tuck them carefully underneath the ring to seal everything inside. This step not only keeps the ingredients cozy while baking but also creates the signature ring shape that’s fun and impressive to serve.
Step 7: Brush with Topping and Bake
Mix melted butter with poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and a pinch of salt, then brush this flavorful blend over the top and sides of the dough. This adds both a gorgeous golden color and an irresistible aroma. Bake the ring for 22 to 24 minutes until perfectly golden and puffed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the ring rest for about five minutes to set up nicely. Sprinkle the reserved fresh herbs on top for a bright, fresh finish. Slice into wedges and serve with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping, making each bite delightful and complete.
How to Serve Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or thyme on top adds that fresh herbal pop that instantly makes the dish smell amazing and look elegant. You can even add a few whole cranberries around the plate for a festive touch that complements the ring’s colors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This crescent ring shines when paired with light, crisp salads like a mixed greens with vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with lemon. Roasted vegetables or a creamy butternut squash soup will also round out the meal wonderfully without overshadowing the rich, savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely party centerpiece, place the baked ring on a wooden serving board surrounded by small bowls of cranberry sauce and mustard for dipping. You can also sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, or serve individual wedges with a garnish of microgreens for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This crescent ring freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to two months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the ring on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey or deli turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both leftover cooked turkey or thinly sliced deli turkey work perfectly in this recipe, making it a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers or quick deli meat.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried rosemary or thyme can be substituted at about one-third the amount. However, fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor and are definitely recommended when possible.
Is there a substitute for Gruyere cheese?
Yes, you can use Swiss or Fontina cheese as alternatives. They melt nicely and have a similarly mild, nutty taste that complements the turkey and cranberry.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the turkey with hearty roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted butternut squash, and follow the rest of the steps as directed for a delicious vegetarian version.
How should I serve the leftover cranberry sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. It pairs beautifully as a dip for the crescent ring slices or as an extra touch alongside your side dishes.
Final Thoughts
The Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe is truly a keeper that combines comfort, festive flair, and simple ingredients in a way that’s sure to bring smiles to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this ring offers a warm hug of flavors with every slice. Give it a try for your next gathering—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and delicious Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring perfect for holiday gatherings or easy entertaining. Layers of chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, shredded Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced turkey, and whole berry cranberry sauce are wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, baked to golden perfection and topped with a savory butter and spice glaze.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 tube crescent rolls
Filling
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli turkey)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
Topping
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent rolls and carefully arrange them on the parchment paper in a large circle, positioning the widest portion on the inside and overlapping the edges slightly to form a ring shape.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the finely chopped rosemary or thyme until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the widest portion of the crescent rolls. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Layer the thinly sliced turkey evenly over the cheese, slightly overlapping the slices. Spread half of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey layer and then top this with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Form the Ring: Carefully lift the narrow ends of each crescent dough piece and fold them over the filling, tucking the tips underneath the ring to seal and secure the ring shape.
- Add Toppings and Bake: In another small bowl, combine the melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of the crescent dough to add flavor and help achieve a golden crust. Bake the ring in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the baked crescent ring with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary or thyme for a fresh herbal aroma. Slice into wedges and serve warm with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- You can use leftover roasted turkey or store-bought deli turkey for convenience.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme add a lovely aroma and can be adjusted based on preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading and mixing.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and achieve easy removal from the pan.
- The crescent ring can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftover ring slices can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
