Description
This Italian Crescent Ring is a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring layers of spicy salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and banana peppers wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Baked until golden and brushed with an egg wash for a beautiful finish, it’s perfect for parties or game day with marinara or Italian dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Meats & Cheese
- ¼ lb spicy salami or turkey pepperoni
- ¼ lb sliced pepperoni or hot capicola
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
Other Fillings
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers or pepperoncini
- 1 tbsp spicy brown or Dijon mustard
Toppings & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
Dipping Sauce
- Marinara or Italian dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Arrange the dough: Unroll and lay out all crescent roll triangles in a sunburst shape on the baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends in the center to form a circular base.
- Layer fillings: Spread the tablespoon of spicy brown or Dijon mustard evenly on the base of the dough. Add the spicy salami or turkey pepperoni slices, followed by pepperoni or hot capicola, then layer evenly with provolone or mozzarella slices, and top with banana peppers or pepperoncini all around the circle.
- Seal the ring: Pull the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the fillings toward the center and tuck the tips under the overlapping dough base to seal the ring securely, enclosing the fillings inside.
- Brush and season: Brush the top of the ring evenly with the beaten egg to create a shiny golden crust once baked. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly, and if desired, add grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the crescent ring for 18–22 minutes until the dough is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the ring to cool for 5 minutes to set before slicing into 6 to 8 pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce or Italian dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can swap out meats for different varieties or use all turkey pepperoni for a milder taste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meats and add more cheese and vegetables like roasted red peppers or olives.
- Make sure to tuck the dough ends securely to avoid the ring opening during baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a warm oven to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh banana peppers or pepperoncini based on your preferred level of tanginess and spice.
