Name: Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz / 226 g) can refrigerated crescent roll dough; 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; ½ cup (60 g) diced cooked ham, turkey, or chicken (optional); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley (optional); ¼ cup (80 g) fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot); ½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips or Nutella; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Few appetizers or snacks are as irresistible as stuffed crescent rolls. Flaky, golden, and warm from the oven, these rolls can be filled with everything from savory meats and cheeses to sweet fruit preserves and chocolate. They’re the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort, thanks to ready-made crescent dough. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or holiday spreads, stuffed crescent rolls give you endless flexibility to satisfy any craving. Once you master the basics, you can easily customize them to suit every occasion.

Contents show

Ingredients (with detailed measurements)

For a basic batch of 8 stuffed crescent rolls:

1 (8 oz / 226 g) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
½ cup (60 g) diced cooked ham, turkey, or chicken (optional)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for savory rolls)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley (optional)

Optional for sweet versions:

¼ cup (80 g) fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot)
½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips or Nutella
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking sheet

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Unroll crescent dough

Open the can of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough. Separate it into 8 pre-cut triangles along the perforations.

Step 3: Add filling

Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling (cream cheese and ham, cheese only, or sweet filling) near the wide end of each triangle. Avoid overstuffing, as too much filling will leak out during baking.

Step 4: Roll and seal

Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward the narrow tip, tucking in the sides slightly as you roll to keep the filling inside. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with butter

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of rolls with the mixture for extra flavor and golden color. For sweet rolls, brush with plain melted butter.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.

Step 7: Cool slightly

Allow rolls to cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. If making sweet versions, dust with powdered sugar once cooled.

Conservation and Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Best eaten fresh.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Freezing: Bake rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Variations

Pizza Crescent Rolls: Fill with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Breakfast Rolls: Add scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Spinach and Feta: Mix sautéed spinach with feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Buffalo Chicken: Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese.
Sweet Nutella Rolls: Spread Nutella inside, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Fruit Preserves: Fill with strawberry or apricot jam for a simple dessert option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as appetizers at parties alongside dips like marinara or ranch dressing.
Enjoy as a quick lunch or snack with a salad or soup.
Add to a holiday spread for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Serve sweet versions with coffee or tea as a breakfast treat.
Use as a fun kids’ snack—simple fillings like cheese or chocolate are always a hit.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t overstuff: Use small spoonfuls of filling to avoid leaks.
Seal edges well: Tuck and pinch dough around fillings to keep them intact.
Bake on parchment: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Use fresh dough: Old or expired dough won’t puff properly.
Customize toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or parmesan cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Stuffed crescent rolls are one of the easiest, most versatile baked goods you can prepare. Whether you prefer savory fillings like cheese and ham or sweet versions with Nutella or jam, these rolls adapt to every taste and occasion. They’re simple enough for weeknight snacks yet elegant enough for holiday gatherings. With endless variations, easy storage options, and universal appeal, stuffed crescent rolls deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Bake a batch, serve them warm, and watch them disappear in minutes.