Name: Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 1 tube crescent rolls; 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 3 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided; 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided; 1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli turkey); 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

If you’re looking for a perfect combination of savory and sweet wrapped in a flaky crescent dough, this Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is a show-stopping dish! Ideal for holiday leftovers or a comforting weeknight meal, it brings together tender slices of turkey, rich Gruyere cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and aromatic rosemary, all hugged by golden crescent rolls. Whether served as an appetizer or the main event, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

1 tube crescent rolls
4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
1 lb thinly sliced turkey (leftover or deli turkey)
1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circular pattern, with the wide ends overlapping to create a ring. The points of the triangles should face outward, forming a sun-like shape.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary or thyme. This creamy, herby spread is going to bring the entire ring to life! Spread this mixture evenly over the inner, wide portion of the crescent dough.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese (about 1 cup) over the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Layer the thinly sliced turkey on top of the cheese, making sure to overlap the slices slightly to cover the ring.
Step 6: Next, spread half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey. The tartness of the cranberries complements the savory turkey and creamy cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Gruyere cheese on top.
Step 7: Take the narrow ends of the crescent dough triangles and fold them over the filling, tucking the ends underneath the center of the ring. This will encase the filling and form a beautiful crescent ring shape.
Step 8: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush this buttery mixture generously over the top of the crescent dough for added flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
Step 9: Bake the ring in your preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, let the crescent ring cool for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to set.
Step 10: Garnish the finished ring with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of rosemary or thyme for a fresh burst of flavor. Slice into 8 portions and serve with the leftover cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Variation:

Meat Substitutes: Swap out the turkey for leftover chicken, ham, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Cheese Variations: While Gruyere is rich and nutty, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina for a different twist on flavor.
Add Crunch: For added texture, you could sprinkle toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top of the cranberry sauce before wrapping the dough.

Cooking Note:

To ensure the dough is evenly baked, make sure the crescent dough is completely sealed by tucking the edges tightly under the ring. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the ring with aluminum foil during the final 5-7 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions:

This crescent ring pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or roasted vegetables, balancing out the richness of the cheese and buttery dough.
If serving for a holiday brunch, offer it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a complete, festive meal.
To enhance the flavor profile, consider a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider.

Tips:

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the entire ring ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Leftovers: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain the crispness of the dough.
Customize the Herbs: If rosemary or thyme isn’t your favorite, try using sage or parsley for an equally aromatic result.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

24 minutes

Total Time:

39 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 570mg

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes! While crescent dough is ideal for this recipe, puff pastry or pizza dough can be great substitutes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, keeping an eye on the dough for doneness.
What if I don’t like cranberries?
You can swap out the cranberry sauce for other jams or spreads like fig, apricot, or even a spiced apple chutney for a unique flavor twist.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy dough, ensure your turkey is not too moist and that the cranberry sauce is spread thinly. You can also slightly pre-bake the crescent dough for 5 minutes before adding the filling to firm it up.
Can I freeze the crescent ring?
Yes! After baking, allow the ring to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in a 350°F oven.

Conclusion:

The Savory Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is not just a feast for the eyes but a treat for the taste buds as well. With its blend of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce all encased in buttery, flaky crescent rolls, this dish is both a crowd-pleaser and a practical way to use leftovers. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a delicious, comforting meal, this crescent ring is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with friends and family, and savor every bite of this festive creation!