Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring – Warm, Cheesy & Easy

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Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring has become a cozy tradition in our home, especially the day after Thanksgiving. Like many of you, I often find myself staring at a fridge full of turkey, wondering what to make next.

The first time I made this ring, I had a newborn in one arm and cold turkey on the counter. I grabbed crescent rolls, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce—just what I had on hand. What came out of the oven was golden, cheesy, and unforgettable.

That buttery crust filled with rosemary, Dijon, and Gruyère created more than a meal—it brought us back to the table. My husband still says it was better than Thanksgiving dinner.

Now it’s our favorite way to enjoy holiday leftovers. Serve it with Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce or Sweet Potato Rounds with Ricotta and Cranberries for a post-holiday meal that feels like a celebration.

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Why This Recipe Is So Special

There’s something truly comforting about how simple ingredients come together in this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring to create a dish that feels homemade, heartfelt, and a little bit fancy—all at once.

The creamy chive and onion cheese mixed with Dijon mustard lays down a savory base. Fresh rosemary adds brightness, while the Gruyère melts into gooey ribbons of richness. Then comes the turkey—whether leftover or deli—and a swipe of whole berry cranberry sauce that brings sweet-tart contrast in every bite.

Wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, the ring bakes up beautifully golden, brushed with butter, garlic, and poppy seeds. It’s a showstopper without the stress.

But what truly makes this recipe special is its versatility and warmth. You can swap in Swiss or Monterey Jack, use thyme instead of rosemary, or even go full vegetarian with roasted veggies. No matter how you tweak it, the flavors remain festive and nostalgic.

It’s perfect for feeding a group or making any weeknight feel like a celebration. And when paired with cozy favorites like Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese & Rosemary or Lemon Herb Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, it turns even leftovers into something guests will remember.

Ingredients & Preparation

What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Crescent Ring

This recipe is a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and sweet. And best of all? The ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen after a holiday meal. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient Table

This mix of ingredients hits every holiday note—savory, creamy, herby, and sweet—all wrapped in buttery, golden crescent dough.

Tools and Easy Substitutions

You won’t need anything fancy to pull this off. Here’s what I use every time I make it:

• Large baking sheet – lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

• Small mixing bowl – for whisking cream cheese, mustard, and herbs

• Pastry brush – for buttering the top of the ring

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for slicing clean, even portions

Ingredient Swaps:

• Cheese: Out of Gruyère? Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even sharp white cheddar work beautifully.

• Turkey: Leftover roast turkey gives it a homestyle flavor, but deli slices are quicker and just as tasty.

• Cranberry sauce: Don’t have whole berry? Try your favorite jam, or skip it and add more mustard for a savory twist.

• Herbs: Rosemary is my favorite here, but thyme or even chopped fresh chives will give you a different, delicious flavor profile.

This recipe adapts easily to what you have, making it ideal for post-holiday cooking or quick weeknight meals. I’ve even served it as a brunch centerpiece alongside Savory Mushroom Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid and Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Feta and Pecans—always a hit.

Cooking Instructions & Tips

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

Making this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is surprisingly simple—and trust me, once you’ve made it once, you’ll come back to it every holiday season.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Create the Crescent Ring Base

Separate the crescent rolls and lay them out in a circular ring, wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward. You’ll want to form about a 4 to 5-inch circle in the middle—this will give your ring its signature shape.

3. Make the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of chopped rosemary. Spread this creamy mixture over the wide ends of the crescent dough.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the cream cheese layer for that melty, gooey interior we all love.

4. Add the Turkey and Cranberry

Now layer on your thinly sliced turkey—folding or overlapping as needed to cover the base. Next, spoon ½ the can of cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey. The rest will be served on the side later.

Top it all with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese to complete the filling.

5. Fold and Seal the Ring

Carefully bring the pointed ends of the dough over the filling, tucking them under the center of the ring. It should look like a wreath—sealed and ready to bake.

6. Brush and Season the Top

Mix the melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Brush this seasoned butter generously over the top of the ring. This step adds a golden finish and a punch of flavor to the flaky crust.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the ring with the remaining 1½ tsp rosemary for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve with the rest of the cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect It

• Work with cold dough: Warm crescent rolls can get sticky and hard to handle. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or bake unevenly. Keep it balanced for clean, attractive slices.

• Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup easy and keeps the dough from sticking.

• Make ahead: You can assemble the ring a few hours in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake just before serving.

This dish pairs perfectly with cozy sides like Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Pomegranates or a creamy Lemon Herb Baked Brie in Puff Pastry—the perfect finishing touches for a holiday-worthy spread.

Serving, Storing & Pairing

What to Serve with This Crescent Ring

Once the golden ring comes out of the oven, it’s not just a meal—it’s the star of the table. Serve it warm, sliced into generous wedges, with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side. The contrast of sweet and savory in every bite makes it satisfying on its own, but if you’re setting a full table, here are a few delicious companions.

We love pairing it with seasonal sides like Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Feta and Pecans. Their rich caramelized flavor and creamy feta balance beautifully with the flaky, savory ring.

For something a little lighter, Red, White, and Blue Berry Tiramisu makes a refreshing, colorful dessert that feels festive without being too heavy—perfect after a hearty main course.

You can also offer:

• A simple green salad with apple slices and a maple vinaigrette

• Mulled cider or spiced cranberry punch

• A bowl of warm butternut squash soup for cozy vibes

And don’t worry—this crescent ring holds its own. Whether you’re hosting brunch, serving lunch, or pulling together a quick dinner, it fits any occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep well and reheat like a dream. Here’s how to handle them:

• Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty.

• Avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the crust too much. But if you’re short on time, wrap a slice in a paper towel and microwave in 30-second bursts.

Freezing tips:
You can freeze the fully baked and cooled crescent ring. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

This dish keeps its flavor and texture beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying again the next day—if there’s any left.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this crescent ring ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fully assemble the ring, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge—just add 2 extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Puff pastry is flakier and a bit more delicate, so adjust baking time and be sure to seal the edges well to avoid leaks.

What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?

No problem! You can substitute with fig jam, apricot preserves, or even extra Dijon mustard for a purely savory version.

How do I keep the bottom of the ring from getting soggy?

Using parchment paper helps a lot, but also avoid overloading the filling, especially with wet ingredients. You can also pre-bake the base layer of dough for 4 minutes before filling.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can! Just swap the turkey for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, butternut squash, or zucchini, and skip the cranberry if you want to keep it savory.

Conclusion

When it comes to holiday recipes that are easy, impressive, and filled with comforting flavor, this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring checks all the boxes. It’s warm, flaky, cheesy, and just the right mix of sweet and savory. Whether you’re feeding family the day after Thanksgiving or planning ahead for a cozy brunch, this dish brings everyone to the table—smiling and hungry for seconds.

I love serving it alongside seasonal favorites like Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta or Pumpkin Muffins for a meal that feels as good as it tastes.

And if you’re looking for more takes on crescent roll rings, you’ll love this similar idea from a fellow food creator: Turkey Crescent Roll Ring on My Incredible Recipes. It’s another great way to turn leftovers into something truly delicious.

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