If you are craving a fun, bite-sized snack that packs all the wonderful flavors of your favorite pizza, you must try this Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe. These golden, flaky rolls are stuffed with savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce, making them irresistibly delicious. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you need that cozy pizza fix without fussing over dough or long baking times, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe just right relies on a handful of simple but flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this treat so special.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a savory, spiced meatiness that’s the heart of the filling.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Brings a tangy, herby tomato flavor that keeps every bite juicy and vibrant.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Offers gooey, melty richness that oozes out when you bite in.
- Refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provide a buttery, flaky crust that’s quick and easy to use.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty kick and an extra golden finish.
- Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle of aromatic herbs to elevate the flavor and give it that classic pizza vibe.
How to Make Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF so it’s nice and ready when you’re finished assembling. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your Italian sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step develops a rich depth of flavor, and draining the excess grease keeps the rolls from getting soggy.
Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients
Once your sausage is cooked and drained, add the pizza sauce right into the skillet. Stir everything together gently and then fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese. This blend creates the classic pizza filling you love, instantly melty and perfect for stuffing inside the crescents.
Step 3: Prep the Dough
Open your cans of crescent dinner rolls and separate the dough into 8 rectangles, rather than the usual triangles. Be sure to press and seal the seams well; this little trick keeps all that delicious filling safely tucked inside, preventing any leaks during baking.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spread a generous line of your sausage and cheese mixture down the center of each rectangle. Then, carefully bring the long edges up and over the filling, sealing them together. Next, cut each stuffed strip into 4 smaller squares so each roll is just the right size for snacking or sharing.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful finish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning if you like. Bake the pizza rolls for 13 to 15 minutes or until they turn a delightful golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These Crescent Pizza Rolls are fabulous on their own, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of garlic butter right after baking takes them over the top. For a little dipping fun, serve alongside a small bowl of warm ranch dressing or extra pizza sauce.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair your pizza rolls with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These sides add brightness and balanced texture to complement the cheesy, savory rolls perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re throwing a party or want to impress friends, stack the rolls in a pyramid shape on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Another fun idea is to place them on skewers for pizza roll kabobs, making it easy for guests to grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain that flaky crust and melty filling.
Freezing
You can freeze Crescent Pizza Rolls before baking by arranging them on a lined sheet pan and freezing until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen Crescent Pizza Rolls in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep that beautiful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage to suit your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe without crescent roll dough?
While crescent roll dough is key for the signature flaky texture, you could experiment with pizza dough or puff pastry sheets, though the baking time and texture will vary.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Adding finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture is a tasty way to sneak in some extra veggies and flavor.
How spicy is this Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe?
The spiciness depends on the sausage you choose. Italian sausage is usually mildly spiced, but you can pick hot Italian sausage if you want a little kick.
Are Crescent Pizza Rolls kid-friendly?
Definitely! These rolls are perfect for kids because they’re fun to eat, cheesy, and not too complicated in flavor. Just adjust the seasoning if you prefer something milder.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding experience, especially when you see everyone’s happy faces as they dive into these cheesy, savory bites. Whether for a casual snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fast weeknight dinner, these rolls bring comfort and excitement to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Crescent Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
- Total Time: 23-25 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crescent Pizza Rolls are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack featuring savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these rolls bake up golden brown with optional Parmesan and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough and Toppings
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the crescent rolls.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix Filling: Add the pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese to the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese begins to melt.
- Prepare Dough: Separate each can of crescent dough into 8 rectangles by sealing the seams carefully to create a smooth surface for filling.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread the sausage mixture along the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the long edges upwards to cover the filling completely, then cut each rectangle into 4 smaller squares.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled squares seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked sausage to prevent soggy rolls.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
