These Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites are a fun twist on comfort food! Packed with tasty ground beef and gooey cheese, they’re wrapped in crescent dough for a crispy finish!
They make a great treat for game night or any gathering. I love how quick they are to whip up — just roll, fill, and bake. Who doesn’t love the smell of cheesy goodness filling the kitchen? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can also work well. Just ensure they’re well-seasoned to maintain flavor.
Onion: Yellow onions add great flavor, but if you don’t have one, shallots can be a milder alternative. For a quicker option, you could use onion powder (just skip the frying step).
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Crescent Roll Dough: If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since it may require longer to bake until golden.
Seasonings: Customize your spices! If you enjoy extra heat, opt for cayenne pepper or replace chili powder with taco seasoning for a twist.
How Do I Easily Roll and Shape the Crescent Ring?
Shaping the crescent ring might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to get it just right:
- After filling the dough, gently roll it from one edge to form a ring. Start snugly, but don’t press too hard to keep it fluffy.
- Pinching the seams is essential to prevent filling from leaking out during baking. Make sure it’s well-sealed.
- When cutting slits, be careful—we don’t want to cut all the way through! These cuts help the bites separate and bake evenly.
- Twisting the cut segments creates a beautiful look and enhances that golden crunch! They should be slightly spread out to reveal the filling during baking.
Take your time, and you’ll have a stunning crescent ring ready for your gathering! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Beef And Cheese Crescent Ring Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika (optional, for mild spice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking beef)
- Optional: beef gravy or dipping sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. It’s an easy and quick dish that’s perfect for a snack or as an appetizer at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat And Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent any sticking and make for easy cleanup!
2. Sauté The Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil, then add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook The Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
4. Season The Mixture:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if you opted for a little kick. Stir well and remove the skillet from the heat to let it cool slightly.
5. Roll Out The Dough:
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure the triangles stay connected in their intended crescent shape.
6. Fill The Dough:
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef.
7. Build The Second Layer:
Repeat the dough, beef, and cheese process with the second can of crescent roll dough. You can lay this second sheet right next to the first one or slightly overlap them based on how large you want your ring to be.
8. Form The Ring:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the crescent dough filled with the beef and cheese into a ring shape. Pinch the seams together to seal it well and to form a complete circle on your baking sheet.
9. Prepare For Baking:
With a sharp knife, cut slits around the ring, about 1 inch apart along the surface, but make sure not to cut all the way through—these cut surfaces will be your “bites.”
10. Bake:
Twist each cut segment slightly outward to show off the layers inside. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent bites are golden brown and the cheese has perfectly melted.
11. Serve:
After baking, remove your crescent ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it apart, serve warm with any gravy or dipping sauce of your choice, and enjoy!
These savory, cheesy beef crescent ring bites are sure to be a hit at any occasion!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or a bit more cheese for moisture and flavor.
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, and add some black beans or lentils for protein. You can also increase the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the crescent ring ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy!