Spicy Italian Crescent Ring
Get all the zing of your favorite Italian sub wrapped in a tender, flaky crust with this easy Spicy Italian Crescent Ring recipe! Loaded with ham, pepperoni, two glorious melty cheeses, banana or pepperoncini peppers, and roasted red bell pepper, this delicious hot sandwich is perfect for parties, tailgates, family fun nights, and even a quick dinner on busy weeknights. You’re going to love serving this fun, dippable crescent ring every chance you get!
Who can resist warm, delicious crescent rolls? I can’t! They always bake up so deliciously golden with a crisp, flaky outside and heavenly soft inside! When it came time to make this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring, just the prospect of all that warm goodness wrapped around some of our favorite sandwich makings was almost more than we could bear. Making some tout suite became an A-#1 priority!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It combines the bold flavors of Italian meats with the creamy richness of cheese, all encased in a buttery crescent dough. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-inch pizza pan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Paper towels
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1/2 cup well-drained roasted red bell peppers (from a jar)
- 8 slices provolone cheese, halved
- 1/3 lb deli sliced hot salami
- 1/4 lb deli sliced ham
- 1/4 lb deli sliced capocollo
- 1/2 cup well-drained hot pepper rings (from a jar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Unroll both cans of dough; separate into 8 rectangles. On an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan, arrange rectangles in a ring so short sides of rectangles form a circle in the center. (Dough will overlap; half of each rectangle will hang over the edge of the pan. Dough ring should resemble a sun.)
- Spread roasted red bell peppers towards the center of the ring on bottom halves of rectangles. Top with half of the cheese. Layer salami, ham, and capocollo slices over cheese. Arrange pepper rings over top. Cover with remaining half of cheese.
- Bring each dough rectangle hanging over the side of the pan up over stacked filling, tucking dough under the bottom layer of dough to secure it. Repeat around the sandwich until the entire filling is enclosed (some filling might show a little, but that is okay.) Sprinkle with black pepper.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until dough is golden brown and thoroughly baked. Remove from oven; cool 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into serving slices.
Tips for Success
To drain the roasted red bell peppers thoroughly, use a fine mesh strainer, then set on a few paper towels to absorb any extra moisture. This will help prevent the crescent dough from becoming soggy.
Additional Tips or Variations
If you don’t like it spicy, switch out the deli meats for a milder flavor, and swap in some ripe olives instead of the hot pepper rings.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While specific values are not provided, this dish is a delightful indulgence filled with protein from the meats and cheese. For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cheese and leaner meats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the crescent ring ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste.
- What can I serve with this? This crescent ring pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
This Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your variations and see your delicious creations.