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Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Spicy Italian Crescent Ring
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The Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is a bold and flavorful appetizer that combines spicy Italian sausage, melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese, tangy peppers, and fresh herbs all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights, this ring is easy to prepare, customizable in heat level, and ideal for sharing. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, it delivers savory Italian goodness with every slice.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Crescent Roll Dough: 1 package (about 8 ounces)

Sausage Filling

  • Italian Sausage: 8 ounces (spicy or mild, as preferred)
  • Marinara Sauce: 1/3 cup
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated
  • Sliced Pepperoncini or Jalapeños: 1/4 cup
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
  • Fresh Oregano Leaves: 2 tablespoons, roughly chopped
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage Filling: Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly to avoid soggy dough later.
  2. Lay Out the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Join the dough triangles to form one large circular sheet, pressing the perforations to seal and create a smooth surface.
  3. Spread the Marinara Sauce: Evenly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  4. Add Cheese, Sausage, and Peppers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously over the sauce, then distribute the cooked sausage evenly. Add sliced pepperoncini or jalapeños for that essential spice.
  5. Arrange the Herb Topping: Scatter fresh basil and oregano leaves on top, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat and flavor.
  6. Form the Crescent Ring: Carefully roll the edges of the dough inward to create a ring shape, folding the dough over the filling to seal it while leaving the center open. Brush the ring with olive oil to ensure golden crispiness.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the ring in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Seal the Dough Well: Press the dough seams firmly to keep the filling inside and prevent leaking during baking.
  • Don’t Overload Filling: Keep cheese and sausage amounts balanced to avoid sogginess and ensure even cooking.
  • Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded to enhance texture.
  • Experiment with Peppers: For deeper heat, try different types of spicy peppers like fresno or chipotle.
  • Watch Your Oven: Crescent dough browns quickly, so check a few minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy appetizer, Italian crescent ring, cheesy crescent ring, game day appetizer, party snacks, spicy Italian sausage recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/spicy-italian-crescent-ring/