# Cheesy Crescent Roll-Ups: A Savory Delight
Cheesy Crescent Roll-Ups are a delightful and versatile dish that can serve as an appetizer, a snack, or even a quick meal. They combine the buttery, flaky goodness of crescent roll dough with an array of cheesy fillings, offering a savory treat that pleases both adults and children alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation steps, variations, and serving suggestions, ensuring you can create these delicious roll-ups effortlessly.
## Ingredients
### For the Basic Cheesy Crescent Roll-Ups
– **2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough**
– **2 cups shredded cheese** (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– **1/2 cup cream cheese**, softened
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1 tablespoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs** (oregano, basil, or a mix)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **1 egg**, beaten (for egg wash)
– **Cooking spray or oil** for greasing the baking sheet
### Optional Fillings
Feel free to customize your roll-ups with additional ingredients. Here are some delicious options:
– **Cooked meats**: diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken
– **Vegetables**: sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or finely chopped green onions
– **Spices**: crushed red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
## Preparation Steps
### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your roll-ups bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown finish.
### Step 2: Prepare the Dough
1. **Unroll the Crescent Dough**:
– Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll them on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
2. **Flatten the Dough**:
– Gently press down on each triangle to flatten them slightly. This makes it easier to roll and helps create a larger surface area for filling.
### Step 3: Prepare the Filling
1. **Mix the Cheeses**:
– In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
2. **Customize Your Filling** (optional):
– If you’re adding any additional ingredients like cooked meats or vegetables, fold them into the cheese mixture now.
### Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
1. **Add the Filling**:
– Take a triangle of crescent dough and place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture at the wider end of the triangle.
2. **Roll the Dough**:
– Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the dough towards the pointed end, encasing the cheese mixture. Tuck the ends slightly to secure the filling inside.
3. **Place on Baking Sheet**:
– Arrange the rolled-up crescents on a greased baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even baking.
### Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
1. **Apply Egg Wash**:
– Brush the tops of the roll-ups with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden color when baked.
2. **Bake**:
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll-ups are golden brown and puffed up.
### Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the roll-ups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli for dipping.
## Tips for Success
– **Dough Handling**: Crescent roll dough can be delicate. If it tears, simply pinch the edges together to seal.
– **Chilling the Dough**: If you find the dough is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
– **Freezing**: You can prepare the roll-ups in advance and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
## Variations
### 1. Spinach and Feta
For a Mediterranean twist, add cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the cheese mixture. Season with a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
### 2. Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Add sliced pepperoni and Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture for a pizza-inspired version. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
### 3. Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
Mix shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Add some crumbled blue cheese for a classic buffalo flavor.
### 4. Veggie Delight
Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms into the cheese mixture for a veggie-packed option.
### 5. Sweet and Savory
For a unique twist, try adding a spoonful of cranberry sauce or apple butter to the cheese mixture. This works particularly well with turkey for a Thanksgiving-themed roll-up.
## Pairing Suggestions
These cheesy crescent roll-ups can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various sides:
– **Salads**: A fresh green salad or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the roll-ups.
– **Dips**: Serve with your favorite dips, such as marinara sauce, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
– **Beverages**: Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or a light beer for a refreshing drink option.
## Storage and Reheating
### Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
### Reheating
To reheat, place the roll-ups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but this may make the dough less crispy.
## Final Thoughts
Cheesy Crescent Roll-Ups are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just looking for a tasty snack, these roll-ups are sure to impress.
With their flaky, buttery crust and delicious cheesy filling, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. So gather your ingredients, get creative with fillings, and enjoy these savory delights that are bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!