Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground beef and/or bulk Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red sweet pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 pepperoni slices, quartered
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, red pepper, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned, about 4 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
4. Stir in the pepperoni slices and black olives. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Once the meat mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup of the pizza sauce.
6. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate each sheet into 4 rectangles (two rolls per rectangle), giving you a total of 8 rectangles.
7. Arrange the dough rectangles on the prepared baking sheet in a ring, forming a 5-inch circle in the center. The dough pieces should slightly overlap, resembling a starburst pattern.
8. Spoon the meat mixture onto the halves of the dough rectangles closest to the center of the ring.
9. Working around the ring, fold the unfilled sides of the dough over the meat mixture, tucking the ends underneath to secure it. If necessary, use a paring knife to cut along the doughs perforations to allow the filling to show through.
10. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the top of the crescent ring.
11. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the dough.
12. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
13. Let the pizza crescent ring cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
14. Warm the remaining pizza sauce and serve alongside the crescent ring for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Amount per Serving
Calories	461
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	949mg
Total Carbohydrate	33g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	14mg
Calcium	197mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	442mg

The History of Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring

The Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring is a modern twist on traditional pizza, combining Italian flavors with American convenience baking. While pizza itself dates back to 18th-century Naples, the idea of encasing pizza ingredients in a crescent-shaped pastry emerged in the United States during the late 20th century. This dish reflects the ingenuity of home cooks looking to transform familiar flavors into an easy-to-serve, shareable appetizer. Its crescent ring form allows for a visually striking presentation while keeping the classic elements of pizza cheese, sauce, and cured meats intact.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although it originated in the U.S., the Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring has been embraced in various regions with subtle adaptations. In the Midwest, cooks often add Italian sausage alongside pepperoni for a heartier filling. West Coast variations may include vegetables like bell peppers and olives for a fresher, more colorful appearance. Some Southern adaptations incorporate a spicier sausage or barbecue-infused sauce, blending local tastes with the traditional Italian-American base. Despite these tweaks, the signature crescent ring shape remains consistent across regions.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike calzones or stromboli, which are typically fully enclosed, the Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring showcases its filling through strategic slits in the dough, giving it an attractive, inviting appearance. It is also designed as a shareable centerpiece rather than an individual portion, making it ideal for gatherings. While pizza rolls and pockets are bite-sized and individually wrapped, the crescent ring offers both a dramatic presentation and easy slicing into wedges, balancing convenience with visual appeal.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is often found at casual parties, family dinners, and holiday gatherings, where finger foods and shareable snacks are popular. It is frequently served with extra pizza sauce for dipping, making it an interactive experience for guests. Restaurants and bakeries sometimes offer mini versions as appetizers, but it is most popular as a homemade treat for entertaining, allowing cooks to customize fillings to suit diverse tastes.

Interesting Facts

• The crescent ring format makes it a fun, visually appealing alternative to traditional pizza.
• The dish is adaptable, with fillings ranging from classic pepperoni and sausage to vegetarian combinations or even breakfast-themed versions with eggs and bacon.
• The use of pre-made crescent roll dough makes it accessible for home cooks, reducing preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
• Despite being relatively new, it has gained popularity on social media for its decorative starburst shape, often photographed before being sliced.
• The recipe encourages creativity, as spices, cheeses, and vegetables can be swapped according to regional preferences or personal taste.

FAQ about Pizza Stuffed Crescent Ring Recipe

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