Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for busy parents and beginners! This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is a fantastic way to enjoy comforting flavors in an easy-to-make dish. It blends the warmth of turkey with the bright sweetness of cranberry, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for holiday leftovers or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this simple yet elegant turkey and cranberry crescent ring for so many reasons!
- Effortlessly Easy: Prepare this impressive dish in minutes with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Festive Flavor Fusion: The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and rich cheese is truly irresistible. It’s a taste of the holidays any time of year.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as a dazzling appetizer, a light lunch, or even a comforting dinner. This dish fits any occasion.
- Smart Leftover Solution: Transform your leftover holiday turkey into something new and exciting. No more bland post-holiday meals!
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the flaky crust and delicious filling. It’s a certified crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is the first step to success. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store.
- 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)
Notes & Substitutions
- Crescent Rolls: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or even a homemade crescent dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Cream Cheese: Plain cream cheese works wonderfully; just add a pinch of garlic powder and chives for a similar savory kick.
Le Gruyère AOP, with its rich, creamy, and slightly nutty taste, has been a culinary staple in Switzerland since the 12th century. Discover more about the unique characteristics and history of Gruyère cheese.
- Cheese: Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar cheese are excellent alternatives to Gruyere, offering different nuanced flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, sage, or chives can easily substitute rosemary, providing a fresh aromatic variation to your crescent ring.
- Turkey: This recipe is ideal for leftover roasted turkey, but thinly sliced deli turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken will also work beautifully.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing your savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring a breeze. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Cheese grater (if your cheese isn’t pre-shredded)
- Optional: a 4–5 inch oven-safe ramekin or small bowl for shaping
Instructions
Creating your flaky and flavorful savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is super simple with these clear, step-by-step instructions. Get ready to impress!
- Prep Oven & 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 ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Dough: Carefully separate the crescent roll dough triangles. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet in a circular pattern, with the wider ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outwards. Leave a 4–5 inch circle open in the middle for the ring shape.
- Mix Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-combined.
- Layer First Fillings: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the widest portion of the crescent dough, which is the part closest to the center of your circle. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese generously over this cream cheese layer.
- Add Turkey & Cranberry: Next, arrange the thinly sliced turkey over the cheese layer, overlapping the slices slightly to create an even base. Gently spread half of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey. Reserve the remaining cranberry sauce for serving.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese directly over the cranberry sauce. This adds another layer of cheesy goodness and helps everything meld together as it bakes.
- Form Ring: Take the narrow, pointed end of each crescent dough triangle and fold it over the filling, tucking it firmly under the widest portion of the dough in the center. This creates a secure, beautiful ring shape for your savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring.
- Make Butter Wash: In a separate small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the poppy seeds, granulated garlic (or garlic powder), and salt. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful glaze for the dough.
- Brush Dough: Using a pastry brush, liberally apply the melted butter mixture over the top and sides of the crescent dough ring. Be sure to cover any exposed turkey or cheese as well. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and appears puffed and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Rest & Garnish: Once baked, remove the savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring from the oven. Let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary over the top for a fragrant finish.
- Slice & Serve: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the crescent ring into individual wedges. Serve immediately with the reserved cranberry sauce on the side for dipping or an extra dollop of festive flavor. Enjoy your homemade turkey and cranberry crescent ring!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making your turkey and cranberry crescent ring perfect is easy with these helpful hints. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious and beautifully baked result every time.
- Prevent Soggy Dough: Always use softened cream cheese to create a smooth, protective layer. This barrier helps prevent the cranberry sauce from making the crescent dough soggy during baking.
- Perfect Ring Shape: For a perfectly round shape, place a 4–5 inch oven-safe ramekin or small bowl in the center of your baking sheet. Arrange the crescent rolls around it as a guide.
- Dough Tears? No Problem! Crescent dough is very forgiving. If a tear occurs, simply pinch the edges together gently with your fingers to seal it up.
- Achieve Golden Crust: Don’t be shy with the seasoned butter wash! Brushing generously ensures a beautiful, golden-brown, and crispy crust.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: If using deli turkey, pat it dry with a paper towel before layering. This prevents extra moisture from being released into the ring during baking.
- Scaling the Recipe: Easily double the ingredients and use two tubes of crescent rolls. Simply arrange two overlapping rings on a larger baking sheet, or use two separate sheets.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking as directed.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This turkey and cranberry crescent ring is incredibly versatile for various meals and occasions. Keep it fresh and enjoy it multiple ways!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful crescent ring warm as an impressive appetizer for gatherings, or as a light and satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup, or a side of simple roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. An air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes also works wonders. For a quick reheat, the microwave is an option, though the crust might not be as crispy.
Freezing
You can freeze a baked turkey and cranberry crescent ring for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven as described above.
Flavor Variations
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone for a milder taste, white cheddar for a sharper bite, or Havarti for a creamy, buttery note in your crescent ring.
- Alternative Spreads: Try a honey mustard spread for a sweet and tangy kick, or a rich fig jam for a more gourmet, savory-sweet profile.
- Additions: Fold in some chopped pecans for crunch, crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory depth, or sautéed caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meals can help you make informed choices. Please note that these are estimates.
Disclaimer: Nutritional estimates are based on the provided ingredients and standard measurements. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions.
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 357 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 81 mg |
| Sodium | 943 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Potassium | 321 mg |
| Vitamin A | 573 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 364 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
FAQ
Got questions about making your savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring? We’ve got answers to help you succeed in the kitchen.
- Can I use canned cranberry sauce? Yes, absolutely! Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for this recipe, offering great texture and flavor.
- What if my crescent dough tears? Don’t worry if your dough tears. Simply pinch the torn edges together to seal them. It’s a very forgiving dough.
- How do I prevent the crescent ring from getting soggy? Spreading a layer of softened cream cheese over the dough acts as a protective barrier, preventing the cranberry sauce from making the crust wet.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire ring, cover it tightly, and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Is this recipe good for Thanksgiving leftovers? Absolutely! This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring is one of the best ways to transform your holiday turkey into a delicious new meal.
Conclusion
This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring truly embodies our mission at Sweet Emily: making baking simple for busy parents and beginners. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that delivers a delicious, festive meal or appetizer with minimal effort. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or simply craving comforting flavors, this crescent ring is a winner. Give this recipe a try and share your delightful creations with us – we love seeing what you bake!
Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Separate the crescent rolls and arrange them in a circle on the baking sheet with the widest portions overlapping towards the inside, creating a 4-5 inch center opening.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp rosemary; spread this mixture onto the widest portion of the crescent rolls, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Layer the thinly sliced turkey over the cheese, spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey, and then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bring the narrow ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them securely into the center of the ring.
- In another small bowl, mix melted butter with poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt; brush this mixture evenly over the top and sides of the crescent dough, turkey, and cheese.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes until golden brown, then let the ring rest on the pan for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 tsp rosemary over the ring, slice, and serve with the reserved cranberry sauce on the side.
Notes
