The Ultimate Guide to Store-Bought Crescent Rolls: Taste Tests, Recipes, and Baking Tips

Crescent rolls: those flaky, buttery delights that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday feast, using them as a base for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply enjoying them as a warm snack, crescent rolls are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. But with so many brands and varieties available in the grocery store, how do you choose the best ones? This guide will walk you through a comprehensive taste test of popular store-bought crescent rolls, offer delicious recipe ideas, and provide expert tips for baking them to golden-brown perfection.

Part 1: The Great Crescent Roll Taste Test

Before diving into recipes, let’s explore the landscape of store-bought crescent rolls. We’ve gathered some of the most widely available brands and put them to the test, evaluating them based on flavor, texture, ease of use, and overall appeal. Our goal is to help you find the perfect crescent roll to suit your taste and needs.

**Methodology:**

Each brand of crescent rolls was baked according to the package instructions. We then evaluated them based on the following criteria:

* **Flavor:** How buttery, sweet, or savory is the roll? Does it have a distinct taste, or is it bland?
* **Texture:** Is the roll flaky, soft, and tender? Or is it dry, dense, or doughy?
* **Rise:** How well does the roll rise during baking? Does it achieve a good volume and airy interior?
* **Ease of Use:** How easy is it to unroll, shape, and bake the rolls?
* **Overall Appeal:** Considering all factors, how enjoyable is the overall experience of eating the crescent roll?

**The Contenders:**

* **Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls:** The classic, widely recognized brand.
* **Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls:** A lighter option for those watching their fat intake.
* **Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Rolls:** A tropical twist with a hint of sweetness.
* **Annie’s Organic Crescent Rolls:** An organic option with a focus on natural ingredients.
* **Trader Joe’s Crescent Rolls:** A store-brand option known for its quality and value.
* **Great Value (Walmart) Crescent Rolls:** Another budget-friendly store-brand alternative.

**The Results:**

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our findings:

**1. Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** Buttery and slightly sweet, with a familiar and comforting flavor.
* **Texture:** Flaky and tender when baked properly, but can be slightly doughy if underbaked.
* **Rise:** Rises well, creating a good volume and airy interior.
* **Ease of Use:** Very easy to unroll and shape.
* **Overall Appeal:** A classic for a reason, these rolls are consistently good and widely available. They score high on overall appeal due to their familiar taste and reliable performance. However, some may find them slightly too sweet.
* **Verdict:** A solid choice for traditional crescent rolls. Good for beginners because of ease of use.

**2. Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** Noticeably less buttery than the original, with a slightly less pronounced flavor overall.
* **Texture:** Can be a bit drier and less flaky than the original, especially if overbaked.
* **Rise:** Rises well, but the interior can be slightly denser.
* **Ease of Use:** Very easy to unroll and shape.
* **Overall Appeal:** A decent option for those looking to reduce fat, but the flavor and texture suffer slightly compared to the original. The difference is noticeable.
* **Verdict:** A reasonable substitute if you’re watching your fat intake, but don’t expect the same richness.

**3. Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** Distinctly sweet and tropical, with a noticeable pineapple and coconut flavor.
* **Texture:** Soft and slightly chewy, with a less flaky texture than the original.
* **Rise:** Rises well, creating a good volume and soft interior.
* **Ease of Use:** Very easy to unroll and shape.
* **Overall Appeal:** A fun and flavorful twist on traditional crescent rolls. Great for those who enjoy sweet and tropical flavors. They’re a little sweeter than the normal, but its very good.
* **Verdict:** A unique and enjoyable option for a sweet treat or as a complement to certain savory dishes (like pulled pork).

**4. Annie’s Organic Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** More subtle and natural flavor than Pillsbury, with a less pronounced buttery taste. Some tasters noted a slightly tangy flavor.
* **Texture:** Flaky but slightly less tender than Pillsbury. Can be prone to drying out if overbaked.
* **Rise:** Rises well, but the interior can be a bit denser.
* **Ease of Use:** Can be slightly more difficult to unroll than Pillsbury, as the dough is a bit more delicate. Requires more care to prevent tearing.
* **Overall Appeal:** A good option for those seeking organic ingredients, but the flavor and texture may not be as appealing to those accustomed to traditional crescent rolls. There is a more natural baked taste which is healthier than Pillsbury.
* **Verdict:** A decent organic option, but be prepared for a slightly different flavor and texture profile. Best to watch baking time closely.

**5. Trader Joe’s Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** Buttery and savory, with a good balance of flavors. Not overly sweet.
* **Texture:** Very flaky and tender, with a light and airy interior.
* **Rise:** Rises exceptionally well, creating a beautiful golden-brown appearance.
* **Ease of Use:** Easy to unroll and shape, though the dough can be a bit sticky.
* **Overall Appeal:** A standout option for its excellent flavor, texture, and rise. Offers great value for the price. These are often considered to be better than the name brands.
* **Verdict:** Highly recommended for those with access to Trader Joe’s. These crescent rolls offer a premium experience at an affordable price.

**6. Great Value (Walmart) Crescent Rolls:**

* **Flavor:** Bland and somewhat artificial-tasting, with a minimal buttery flavor.
* **Texture:** Dense and doughy, with a less flaky texture.
* **Rise:** Rises poorly, resulting in a smaller and less airy roll.
* **Ease of Use:** Easy to unroll and shape, but the dough can be sticky.
* **Overall Appeal:** The least appealing of the bunch. The flavor and texture are subpar compared to other brands. Save your money on these.
* **Verdict:** Not recommended. Spend a little more for a significantly better product.

**Taste Test Winner:**

Based on our taste test, **Trader Joe’s Crescent Rolls** emerged as the clear winner, offering the best combination of flavor, texture, and rise. **Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls** remain a solid and reliable choice, while **Annie’s Organic Crescent Rolls** cater to those seeking organic options. Avoid the Great Value brand. The Sweet Hawaiian rolls are very good if you want a sweeter roll with tropical flavor.

## Part 2: Delicious Crescent Roll Recipes

Now that you’ve chosen your preferred crescent rolls, let’s explore some delicious and easy-to-make recipes that showcase their versatility:

**1. Classic Crescent Rolls:**

The simplest way to enjoy crescent rolls is to bake them according to the package instructions and serve them warm with butter, jam, or honey.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* Melted butter (optional)
* Your favorite toppings (butter, jam, honey, etc.)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to the temperature specified on the crescent roll package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
4. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
5. Bake for the time specified on the package (usually 10-12 minutes), or until golden brown.
6. Brush with melted butter (optional) and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

**2. Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls:**

Add a savory twist to classic crescent rolls with garlic and cheese.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional: Italian seasoning
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning if using.
4. Brush each triangle with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

**3. Pizza Crescent Rolls:**

Transform crescent rolls into mini pizzas with your favorite toppings.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread each triangle with pizza sauce.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

**4. Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups:**

A simple and satisfying lunch or snack option.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 4 slices of ham
* 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
* Dijon mustard (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread each triangle with Dijon mustard (optional).
4. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each triangle.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

**5. Spinach and Artichoke Crescent Pinwheels:**

An elegant and flavorful appetizer.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent roll dough
* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
* 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough into one large rectangle, pressing seams together.
3. In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough.
5. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
6. Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
7. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

**6. Apple Cinnamon Crescent Rolls:**

A sweet and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 1 apple, peeled and diced
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. In a small bowl, combine the diced apple, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Spoon the apple mixture onto each triangle.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

**7. Chocolate Hazelnut Crescent Rolls:**

A decadent and irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread
* Powdered sugar (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread each triangle with Nutella.
4. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
5. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with powdered sugar (optional).

**8. Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rolls:**

A hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 1/2 pound cooked sausage, crumbled
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 egg, beaten (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Combine the crumbled sausage and shredded cheese.
4. Spoon the sausage mixture onto each triangle.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Brush with beaten egg (optional) for a golden-brown finish.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

**9. Chicken and Broccoli Crescent Braid:**

A visually appealing and satisfying meal.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent roll dough
* 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
* 1 cup broccoli florets, cooked
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 egg, beaten
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough into a rectangle on a baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, cheese, and mayonnaise.
4. Spread the mixture down the center of the crescent roll dough.
5. Make cuts along both sides of the dough, about 1 inch apart, angling slightly outwards.
6. Fold the strips of dough over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid.
7. Brush with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

**10. Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls:**

Bring the heat with these spicy and flavorful rolls.

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 can of crescent rolls
* 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
* 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
* 1/4 cup ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each triangle.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
6. Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

## Part 3: Tips for Baking Perfect Crescent Rolls

To ensure your crescent rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

* **Don’t Overbake:** Crescent rolls can dry out quickly, so watch them carefully during baking. They’re done when they’re golden brown and flaky.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Adjust Baking Time for Fillings:** If you’re adding fillings to your crescent rolls, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them and bake until the filling is heated through and the rolls are golden brown.
* **Let Dough Warm Slightly:** Allowing the dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before unrolling can make it easier to work with and prevent tearing. Don’t let it get too warm, or it will become sticky.
* **Roll Tightly:** Rolling the crescent rolls tightly will help them maintain their shape during baking and prevent them from unrolling.
* **Egg Wash for Extra Shine:** Brushing the rolls with a beaten egg before baking will give them a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** This ensures the rolls cook evenly.
* **Use a pizza cutter for clean cuts:** When making pinwheels, a pizza cutter ensures clean and even slices.
* **For a softer roll, tent with foil:** If your rolls are browning too quickly, tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
* **Serve Warm:** Crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm, so serve them fresh from the oven whenever possible. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but they’re never quite as good as when they’re freshly baked.

## Conclusion

Crescent rolls are a pantry staple that can be used in countless ways. By choosing the right brand and following these tips and recipes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals and snacks that everyone will love. So, go ahead and experiment, get creative, and enjoy the wonderful world of crescent rolls!