Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer or dinner? Look no further than the pizza stuffed crescent ring! This recipe combines the classic flavors of pizza with the convenience of crescent rolls, creating a fun and satisfying dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious pizza ring!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses pre-made crescent roll dough, which significantly cuts down on prep time. No need to make pizza dough from scratch!
* **Customizable:** The fillings are completely customizable. Use your favorite pizza toppings to create a ring that everyone will enjoy.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The pizza stuffed crescent ring is always a hit at parties and gatherings. It’s fun to eat and tastes amazing.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. It’s perfect for any occasion.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love this recipe! It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and excited about cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for a basic pizza stuffed crescent ring:
* **Crescent Roll Dough:** 2 cans (8 ounces each) of refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (not the perforated rolls).
* **Pizza Sauce:** 1 cup of your favorite pizza sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Feel free to use other cheeses as well, like provolone or cheddar.
* **Pepperoni:** 1 cup sliced pepperoni. You can use other toppings like cooked sausage, ham, or vegetables.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Optional Toppings:** Olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, cooked sausage, ham, pineapple – the possibilities are endless!
* **Egg Wash:** 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for a golden brown crust).
* **Sesame Seeds or Parmesan Cheese:** For topping (optional).
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Baking Sheet:** To bake the crescent ring on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the ring from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** To slice the pepperoni (if needed) and cut the dough.
* **Mixing Bowl:** To mix the fillings (optional).
* **Small Bowl:** To prepare the egg wash.
* **Pastry Brush:** To brush the egg wash onto the ring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these detailed instructions to make your pizza stuffed crescent ring:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the crescent ring from sticking and make cleanup easier.
**Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough**
* Open the cans of crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
* If using crescent roll sheets (recommended), gently separate the sheets at the perforated lines, if any, creating two large rectangles.
* If using regular crescent rolls, separate the triangles. You will need to pinch the seams of the triangles together to create two large rectangles. The sheets don’t need to be perfect; minor imperfections won’t matter once the ring is formed.
**Step 3: Arrange the Dough in a Ring Shape**
* Place one of the dough rectangles on the baking sheet. Arrange the other dough rectangle in a circle around the first one, overlapping the ends slightly. This will form the base of your ring. The center of the ring should be empty.
**Step 4: Spread the Pizza Sauce**
* Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough ring, leaving a 1-inch border along the outer edge. This border will be used to seal the ring later.
**Step 5: Add the Cheese and Toppings**
* Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
* Add your desired toppings. Start with the pepperoni, followed by any other toppings you’re using, such as olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage. Make sure to distribute the toppings evenly.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
* Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. These spices add a delicious flavor boost to the pizza ring.
**Step 6: Fold the Dough Over the Filling**
* Carefully fold the outer edge of the dough over the filling, working your way around the entire ring. Gently stretch the dough as needed to cover the filling. The folded dough should create a raised border around the edge of the ring, encasing the pizza filling.
* Pinch the seams of the dough together to seal the ring. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
**Step 7: Prepare the Egg Wash (Optional)**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. This will give the crust a golden brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
**Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash and Add Toppings (Optional)**
* Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the dough. Be sure to cover all the exposed dough for even browning.
* If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or grated Parmesan cheese over the egg-washed dough. This adds extra flavor and texture.
**Step 9: Bake the Crescent Ring**
* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the ring as it bakes, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
**Step 10: Let Cool and Serve**
* Once the pizza stuffed crescent ring is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
* Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the ring into individual servings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the pizza ring.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate your favorite vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables beforehand to remove excess moisture.
* **Try Different Meats:** Use cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or ground beef instead of or in addition to pepperoni. Cook the meat before adding it to the ring.
* **Make a Vegetarian Version:** Omit the meat and load up the ring with vegetables and different types of cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
* **Add a Kick of Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as pesto, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce, instead of pizza sauce.
* **Mini Pizza Rings:** Make individual mini pizza rings by cutting the crescent roll dough into smaller circles or squares and filling them with your favorite pizza toppings.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** While crescent roll dough is typically not gluten-free, some brands offer gluten-free crescent roll dough alternatives. Be sure to check the ingredient list.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or parsley over the baked pizza ring for added flavor and freshness.
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Before adding the pizza sauce, spread a layer of softened cream cheese over the crescent dough for a richer, creamier flavor.
* **Garlic Butter Crust:** Before baking, brush the crescent ring crust with a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for an extra flavorful crust.
Serving Suggestions
The pizza stuffed crescent ring is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or a creamy pesto dip.
* **Side Salad:** Pair the pizza ring with a fresh side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice.
* **Soup:** Serve with a bowl of tomato soup, minestrone soup, or any other soup you enjoy.
* **Appetizer Platter:** Include the pizza ring on an appetizer platter with other finger foods, such as mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and vegetable sticks with dip.
* **Drinks:** Serve with your favorite beverages, such as soda, juice, beer, or wine.
Make-Ahead Tips
* **Assemble Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the pizza stuffed crescent ring a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is a great option for parties and gatherings.
* **Prepare the Fillings in Advance:** Prepare the pizza sauce, chop the vegetables, and cook the meat ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.
* **Freeze for Later:** You can freeze the unbaked pizza stuffed crescent ring for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate Leftovers:** Store any leftover pizza stuffed crescent ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the leftover pizza ring in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may become a bit soggy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (depending on the ingredients used).
* Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams per serving.
* Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving.
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving.
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
The pizza stuffed crescent ring is a fun, easy, and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable fillings and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing treat. Happy baking!