Delight in the savory flavors of the Italian Crescent Ring, where layers of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy peppers are wrapped in flaky crescent dough. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the convenience of crescent rolls with the hearty goodness of an Italian-inspired filling, perfect for casual gatherings or as a hearty appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy Assembly: Using pre-made crescent rolls simplifies preparation without compromising on taste.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish for brunch or slice into smaller portions for a party appetizer.
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of meats, cheeses, and peppers offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 pound sliced ham
- 1/2 pound sliced salami
- 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup banana pepper rings, drained
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Optional: lettuce and tomato slices for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crescent Base: Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring to seal the seams and pressing slightly up the sides of the dish.
- Layer the Meats and Cheese: Arrange half of the ham, salami, and provolone cheese on top of the crescent dough.
- Add Peppers and Pepperoni: Evenly spread the pepperoni, banana pepper rings, and roasted red peppers over the layer of meats and cheese.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top of the pepperoni and peppers.
- Add Remaining Meats and Cheese: Layer the remaining ham, salami, and provolone cheese on top of the pepper mix.
- Top with Crescent Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay it over the layers, pressing gently to seal the edges and seams.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top layer of crescent dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Italian Crescent Ring to cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve. Optionally, serve with fresh lettuce and tomato slices on the side for added freshness.
Storage Options:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled Italian Crescent Ring tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Success:
- Sealing the Edges: When pressing the crescent dough into the baking dish and sealing the edges, ensure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Layering: Evenly distribute the meats, cheeses, and peppers to ensure each bite has a balanced flavor profile.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the Italian Crescent Ring towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning. Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven’s performance.
Enjoy the Italian Crescent Ring warm from the oven, or let it cool to room temperature for a delightful addition to any gathering. Its flavorful layers and buttery crust make it a surefire hit with family and friends alike.
