Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Alright, imagine this: you’ve got a golden, flaky crescent ring that smells like a holiday hug. It’s savory turkey, melted cheese, and tangy cranberry all wrapped up in buttery dough that pulls apart with the slightest tug. This recipe is honestly the perfect mash-up of flavors that remind me of those cozy family dinners where everyone inevitably reaches for seconds. Plus, it’s so simple to put together that it feels like a secret superpower in the kitchen. If you love dishes that are comforting with a little festive flair, this crescent ring will totally become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. On a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, unroll both crescent dough cans and pinch all the seams together to form one large circle. This will be the base of your ring.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Step 3:
Next, sprinkle the turkey, cheese, green onions, and dollops of cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. The cranberry sauce adds that perfect burst of sweet tang in every bite.
Step 4:
Carefully fold the dough edges over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Then, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the circle into about 12 equal wedges (like cutting a pizza).
Step 5:
Take each wedge and twist it a few times away from the center, then pinch the end to secure. This creates a beautiful twisted ring shape, showing off that cheesy, cranberry filling.
Step 6:
Brush the entire ring with the beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden brown crust. Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid hot filling surprises!
Variations & Tips
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture within the filling.
- Swap turkey for shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- If you prefer a bit more zing, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the cream cheese mixture.
- Use pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of mozzarella or cheddar for a flavor twist.
- Brush the crust with garlic butter instead of egg wash for an extra savory boost.
- For a gluten-free version, try crescent dough from gluten-free brands, but baking time might vary.
How I Like to Serve It
This ring is marvelous for holiday brunches or a game day snack to impress your friends. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm soup for a perfectly cozy meal. It also makes a fantastic appetizer for Thanksgiving leftovers, giving your turkey a fun new life on the table.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
- If you want to prep ahead, assemble the ring and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
Closing: Trust me, the way this crescent ring combines holiday flavors with easy prep makes it a failproof recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.