Are you tired of the same old holiday leftovers sitting sadly in your refrigerator? That leftover turkey deserves a second chance to shine! At Cooks Foody, we’ve transformed traditional Thanksgiving remnants into a show-stopping savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring that will make your family forget they’re eating leftovers.
As Elizabeth from our test kitchen discovered after countless holiday seasons, “The secret to keeping family excited about leftovers is presentation and reinvention.
This crescent ring technique was born during one post-Thanksgiving gathering when she wanted something that looked impressive but required minimal effort after days of intensive cooking.
In this guide, you’ll discover our foolproof method for creating this beautiful turkey and cranberry crescent ring, complete with tips for perfect dough handling, flavor combinations that sing, and make-ahead instructions for stress-free entertaining.
Why This Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Works
● Uses leftover turkey you already have on hand
● Ready in under 30 minutes for busy post-holiday schedules
● Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner option
● Impressive presentation with minimal effort
● Versatile recipe that adapts to whatever leftovers you have
Choosing the Right Turkey for Your Crescent Ring
Best Turkey Cuts for This Recipe
Whether you have leftover turkey breast, thigh meat, or a mixture of both, this savory turkey crescent ring accommodates it all. Dark meat from thighs and legs offers more moisture and flavor, while breast meat provides a clean, lean protein base. The key is ensuring your turkey is properly chopped into small, even pieces for easy filling distribution.
Turkey Buying Tips
If you’re making this without leftovers, rotisserie turkey breast works beautifully. Look for meat that appears moist and avoid any packages with excess liquid, which can indicate poor quality or improper storage. Pre-cooked turkey from the deli counter is another excellent time-saving option.
Substitutions
Don’t have turkey? This savory crescent ring works wonderfully with:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Leftover holiday ham
- Shredded beef
- Vegetarian option: substitute with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach
Ingredients & Prep for Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring
Turkey Prep Essentials
Before assembling your crescent ring, ensure your turkey is:
- Chopped into small, uniform ½-inch pieces
- At room temperature for even distribution
- Properly seasoned to enhance flavor
Flavor Components
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pantry Staples
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Dried herbs for garnish
- Olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
Step-by-Step Turkey Crescent Ring Instructions
1. Pre-Cooking Turkey Crescent Ring Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the softened cream cheese with Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped turkey and shredded Swiss cheese.
2. Crescent Ring Assembly Method
Arrange the crescent roll triangles in a star pattern on your baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in a circle and pointed ends facing outward. The overlapping portions should form about a 5-inch diameter center circle.
Spread the cream cheese and turkey mixture over the overlapping dough in the center, forming a ring. Top with cranberry sauce, leaving a small border around the edge.
3. Doneness Check for Perfect Turkey Ring
Fold the pointed ends of the crescents over the filling and tuck them under the center to form a ring. Brush the entire ring with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Resting Your Turkey Crescent Ring
Allow the ring to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. While resting, you can warm any additional cranberry sauce for serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Crescent Ring
Avoiding Soggy Dough
- Pat turkey pieces dry before mixing with cream cheese
- Don’t overload the filling – less is more for proper cooking
- If cranberry sauce is very runny, strain excess liquid or reduce it on the stovetop
Tool Recommendations
- Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
- Offset spatula for spreading filling evenly
- Pizza cutter for clean, easy slicing of the finished ring
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the crescent dough tough.
Looking for more creative holiday recipes? Check out our Pinterest board for endless inspiration that will transform your holiday cooking!
Flavor Variations for Turkey Crescent Ring
Herby Garden Twist
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary and sage to the cream cheese mixture for an earthy, aromatic variation perfect for fall gatherings.
Mediterranean Inspired
Replace cranberry sauce with a layer of roasted red peppers and substitute feta for Swiss cheese. Add a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
Sweet-Savory Blend
Mix 2 tablespoons of orange marmalade into your cranberry sauce and add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a sweet-savory profile that highlights the turkey’s natural flavor.
| Flavor Variation | Key Ingredients | Perfect Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Cranberry & Swiss | Thanksgiving leftovers |
| Mediterranean | Roasted peppers & feta | Casual brunch |
| Sweet-Savory | Orange-cranberry & cinnamon | Holiday potluck |
| Spicy | Green chilies & pepper jack | Game day gathering |
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Crescent Ring
Elevate your turkey cranberry crescent ring with these perfect pairings:
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Butternut squash soup for a complete meal
- Cranberry mimosas for a festive brunch setting
For an elegant presentation, serve slices on a bed of fresh greens with extra cranberry sauce on the side. This versatile dish works wonderfully for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner option.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for dessert, or try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for another seasonal treat.
FAQs About Turkey Crescent Ring
Can I make this turkey crescent ring ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the ring just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce work well. If using jellied, break it up with a fork before spreading to ensure even distribution.
My crescent dough is tearing, what should I do?
Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use. If it tears, simply press the edges together with your fingers. The dough is forgiving and will seal during baking.
Can I freeze this turkey crescent ring?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in foil. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Looking for more holiday-inspired treats? Our Caramel Apple Bombs make another fantastic seasonal option!
Conclusion
This savory turkey and cranberry crescent ring transforms holiday leftovers into an impressive centerpiece that family and friends will request year after year. With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor combination, no one will guess how simple it was to prepare.
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Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring: 5 Steps to Wow!
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Cranberry Crescent Ring combines sweet-tart cranberry filling, creamy cheese, and golden crescent rolls for a beautiful holiday breakfast or dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Powdered sugar glaze (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
4. Arrange triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, with wide ends overlapping and points facing outward (forming a sun shape).
5. Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough near the center ring.
6. Spoon cranberry sauce evenly over cream cheese and sprinkle with pecans if using.
7. Fold triangle tips over the filling and tuck under the center to seal.
8. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Cool slightly, then drizzle with powdered sugar glaze before serving.
Notes
Use homemade cranberry sauce for a richer flavor.
Add orange zest to the filling for a bright citrus note.
Best served warm, but leftovers reheat well in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cranberry Crescent Ring, Holiday Brunch, Christmas Breakfast, Easy Pastry