Easy Pizza Crescent Roll Ups: The Ultimate Flaky, Cheesy & Kid-Friendly Appetizer
There’s something undeniably comforting and universally loved about pizza, and these incredible Pizza Crescent Roll Ups take all that goodness and wrap it into a convenient, handheld package. Imagine warm, gooey pizza sauce and perfectly melted cheese, all encased in a tender, flaky crescent roll crust. These delightful little gems are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect addition to any occasion, from lively game days to simple after-school snacks.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, looking for a quick and satisfying bite for the kids, or just craving a savory treat, these easy pizza roll ups fit the bill. Their individual portions make them ideal finger food, ensuring minimal mess and maximum enjoyment. In fact, these, along with my ever-popular Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups, are always a guaranteed hit on my party platters, disappearing almost as soon as they’re served!
Customize Your Pizza Crescent Roll Ups: Endless Flavor Combinations
One of the best features of these crescent roll pizza snacks is their incredible adaptability. While a simple cheese-only roll up is always a classic, you can easily elevate them with your favorite pizza toppings. Consider adding small amounts of finely chopped pepperoni for a spicy kick, or cooked Italian sausage for a heartier bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vegetables either; finely diced onions, green peppers, or even mushrooms would add wonderful flavor and texture.
For those who love a bit more complexity, you could try a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil, especially if your pizza sauce is on the milder side. A touch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes can also add an extra layer of flavor. The key is to keep the fillings small and not overstuff the crescent rolls, ensuring they bake evenly and maintain their iconic shape. This simple customization allows you to cater to everyone’s preferences, making these pizza crescent roll ups a truly versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Outcome
The beauty of this easy pizza roll ups recipe lies in its simplicity. I originally discovered a similar concept on Sargento’s website, which inspired this streamlined version. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble these delicious treats using readily available ingredients. Start with a can of refrigerated crescent roll dough – it’s the secret to that perfectly flaky crust without any fuss. For the filling, you’ll need your favorite pizza or pasta sauce, whether it’s a convenient store-bought jar or your own homemade pizza sauce bursting with fresh flavors. The cheeses are crucial: I highly recommend a blend of high-quality shredded mozzarella, such as Sargento® Traditional Cut Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, for that signature melty pull, and a sprinkle of Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese for an extra layer of savory depth.
Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor, even in a quick and easy recipe like this. The combination of the rich pizza sauce, the creamy mozzarella, and the nutty Parmesan creates a harmonious taste that mimics a classic pizza, but in a fun and portable form. These simple choices make all the difference, transforming everyday pantry staples into an extraordinary appetizer or snack.
How to Make Pizza Crescent Roll Ups: Step-by-Step Perfection
Making these homemade pizza rolls couldn’t be easier. The process begins with your refrigerated crescent roll dough. Simply unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles. Lay each triangle flat on a clean surface or a parchment-lined baking sheet. This provides a perfect canvas for your pizza creations.
Next, spread a thin, even layer of your chosen pizza or pasta sauce over each crescent triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents the sauce from oozing out during baking. Over-saucing can make the rolls soggy, so a light hand is best. Then, generously sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This forms the gooey, cheesy heart of your pizza roll-ups. If you’re adding additional fillings like chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, or finely diced vegetables, distribute them evenly over the mozzarella at this stage.
Now comes the fun part: rolling them up! Starting from the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough towards the narrow tip, creating the classic crescent shape. Make sure the fillings are securely tucked inside. Place the rolled-up crescents seam-side down on your parchment-lined baking sheet. The recipe I adapted suggested adding Italian seasonings, but my preferred pizza sauce already contains a robust blend, so I often omit this step. Feel free to add a pinch of your favorite dried herbs if your sauce is plain or if you desire extra flavor.
Before baking, I like to sprinkle a touch of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of each roll-up. This not only adds extra flavor but also contributes to a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Bake them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 13-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is absolutely irresistible!
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser and Perfect Party Food
These pizza crescent roll ups are an absolute hit, especially with children. My kids adore them, and I find myself making large batches specifically for big events and gatherings. Their portability and ease of eating make them fantastic finger food for parties, potlucks, and game nights. They’re a stress-free way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
For an even more authentic pizza experience, I often serve a small bowl of warmed pizza sauce on the side. This provides a delicious dipping option that complements the flaky roll-ups perfectly and allows everyone to add extra sauciness to their liking. Whether served as a standalone snack, a party appetizer, or a fun addition to lunchboxes, these flaky crescent dough creations are sure to be a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. They truly embody the joy of pizza in a delightful, bite-sized form.
Pizza Crescent Roll Ups
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 8- oz can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup pizza or pasta sauce
- 1-3/4 cups 7 oz. Sargento® Traditional Cut Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 Tbsp. Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Chopped pepperoni or other fillings optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles.
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Spread a thin layer (about 1 tablespoon) of pizza or pasta sauce evenly over each crescent triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents the sauce from spilling out during baking.
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Top each sauced triangle with a portion of the shredded Mozzarella cheese. If using, add chopped pepperoni or any other desired fillings over the mozzarella. Remember not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and lead to uneven baking.
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Starting at the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll the dough towards the narrow tip to form the classic crescent shape. Place the rolled-up pizza crescents on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the seam side is down to keep them from unrolling.
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Lightly sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of each pizza roll-up. This will give them a beautiful golden crust and extra flavor.
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Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best served warm, perhaps with a side of extra warmed pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your easy, cheesy, and delicious Pizza Crescent Roll Ups!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting to add lots of toppings, too much filling can make the rolls difficult to close and prone to bursting during baking. Keep fillings minimal and finely chopped.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially if any cheese or sauce oozes out.
- Even Sauce Layer: A thin, even layer of sauce is key. Too much sauce can make the dough soggy, while too little might leave them dry.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your rolls, especially towards the end of the baking time, to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and puffed.
- Serve Warm: While good at room temperature, these pizza crescent roll ups are absolutely best served warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the crust is flaky.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: The best way to reheat is in an oven or toaster oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method helps maintain their flaky texture.
- Microwave: While quicker, microwaving can make the crescent dough a bit soft. Heat for 15-30 seconds, checking periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare Pizza Crescent Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the roll-ups and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-4 hours before baking. For best results, it’s ideal to bake them fresh, but a short prep-ahead time is fine for parties.
Can I freeze Pizza Crescent Roll Ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after baking.
- To freeze unbaked: Assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place frozen rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- To freeze baked: Allow the baked roll-ups to cool completely. Then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
What other fillings can I use in these pizza rolls?
The possibilities are endless! Beyond pepperoni and cooked sausage, consider:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Finely diced ham
- Olives (sliced)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder
Remember to keep all fillings finely chopped and in small quantities to ensure easy rolling and even baking.
Can I make these vegetarian or gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make them vegetarian by simply omitting any meat fillings or using plant-based pepperoni/sausage alternatives. For gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free crescent roll dough, which are available in some specialty stores or larger supermarkets. Always check ingredient labels for specific dietary needs.
Can I use a different kind of dough?
While crescent roll dough gives these a unique flaky texture, you could experiment with puff pastry (for a richer, crispier result) or even pre-made pizza dough cut into triangles. The baking times and temperatures might need slight adjustments depending on the dough used.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Sargento did compensate me for the time I dedicated to making this recipe and putting this post together for you, however my opinions on flavor and preparation are 100% mine. 🙂