Looking for an easy and impressive holiday appetizer? This Christmas Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring is the perfect festive recipe to serve at your holiday gatherings. Made with buttery crescent rolls, savory turkey slices, creamy cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce, it’s a delicious Christmas appetizer that brings together the best flavors of the season. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday party, this crescent ring will instantly become the star of your table.
This recipe is quick to prepare, beginner-friendly, and ideal for using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of creamy chive and onion cheese, Gruyere, fresh herbs, and whole berry cranberry sauce creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that guests always love. Because it bakes in one piece, this Christmas crescent ring is also incredibly practical for feeding a crowd.
Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it’s also a fun and simple appetizer that requires minimal prep time. With just a few pantry staples like crescent dough and Dijon mustard, you can create a warm, flaky, and flavorful centerpiece that pairs perfectly with your festive holiday menu. This recipe fits perfectly with your collection of easy holiday recipes, party snacks, and make-ahead Christmas appetizers.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family celebration or a large Christmas buffet, this turkey and cranberry crescent ring delivers taste, convenience, and holiday charm. Serve it warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side and watch it disappear in minutes. The aroma of rosemary, buttery pastry, and melting cheese will instantly bring the magic of the holidays to your home.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tube crescent rolls
4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tsp 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 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp poppy seeds
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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Step-by-Step Instructions For Christmas Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the ideal temperature for achieving a golden, flaky crescent ring. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to make cleanup effortless. This will ensure your holiday appetizer bakes evenly and releases perfectly from the pan.
Arrange the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate each triangle. Arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on your prepared baking sheet, placing the wide ends toward the center and slightly overlapping them to form a star-like shape. This creates the base for your Christmas turkey and cranberry crescent ring, giving it structure and a beautiful festive appearance once baked.
Prepare the Creamy Filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary or thyme. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Spread this savory mixture evenly over the widest section of the crescent dough triangles. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese over the cream cheese mixture to create a rich and flavorful base. This creamy layer helps balance the sweet cranberry and savory turkey.
Layer the Turkey and Cranberry Sauce:
Place the sliced turkey over the cheese, slightly overlapping the pieces for even coverage. Spoon half of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading gently to distribute it without shifting the meat. Add the remaining 1 cup of Gruyere cheese on top to enhance flavor and ensure a perfectly melty, festive filling once baked.
Shape the Crescent Ring:
Lift the pointed ends of each crescent roll triangle and fold them over the filling, tucking the tips securely underneath the ring. Work your way around the circle until the entire filling is enclosed. This step forms the signature crescent roll ring shape, making it look elegant and perfect for a Christmas appetizer spread.
Brush with Butter and Bake:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, poppy seeds, granulated garlic, and salt. Brush this seasoned butter mixture generously over the top and sides of the crescent dough to enhance flavor and encourage a golden, glossy finish. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the crescent ring is beautifully puffed and deep golden brown. Allow the ring to rest for about 5 minutes to help the filling set.
Garnish and Serve:
Once slightly cooled, sprinkle the freshly baked ring with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, festive touch. Slice the crescent ring into portions and serve warm with the extra cranberry sauce on the side. This holiday turkey and cranberry crescent ring makes a stunning centerpiece and a crowd-pleasing Christmas appetizer.
Delicious Variations:
• Turkey, Brie & Apple Crescent Ring:
Swap the Gruyere for creamy Brie and add thin slices of crisp apple for a sweet–savory twist. This variation delivers classic holiday flavors that pair beautifully with cranberry sauce.
• Ham & Swiss Christmas Crescent Ring:
Replace the turkey with sliced ham and use Swiss or Emmental cheese. Add a spoonful of honey mustard for a richer, slightly sweet flavor—perfect for a holiday buffet.
• Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke Crescent Ring:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken with a spoonful of spinach–artichoke dip instead of cranberry sauce. It transforms the recipe into a creamy and flavorful party appetizer.
• Spicy Turkey Jalapeño Crescent Ring:
Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a spicy kick. This variation is ideal for those who love bold Christmas flavors.
• Vegetarian Holiday Crescent Ring:
Replace the turkey with roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions. Keep the cranberry sauce and cheese for a festive vegetarian option.
Practical Tips:
• Use Cold Crescent Dough for Better Shape:
Crescent roll dough is easier to work with when cold. If it warms up too fast, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes to prevent tearing and ensure a clean, even crescent ring.
• Soften the Cream Cheese Properly:
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened before mixing. This helps create a smooth spread and prevents the dough from tearing during assembly.
• Don’t Overload the Filling:
It’s tempting to add more turkey or cheese, but too much filling can cause the crescent ring to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for perfect results.
• Use Leftover Turkey for a Budget-Friendly Holiday Appetizer:
This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, reducing food waste while creating an impressive holiday dish.
• Let the Ring Rest Before Slicing:
Allowing the crescent ring to rest for 5 minutes helps the cheese set and makes slicing much easier. This also ensures clean, picture-ready portions for your holiday dinner table.
• Serve With Extra Cranberry Sauce:
A small bowl of warm cranberry sauce on the side enhances every bite and adds a festive, colorful touch.
