Olive and Cheese Crescent Rounds: A Savory Delight Recipe
Are you looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer or snack that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delectable Olive and Cheese Crescent Rounds. This recipe combines the flaky goodness of crescent roll dough with the briny zest of olives and the comforting richness of cheese. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in, these savory treats are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create these irresistible crescent rounds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
* **Flavorful Combination:** The combination of salty olives, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent dough creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by using different types of cheese, olives, or adding other ingredients like herbs or spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These crescent rounds are always a hit at parties and potlucks, and they’re a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy these savory treats, making them a great option for family-friendly snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
* **1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough:** This forms the base of our crescent rounds, providing a flaky and buttery texture. Make sure the can is cold for easier handling.
* **1 cup shredded cheese:** We recommend a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone are all excellent choices. Pre-shredded cheese works well for convenience, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
* **½ cup sliced black olives:** These add a salty and briny flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. You can use other types of olives, such as green olives or Kalamata olives, depending on your preference. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the mixture.
* **¼ cup chopped green onions:** These add a fresh and mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and olives. You can substitute with chives or a small amount of finely chopped red onion if you prefer.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter:** This adds richness and helps to brown the crescent rounds. You can use unsalted butter or salted butter, adjusting the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
* **1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning:** This adds a blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor of the crescent rounds. You can substitute with other herbs, such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
* **Optional: 1 egg, beaten:** This can be brushed over the crescent rounds before baking to create a golden brown and glossy crust. You can also sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
* **Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese and olive mixture.
* **Optional: Garlic powder:** A dash of garlic powder can enhance the savory flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking sheet:** A standard baking sheet is necessary for baking the crescent rounds. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Mixing bowl:** A mixing bowl is needed to combine the cheese, olives, green onions, and Italian seasoning.
* **Pizza cutter or knife:** A pizza cutter or knife is used to cut the crescent dough into even triangles.
* **Pastry brush (optional):** A pastry brush is used to brush the melted butter or egg wash over the crescent rounds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Olive Mixture**
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’re using red pepper flakes or garlic powder, add them at this stage.
**Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the crescent rounds from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. If the dough seems too sticky, lightly dust it with flour. Gently press down on the perforations to seal them together, creating a solid sheet of dough. You can use a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough slightly, making it easier to work with.
**Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rounds**
Spread the cheese and olive mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
Starting from one end, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it completely. This prevents the filling from escaping while baking.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This allows for even baking and prevents the rounds from sticking together.
**Step 4: Bake the Crescent Rounds**
In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the crescent rounds. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor.
If you’re using an egg wash, beat the egg in a separate bowl and brush it over the tops of the crescent rounds instead of the melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rounds are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescent rounds cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cheese to set and prevents the rounds from becoming soggy.
Serve the Olive and Cheese Crescent Rounds warm or at room temperature. They’re delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Tips and Variations
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or Gruyere, to create unique flavor combinations. You can also use a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend for convenience.
* **Olive Variations:** Use different types of olives, such as green olives, Kalamata olives, or stuffed olives, to add variety to the recipe. Be sure to pit the olives before slicing them.
* **Herb Variations:** Add fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the cheese and olive mixture for a more aromatic flavor. Chop the herbs finely before adding them.
* **Spice Variations:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese and olive mixture for a touch of heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach, to the cheese and olive mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the cheese and olive mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also assemble the crescent rounds and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the baked crescent rounds for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and freezing them. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the crescent rounds with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, pesto, or hummus.
* **Savory Breakfast:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon to the cheese and olive mixture for a heartier breakfast option.
* **Sweet Variation:** For a sweet treat, spread a thin layer of Nutella or jam over the crescent dough before rolling it up. Omit the cheese and olives.
Serving Suggestions
* **Appetizer:** Serve these Olive and Cheese Crescent Rounds as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack anytime of day. They’re perfect for satisfying your cravings between meals.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack them in your child’s lunchbox for a savory and satisfying treat.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring them to your next potluck and watch them disappear in minutes.
* **Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 12 servings)
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
These Olive and Cheese Crescent Rounds are a simple, versatile, and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a savory snack or appetizer that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible crescent rounds. Enjoy!