Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Easy Festive Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Crafting a delectable turkey and cranberry crescent ring brings festive flavors to your dinner table.

Soft, flaky pastry wraps around savory meat and tart berries in a stunning circular design.

Comfort meets creativity with this simple yet impressive dish.

Layers of golden crescent dough create a beautiful presentation that sparks conversation.

Weeknight meals or holiday gatherings become special with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Seasonal ingredients combine to deliver maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

You’ll love how quickly this elegant meal comes together with minimal effort.

Why Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring Is Worth It

  • Savor Quick Comfort: A delightful turkey and cranberry crescent ring that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite, perfect for those craving a hearty meal without extensive preparation.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking process with a single skillet for turkey preparation and a baking sheet for assembly, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Transform ordinary ingredients into a stunning circular dish that looks impressive and professional, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties.
  • Embrace Flexible Flavor Fusion: Easily customize the recipe by swapping turkey with ground chicken or adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring Ingredient List

For the Protein:
  • Ground Turkey: A lean and versatile meat that provides a healthy base for the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps bind the filling together.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes a melty, stretchy quality to the turkey mixture.
For the Produce:
  • Fresh Cranberries: Offer a tart burst of flavor that complements the savory turkey.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic seasoning to the turkey mixture.
For the Pantry and Seasonings:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Serves as the foundation for creating a beautiful ring-shaped pastry.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the ground turkey and adding a light, flavorful base.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Create a classic seasoning blend for the turkey filling.
For the Finishing Touch:
  • Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy egg wash for the crescent ring.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.

How To Make Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth workspace for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Cook The Turkey

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground turkey completely, breaking it into small pieces until no pink remains.

Step 3: Season The Meat

Add these spices to your cooked turkey:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Garlic powder

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and mix in:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Allow cheeses to melt and create a rich, smooth texture.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Surprise

Gently fold fresh cranberries into the turkey mixture, which will provide delightful bursts of tangy flavor.

Step 6: Arrange Crescent Dough

Unroll crescent roll dough and position triangular pieces in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, with points facing outward and bases slightly overlapping.

Step 7: Fill The Ring

Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture around the inner circle of the dough ring, keeping the center open.

Step 8: Seal The Edges

Fold the pointed ends of crescent dough over the filling, tucking and pressing to create a beautiful braided look.

Step 9: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk an egg and brush the entire surface of the ring to achieve a gorgeous golden shine.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough turns a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 11: Rest And Garnish

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the ring and serve warm, letting the melted cheese and savory turkey filling take center stage.

Helpful Tips For Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth dough placement.
  • Crumble Turkey Perfectly: Break ground turkey into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform texture and consistent flavor distribution.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Reduce heat when adding cream cheese and mozzarella to prevent burning and create a smooth, creamy filling consistency.
  • Golden Crust Trick: Brush egg wash generously over the entire surface to achieve a shiny, rich brown color that looks professionally baked.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh, bright flavor to the crescent ring.

New Twists On Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • Vegetarian Crescent Ring: Swap ground turkey with seasoned black beans, quinoa, and roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based alternative that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace crescent roll dough with thin slices of ham or large lettuce leaves, using almond flour-based cheese mixture and adding extra herbs to boost taste while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute turkey with ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add oregano and mint, and include kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired culinary experience.

Tasty Pairings For Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • Enhance Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring with Perfect Pairings
  • Serve with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity that complements the rich turkey and tart cranberries, cutting through the creamy cheese and refreshing the palate.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with toasted walnuts and citrus vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding texture and a zesty counterpoint to the warm crescent ring.
  • Match with Seasonal Beverage: Sparkling apple cider provides a sweet-tart profile that echoes the cranberry notes while offering a non-alcoholic option that feels festive and sophisticated.

Storage Help For Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the crescent ring fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire ring tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed leftovers at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture; remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the crust.

FAQs For Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Choose lean ground turkey, use reduced-fat cream cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value.

  • Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the ring up to 24 hours ahead, storing it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

  • What if I don't have fresh cranberries?

Substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a similar tart flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The crescent ring reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick meals.

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Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe

Turkey And Cranberry Crescent Ring Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savor seasonal comfort with this irresistible turkey and cranberry crescent ring, blending festive flavors in a golden, flaky pastry. Cheese, herbs, and tangy cranberry sauce unite for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 packages (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your crescent ring assembly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté ground turkey until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles.
  3. Season the cooked turkey with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder, stirring to ensure even distribution of the aromatic spices.
  4. Reduce heat and fold in cream cheese and mozzarella, allowing the cheeses to melt and create a creamy, binding texture for the turkey mixture.
  5. Gently fold in fresh cranberries, which will provide bursts of tart flavor throughout the filling.
  6. Unroll crescent roll dough and arrange triangular pieces in a circular pattern on the prepared baking sheet, with points facing outward and bases slightly overlapping to form a ring.
  7. Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly around the inner circle of the dough ring, keeping the center open.
  8. Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling, tucking and pressing to seal and create a braided appearance.
  9. Whisk the egg and brush the entire surface of the ring with egg wash, which will help achieve a golden, glossy finish.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough turns a rich, deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish.
  12. Slice and serve warm, allowing the melted cheese and turkey filling to be the star of this festive, rustic dish.

Notes

  • Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options that maintain the recipe’s delicious profile.
  • Reduce moisture from cranberries by patting them dry to prevent soggy filling and ensure crisp crescent pastry texture.
  • Include additional herbs like rosemary or sage to enhance the seasonal flavor complexity and create more depth in the turkey mixture.
  • Prepare filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and streamlining day-of meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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