Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
Introduction
The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a delicious and festive appetizer that combines savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion, this ring is as impressive as it is easy to make.

Ingredients
- 1 8 oz tube crescent rolls
- 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 (May use Swiss or Monterey Jack) (divided)
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli turkey)
- 1 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: Separate the crescent rolls and arrange them on the parchment in a circle with the widest portions on the inside, overlapping the edges to form a 4 to 5-inch circle in the center.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the chopped rosemary. Spread this mixture evenly over the widest portions of the crescent dough. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Layer the turkey slices over the cheese, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Reserve the remaining cranberry sauce for serving. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Fold the narrow ends of the crescent dough over the filling, tucking them under on the inside of the ring to seal.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush the mixture over the top and sides of the crescent dough, turkey, and cheese.
- Step 7: Bake the ring for 22 to 24 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it rest on the pan for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary over the baked ring. Slice and serve with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder herb flavor, substitute thyme for rosemary or use fresh sage for a more autumnal touch.
- Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or fontina for a unique twist.
- Use leftover turkey from a roast or quality deli turkey for convenience.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside the ring adds a nice crunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crescent ring and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, but use less since it is more concentrated—about half the amount called for. Alternatively, fresh or dried thyme or sage work well too.
PrintTurkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe
A festive and savory Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring perfect for holiday gatherings or easy entertaining. This crescent roll pastry is filled with a creamy chive and onion cream cheese mixture, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, shredded Gruyere, thinly sliced turkey, and whole berry cranberry sauce. Baked until golden and topped with a flavorful butter and poppy seed glaze, it makes a delightful centerpiece appetizer served with extra cranberry sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crescent Ring Base
- 1 (8 oz) 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 (or Swiss or Monterey Jack), 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 or garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Surface: 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 ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet in a circular pattern with the wide ends pointing inward, overlapping their edges to form a ring roughly 4-5 inches in diameter at the center.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the chopped rosemary or thyme until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the wide portions of the crescent dough circle.
- Add Cheese and Turkey: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the cream cheese layer. Then layer the thinly sliced turkey evenly over the cheese, slightly overlapping the slices for full coverage.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce and Top: Spread half of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. Save the remaining cranberry sauce for serving. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce.
- Seal the Crescent Ring: Fold the narrow ends of the crescent dough over the filling towards the inside of the ring, tucking the edges underneath to seal the filling completely.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with poppy seeds, granulated garlic (or garlic powder), and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of the crescent dough ring to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the crescent ring is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the ring from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary or thyme on top for added aroma and color.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the crescent ring into wedges and serve warm alongside the remaining cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme for rosemary depending on your flavor preference.
- Use leftover turkey or good-quality deli turkey for convenience.
- Gruyere cheese provides a nutty flavor but Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese work well as alternatives.
- Adjust salt seasoning according to your taste, especially if your turkey or cheese is already salty.
- This ring is excellent served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Ensure the crescent dough edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
Keywords: Turkey Crescent Ring, Holiday Appetizer, Cranberry Crescent, Turkey and Cheese Crescent Ring, Festive Recipe

