This sausage and cheese crescent ring is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s impressive to look at but surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun family dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. When the sausage is about halfway cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Drain any excess grease from the sausage mixture. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh parsley. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mixing well to combine.
- Arrange the crescent roll triangles on the prepared baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center to form a ring, and the pointed ends facing outward (like a sun).
- Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture around the ring on the wide ends of the crescent dough.
- Fold the pointed ends of the crescent triangles over the filling and tuck them under the wide ends in the center of the ring.
- Brush the dough with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent ring is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm, with marinara sauce for dipping if you like.
This sausage and cheese crescent ring can be customized with your favorite fillings—try adding spinach, mushrooms, or different cheese varieties for your own unique version!