Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring: 5 Irresistible Holiday Joys

If you’ve ever stared down a mountain of leftover turkey the day after Thanksgiving and thought, “There has to be a deliciously easy way to reinvent this,” then my friend, this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is about to make your whole week. It’s warm, it’s flaky, it’s a little sweet, a little savory, and—most importantly—it’s stress-free. And yes, we’re working that Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring magic right from the very first bite.

As a busy mom and full-time flavor hunter, I totally get it—you want something simple, comforting, and impressive enough to make the people around your table say, “You made that?” Don’t worry, this recipe does all the heavy lifting for you. Think of it as your cozy, no-fuss solution for hectic evenings, picky eaters, or those moments when you’d rather be curled up in a blanket than standing over the stove.

Let’s make something magical together.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

Here’s the thing about this recipe: it hits every craving at once.
You’ve got buttery crescent dough hugging tender turkey, melty Gruyere, and that pop of sweet-tart cranberry—basically the entire holiday season wrapped into one gorgeous circle of joy.

If you’re someone who loves meals that look fancy but require absolutely zero culinary gymnastics, the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is your new best friend. It’s also a charming way to use deli turkey if you’re nowhere near the holidays but still craving those nostalgic flavors (we’ve all been there).

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Crescent Rolls – The buttery, flaky foundation of the whole ring.
  • Turkey – About 1 pound, leftover or deli-style—both work beautifully.
  • Cream Cheese – Four ounces of chive and onion cream cheese to act as a moisture barrier and flavor booster.
  • Dijon Mustard – For that tangy something-special nobody can quite place.
  • Fresh Rosemary – Three teaspoons of finely chopped rosemary for earthy, cozy notes.
  • Gruyere Cheese – Two cups, shredded. Nutty, melty heaven.
  • Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – One 14-ounce can, divided.
  • Seasoned Butter – Two tablespoons melted butter mixed with poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt for brushing.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements andcomplete nutritional details.

How to Make the Best Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

1. Arrange the Crescent Rolls

Grab a parchment-lined sheet pan and gently unroll your crescent dough. Arrange the triangles in a circle so the wide ends overlap in the middle—like a sun with little dough rays reaching out. The center should form a solid ring once everything overlaps.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a small bowl, whisk together the chive & onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary.
Spread this creamy magic onto the inner ring of crescent dough. Sprinkle on one cup of shredded Gruyere. That extra layer helps keep the dough from getting soggy and adds irresistible flavor.

3. Pile on the Turkey

Place your leftover turkey or deli slices over the cheese. Don’t worry if it overlaps or looks a little rustic. Rustic is charming. Rustic tastes good. Rustic is the energy we’re bringing today.

4. Add the Cranberry Sauce

Spoon half the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey. Save the other half for serving—your guests will want extra (trust me).

5. More Cheese (Because Yes)

Sprinkle on the remaining Gruyere. This acts like delicious edible glue that holds everything together once baked.

6. Assemble the Crescent Ring

Take the pointed ends of the crescent dough and gently stretch each one over the filling, tucking the ends underneath the center of the ring. If the dough tears, just pinch it back together—dough forgiveness is real.

7. Brush with Seasoned Butter

Mix melted butter with poppy seeds, garlic, and salt, then paint it all over the top and sides of the dough. Don’t be shy—this is where the golden, glossy beauty comes from.

8. Bake It to Perfection

Follow the baking time on your crescent roll package (usually around 20–25 minutes) until the ring is deep golden brown.
Let it rest on the pan for 5 minutes—this helps everything set and slice beautifully.

Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • Gruyere is amazing, but if you don’t have it, try white cheddar or Swiss—anything with bold flavor.
  • Don’t panic if your dough doesn’t look perfect. Uneven, lumpy, slightly patchy? That’s normal. It bakes up beautifully, and nobody will know.
  • Use leftover turkey breast or thigh meat. Both work. Dark meat adds richness, and white meat stays mild and tender.
  • Cranberry sauce tip: Whole berry gives the best texture here. It won’t run or make the dough soggy.
  • Let your ring rest! Those five minutes matter. I promise you’ll get cleaner slices and happier eaters.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring, my kids circled the kitchen like tiny flavor-seeking hawks. I was hoping for at least one slice for myself, but they inhaled half the ring before I’d even set the table. That’s when I knew this recipe wasn’t just good—it was family-favorite good.

And honestly? Recipes like this are why I started Chicken Magic Recipes—simple, joyful meals you can bring to your table without stress or complicated techniques.

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring with golden baked crescent dough, turkey, cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs served with extra cranberry dip in the center.
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is baked to golden perfection with juicy turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and herbs—an irresistible holiday appetizer.

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyere brings that nutty, melty charm, white cheddar or Swiss make great substitutes. Just stick with something that has a strong flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep everything except baking. Assemble the ring, cover it gently, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Brush with butter right before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for that crisp, just-baked texture.

Can I use ham instead of turkey?

Yes! It won’t be a Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring anymore, but it’ll still be delicious. Ham pairs beautifully with Gruyere and cranberry.

Bringing It All Together

This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is more than just a recipe—it’s the warm, comforting hug your busy week has been begging for. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or simply trying to make leftovers feel exciting again, this ring brings all the cozy holiday flavors without the work.

I hope it becomes one of those dishes your loved ones request year after year. And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be magical… especially when chicken—well, turkey today—is involved.

Happy cooking, friend. And welcome to the delicious world of Chicken Magic Recipes, where everyday meals become something worth gathering for.

More Festive Recipes You’ll Love

If this Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring has you craving even more cozy, holiday-inspired flavors, here are a few delicious dishes your table will absolutely adore—just click the recipe name to explore:

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Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring filled with turkey, Gruyere, and cranberry sauce, baked golden brown and served with extra cranberry dip in the center.

Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring is a warm, golden, and festive appetizer made with buttery crescent dough wrapped around tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect holiday crowd-pleaser and an amazing way to use leftover turkey.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans crescent rolls

  • 1 lb leftover turkey or deli turkey

  • 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary

  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

  • 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 tsp poppy seeds

  • ½ tsp granulated garlic

  • ¼ tsp salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven according to the crescent roll package directions and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

  2. Unroll the crescent rolls and arrange them in a circle, overlapping the wide ends to form a ring.

  3. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary. Spread the mixture over the wide section of the dough.

  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of Gruyere cheese over the cream cheese layer.

  5. Add the turkey evenly over the cheese.

  6. Spoon half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

  7. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese over the top.

  8. Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them under the center of the ring.

  9. Mix melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush the mixture over the dough.

  10. Bake until the crescent ring is golden brown.

  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the remaining cranberry sauce.

Notes

Whole berry cranberry sauce works best because it won’t make the dough soggy.

Swap Gruyere with white cheddar or Swiss if needed—just choose a strong flavored cheese.

Perfect for using leftover holiday turkey but deli turkey works great too.

Letting it rest helps the filling set, making slices cleaner and easier to serve.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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