Spicy Italian Crescent Ring Recipe
Introduction
The Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is a deliciously fun and flavorful appetizer that combines layers of ham, pepperoni, cheeses, and tangy peppers wrapped in golden crescent dough. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, this ring offers a beautiful presentation with a bold Italian kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 count each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 5 slices Provolone cheese, cut in halves
- 9 oz thin sliced deli ham
- 6 oz spicy pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced roasted red bell pepper (jarred)
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana pepper rings
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Dice enough jarred roasted red bell peppers to make 1/2 cup. Measure 1/2 cup of pepperoncini rings. Place both on a paper towel and pat dry. Then combine them in a small bowl and toss with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 3: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Arrange these triangles on a round pizza pan or pizza stone in a circular pattern, overlapping the wide ends slightly in the center to form a ring, with the pointed ends facing outward to create a sun shape.
- Step 4: Lay halved Provolone cheese slices around the overlapping wide ends of the crescent ring. Add a layer of folded ham slices, then a layer of spicy pepperoni (save any leftover pepperoni), followed by the pepper mixture, and finish with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5: Carefully bring the pointed ends of the crescents up and over the filling, securing everything inside. Tuck the points under the center of the ring to seal it. Brush the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle extra black pepper on top.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crescent ring is golden brown and the bottom is cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, or line the pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Substitute spicy pepperoni with sweet pepperoni or salami for a milder flavor.
- Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra heat and aroma.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping to complement the Italian flavors.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350° Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this crescent ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crescent ring and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before placing it in the oven.
Can I freeze the Spicy Italian Crescent Ring?
Freezing the assembled ring before baking is possible. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
PrintSpicy Italian Crescent Ring Recipe
This Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is a savory and visually stunning appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. It features layers of provolone, deli ham, spicy pepperoni, roasted red bell peppers, pepperoncini, and mozzarella cheese all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. The combination of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors makes each bite irresistible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 5 slices Provolone cheese, cut in halves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meats
- 9 oz thin sliced deli ham
- 6 oz spicy pepperoni
Vegetables and Peppers
- 1/2 cup diced jarred roasted red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana pepper rings
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Other
- 2 cans (8 count each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the crescent ring.
- Prepare Peppers: Dice enough roasted red bell peppers from the jar to make 1/2 cup. Measure out 1/2 cup of pepperoncini rings. Pat both dry on paper towels to remove excess moisture, then toss them in a small bowl with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper. Set this mixture aside.
- Arrange Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Lay the triangles on a round pizza pan or pizza stone in a circle, overlapping the wide ends slightly in the center to form a ring, with the pointed ends facing outward like the rays of a sun.
- Add Layers: Place halved provolone slices around the overlapping wide ends of the crescent dough ring. Layer folded slices of deli ham over the provolone, then add a layer of spicy pepperoni, followed by the pepperoncini and roasted red pepper mixture you prepared earlier, and finally sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Seal and Brush: Lift the pointed ends of the crescent triangles and bring them over the filling, tucking the tips under the center of the ring to seal all the layers inside. Use a brush to coat the dough with the beaten egg to give it a shiny golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the prepared ring in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown and the bottom is fully cooked.
Notes
- Patting the peppers dry is essential to prevent soggy dough.
- You can substitute banana peppers for pepperoncini if desired.
- Make sure to seal the crescent points tightly to hold the filling inside while baking.
- For easier slicing after baking, let the ring cool for 5-10 minutes.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for parties.
Keywords: Spicy Italian Crescent Ring, crescent roll appetizer, Italian party food, ham and cheese crescent, baked crescent ring, spicy pepperoni appetizer
