Need a quick dinner fix? Crescent rolls are your friend! They’re cheap, easy, and you can stuff them with whatever you’ve got — like leftover veggies or meat for a speedy snack. I’ve got 10 easy crescent roll recipes to help you get dinner on the table fast.
Crescent rolls are widely available at Target, Walmart, and local grocery stores. A pack of eight rolls are about $3, which breaks down to just $0.40 each. Better yet, use a Pillsbury coupon to save on individual cans or multiples.
From savory bites to desserts, we’ve got ten easy crescent roll recipes for every meal and snack in between. Download the Krazy Coupon Lady app for more recipes, savings hacks, food deals, and smart shopping tips.
Crescent Rolls 101
Crescent rolls are more than a quick snack or side dish; they’re versatile enough to be the star in a variety of dishes, from pairing with soup to creating sweet treats with just chocolate chips or jam, and they come in flavors like buttery and honey butter.
They’re easy to find and simple to use, and are a great alternative to pricey takeout and perfect for whipping up cost-effective appetizers for your holiday parties.
And if you’re like me and love to entertain during the holidays, add crescent roll appetizers to your list of party food to save you a headache from the cost of store-bought snacks or catering.
How to Make Crescent Rolls
When I’m baking crescent rolls, I roll them out with my hands. Start by popping open the container, separating the triangles, rolling them in crescent shapes, and baking. Boom! Even if you’re spreading them into a pan, you don’t need to break out the rolling pin. Remember to keep the dough refrigerated before you work with it.
How to Roll Crescent Rolls
Rolling crescent rolls is a breeze. Unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles along the perforations. Starting at the wider end of each triangle, gently roll the dough towards the pointed end, creating the classic crescent shape. Be sure to keep the roll somewhat loose for even baking. You can also fill them with various ingredients before rolling, like chocolate chips, cheese, or deli meats, for added flavor.
How Long to Cook Crescent Rolls
Once unrolled and separated, bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. You might need to lower the temperature to 350 degrees for nonstick or dark cookie sheets, but follow the instructions on the package since cooking times may vary slightly between brands. Keep an eye on them as they should be golden brown when done. (NEVER microwave them!)
Can You Freeze Crescent Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked crescent rolls. For unbaked rolls, shape them as usual and place them on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer them to a Ziploc freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
For baked crescent rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic or foil before freezing. When you want warm them back up, put them in a preheated oven or air fryer until warmed through, and they’ll taste nearly as good as fresh-baked. They keep in the freezer for up to two months, while unbaked rolls are good through one year. Just don’t freeze them in the can!
10 Quick & Easy Crescent Roll Recipes
Test out these ten easy crescent roll recipes anytime you need some variety in your meal planning or just want a break from cooking the old fashioned way.
1. Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
When I first spotted this recipe, I was incredibly surprised to find that the dough was once in a refrigerated can. Who knew crescent roll dough could look so elegant?! Not only does this look great, it’s delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 package of seamless crescent roll dough (I used Pillsbury)
- 1 cup of cooked chicken
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 4 oz of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen peas, carrots, cheddar cheese, and cooked chicken.
- Mix the cream cheese and condensed cream of chicken soup in a separate bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, add it to the bowl with the chicken and veggies.
- Lay out the crescent roll dough on a silicone mat or parchment paper, and then place it on a baking pan. Leaving approximately three inches in the center, make parallel cuts along the sides of the dough, about an inch apart on both sides.
- Spread the chicken, veggie, and soup mixture down the middle of the dough. Take a strip of dough from one side and fold it over the central mixture. Repeat this process with a strip from the other side, folding it over the middle. Continue this alternating pattern down the length of the dough until it is completely folded over.
- To keep the filling securely inside, pinch the ends of the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown.
- Finally, wait 10 minutes before cutting into it.
2. Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries
Forget Pop Tarts — these pastries are filled with so much fruity-cream-cheesy delight that you’ll be tempted to eat the whole batch! Print this recipe card and impress your family with your new, delicious snack.
3. Bacon and Egg Crescent Squares
This recipe calls for precooked bacon, but it’s just as delicious with drained sausage crumbles or diced ham. Pair this Bacon and Egg Crescent Square recipe with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
4. Pepperoni Cheese Stick Roll Ups
When you want to save on buying pizza or making it from scratch, easy crescent roll recipes like this are my go-to solution in a pinch. Even my kids love making these pizza roll ups. They’re perfect for an after-school snack or even for lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
- 1 package (3.5 ounces) of sliced pepperoni
Garlic Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For each triangle of crescent roll dough, place approximately six slices of pepperoni on the wider end of the triangle.
- Next, put half of a cheese stick on top of the pepperoni, then roll up the dough. Place the rolled crescent with the seam side down on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-14 minutes.
- While the rolls are baking, combine the butter, seasonings, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Once they’re out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter glaze.
Marinara or ranch sauce for dipping would be delicious!
5. Veggie Crescent Squares
Instead of breaking out another veggie tray at your next shindig, make these and enjoy the positive praise you’re sure to receive. Use this handy, printable recipe card for your next office potluck, birthday party, or really anytime.
6. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Brunch Ring
Don’t be fooled, this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Brunch Ring recipe is a lot easier to make than it looks. Since this recipe yields eight servings, try it for Christmas morning, a weekend brunch, or as an edible gift for a family member.
7. Cherry Turnover Crescent Rolls
Sure, you could buy these at the store packaged in a clear plastic box, but why when they’re so simple to make at home? Plus, you can try swapping the cherries with pumpkin puree or apple pie filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-oz) can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and almond extract (if using).
- Now, open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.
- Spoon approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cherry pie filling onto the center of each crescent roll triangle.
- Then, carefully fold the crescent roll dough over the cherry filling, forming a triangle shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them, ensuring that none of the filling escapes during baking.
- Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- While they bake, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Once the turnovers are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Finally, drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm turnovers.
8. Five Ingredient Italian Chicken Crescent Roll Bake
There are weeknights when I’m so tired, I just mix pasta sauce (it doesn’t have to be organic or fancy) with boiled noodles and serve it up. Thanks to this simple, scrumptious dish, those days may be over. Use this handy recipe card to try this out tonight.
9. Crescent Roll Apple Pie Bites
Chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a slice of Granny Smith apple wrapped in flaky pastry goodness? I wholeheartedly approve. It’s great for the fall and for using those apples from orchard visits. Get the Crescent Roll Apple Pie recipe here.
10. Spanakopita Crescent Rolls
If your kids currently hate spinach, it’s very likely they’ll love it after trying one of these babies. This idea sure beats paying $15 for those fancy frozen spanakopita triangles.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cheeses, dill, green onions, minced garlic, and seasonings until everything is mixed well.
- Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Brush each crescent roll triangle lightly with olive oil.
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll each up, starting at the wide end and tucking the sides over the filling. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down.
- Next, brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the melted butter. Then, bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Once you remove them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before devouring.
