Crescent rolls are my go-to indulgence when I’m craving a kick of carbs. Even though these flaky beauties are amazing right out of the oven with a pat of melty butter on top (and ready in less than 15 minutes!), sometimes you want something more substantial. These fantastic recipes are easy enough to whip up when you’re dead tired after a long day, will fill you up, and hit those salty, savory, and sweet notes just right.
1. Spinach Artichoke Crescent Rolls
Artichoke, cheese, and spinach are a combination forged in taste heaven, and these mini rolls take things to a dazzlingly delicious new level with the addition of flaky crescent dough cups. Minced garlic gives them just the right bite, and three different cheeses balance the flavors of the vegetables. Plus, they’re bite-sized apps, so you can indulge without racking up the points. Use reduced-fat rolls and fat-free sour cream to shave off even more calories and prepare yourself for a serious indulgence.
2. Ham and Asparagus Bundles with Honey Mustard
Not counting salt, pepper, and olive oil, this recipe is just four ingredients, but it tastes like a gourmet app that would be totally welcome at any high-end restaurant. All you need is some fresh asparagus, deli-sliced ham, crescent rolls, and a touch of parmesan cheese to taste, and you have meaty, delicious pockets of goodness in less than half an hour, including prep time. Bonus points for stirring up a little honey mustard sauce to dunk them in, although these bundles are just as good all on their own.
3. Pizza Pinwheels
These two-point, super simple pizza pinwheels will get you right in the childhood nostalgia with the combined flavors of zesty pepperoni, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese. The pinwheel shape helps you get a bit of filling in every mouthwatering bite and gives them a whimsical presentation to boot. I love making this dish instead of ordering a pie. It’s cheaper, tastier, and far kinder to your waistline.
4. Sweet Crescent Roll Pumpkins
I’m a sucker for a solid presentation, and these oh-so-cute crescent roll pumpkins crowed with almond stems deliver big time. They’re super easy, with a pat of butter and a swirl of cinnamon and sugar inside. If you want to keep them calorie-friendly, go easy on the cinnamon-sugar butter and enjoy the interplay of the filling and flaky crescent rolls all on its own.
5. Turkey Taco Croissant Cups
These miniature taco salads are bite-sized for smart portion control, and swap out fattier beef for health-friendly turkey. You’ll get a big hit of flavor thanks to zesty taco seasoning, sour cream, fresh veggies, and cheese. Plus, they’re a snap to make. Just brown up your meat, pop your crescent roll squares in a buttered muffin tin, and bake for about 15 minutes. Top as you’d like and get to guilt-free snacking.
6. 4 Ingredient Summer Dessert Hack
I had to try out this viral recipe that promised to come together in a snap, and I’m so happy that I did. I used raspberry jelly for mine, but you can play around with different flavors, and it truly does come together in 15 minutes. Pop your crescent rolls into a tin, add a little cheesecake filling, top it all off with some jelly, jam, curd, or whatever fruity concoction you have, fold and bake. Powdered sugar is optional but delicious.
7. Chicken Parmesan Croissant Bread Loaf
This recipe has echos of chicken parmesan without all of the calorie guilt that comes with the original dish. You also probably have everything you need on hand. Reduced fat tomato pasta sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, rotisserie, or shredded chicken, and a bit of grated parm goes straight into a bed of crescent rolls and emerges as a cheesy, meaty masterpiece after less than half an hour in the oven.
8. Antipasto Squares
These savory squares get their flavor kick from roasted red peppers, a whole medley of different meats, and some creamy Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between crescent roll dough. I love them because they’re portable, you can portion them easily, and you get every element of your typical antipasto platter in one yummy bite, plus the flaky crescent crust.
9. Turkey Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
I love these scrumptious pinwheels because they’re like a little Thanksgiving celebration in every bite. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the food coma or the additional calories because these creamy, cheesy, tart little bites o’ joy are only two freestyle points each. All you need are some fresh cranberries, a little brie cheese, and some deli-sliced turkey, and you can put this dish together in a matter of minutes.
10 Feta, Blueberry, and Thyme Crescent Rolls
I was slightly skeptical about the combination of feta and blueberries before I tried this super easy recipe. It combines crumbled feta, a hit of sweet honey, and tart, brilliant blueberries in one crescent dough crust. Don’t omit the black pepper, as it gives things just that tiny touch of spice and elevates the dish.
11. Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
If you’re like me and love the flavors of summer, even in the dark and shortest days of winter, these little fruity bites are for you. The secret is an inspired combination of strawberry jam and sliced strawberries, so you get a nice texture variation. Balance it off with some reduced-fat cream cheese and the flaky crunch of crescent rolls, and you’re transported straight to a balmy August day.
12. Steak and Cheese Appetizer Bites
If I’m having a Philly Cheesesteak craving, which happens more than I’d like to admit, it’s these apps for all the wins! Flavorwise, they’re spot on, with thinly sliced deli steak and creamy cheese, a hint of butter, and everything bagel seasoning to bring everything together. Plus, smaller bite-sized treats mean automatic portion control.
13. Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
This recipe takes me straight back to my childhood. My mother used to make it for summer picnics all the time, but you don’t have to wait for warmer days to dig in, nor should you. It’s super simple, and you can customize it with your own rainbow of veggies. All you need is a base of crescent rolls, powdered ranch salad dressing, and a sour cream and cream cheese mix. Then, go nuts with carrots, radish, cucumber, broccoli, peppers, and anything else in your fridge. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also top the whole glorious pizza with some fresh dill.
These crescent roll recipes have Instagram a-buzz. They’re simple, yummy, and full of familiar flavors. Next time you have the urge to grab Uber eats, reach for the crescent rolls instead and get cooking up a homemade masterpiece in minutes.
