Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring: A Festive Holiday Wreath You’ll Love

Nothing says holiday comfort quite like the combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent rolls. Imagine serving your guests a dish that not only tastes incredible but also looks like a centerpiece straight from a magazine spread. The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is just that a golden, flaky wreath stuffed with tender turkey, tart cranberry, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday brunches, or even as a party appetizer, this dish brings together all the nostalgic flavors of the season in one beautiful, shareable creation.

What Is Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

A turkey cranberry crescent ring is a savory pastry wreath made from crescent roll dough arranged in a circular shape, then filled with cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese before being baked to golden perfection. The dough is overlapped to create a beautiful ring shape, resembling a festive holiday wreath. It’s often garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor and presentation.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

• Visually Stunning: Shaped like a wreath, it makes a perfect holiday table centerpiece.
• Uses Leftovers: Great way to repurpose Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce.
• Flavor Combination: Savory turkey + tart cranberries + melty cheese = irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Thanks to refrigerated crescent rolls, it comes together in under an hour.
• Portable & Shareable: Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

How Does It Taste?

The first bite is a symphony of flavors—flaky, buttery crescent dough that shatters slightly when you bite in, tender and juicy turkey, the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the creamy, melty richness of cheese. The fresh herbs add a fragrant, earthy note that ties everything together. It tastes like the very essence of a holiday feast, but in a handheld, snackable form.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While this dish leans indulgent, it does offer some nutritional perks:

• Turkey: A lean protein source rich in vitamins B6 and B12.
• Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C.
• Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
• Crescent Dough: While buttery, its portioned slices help keep servings manageable.
• Fresh Herbs: Add flavor without extra calories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count each)
• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large baking sheet or pizza pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)
• Oven

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Protein: Swap turkey for shredded chicken or ham.
• Cheese: Try brie, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Cranberry Sauce: Substitute with fig jam, apple butter, or apricot preserves.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers work beautifully.
• Herbs: Garnish with parsley or sage instead of thyme.

How to Make

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange Crescent Dough: Unroll crescent rolls and arrange them in a circle on the baking sheet, with wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward, forming a sunburst pattern.
3. Layer Filling: Spread turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese evenly over the wide ends of the triangles.
4. Fold & Seal: Fold the pointed ends of the crescents over the filling and tuck them under to form a ring.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the dough with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
6. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
7. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary. Slice and serve warm.

What to Serve With

This crescent ring shines as a centerpiece but pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes)
• Mulled cider or sparkling cranberry punch
• A cheese board for a complete holiday spread

Tips for Success

• Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes it hard to seal the ring.
• Keep Dough Cold: Crescent rolls are easier to handle when chilled.
• Egg Wash for Shine: Makes the finished ring look bakery-perfect.
• Slice Before Serving: Pre-slice for guests if serving at a party.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uneven Dough Overlap: Leads to gaps or uneven baking.
• Skipping Egg Wash: Results in a dull-looking crust.
• Using Watery Cranberry Sauce: Can make the dough soggy—stick to thicker sauces.
• Overbaking: Crescent rolls cook quickly, so check at 20 minutes.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the dough soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the ring up to 6 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut.

What if I don’t have crescent rolls?
You can use puff pastry or pizza dough instead.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—swap turkey for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted butternut squash.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 580mg

Conclusion

The Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a holiday dish that delivers both style and substance. With its flaky crust, festive wreath shape, and comforting seasonal flavors, it’s guaranteed to wow your guests. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or planning a show-stopping appetizer, this crescent ring is a must-have recipe for your holiday season.

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September 15, 2025 by Melissa