Delicious Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites are the perfect party snack! They feature juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, and flaky crescent dough wrapped into a tasty ring that everyone will love.
Who can resist these cheesy bites? I enjoy making them for game night, and they disappear faster than I can make them! They’re easy to pull together, just roll, fill, and bake—yummy and fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe shines with ground beef, but you can swap it for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter option. I usually prefer 80/20 beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor but can be replaced with shallots or onion powder for milder taste. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped onions are a handy alternative, available in many grocery stores.
Cheese: I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that cheesy stretch and flavor. Feel free to substitute with pepper jack for a kick or gouda for something different—just make sure it melts well!
Crescent Roll Dough: If you’re looking for a healthier dough, whole wheat or puff pastry can work too! Just adjust the cooking time as needed if the dough varies in thickness.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Golden Crescent Ring?
The secret to achieving that beautiful golden crust lies in a couple of key techniques. To start, be mindful of the egg wash; it helps the dough brown evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the entire ring before baking. Make sure you cover all the dough surfaces for even color.
- Keep an eye on your bites towards the end of baking. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
By following these steps, you’ll have a shiny, golden crescent ring that looks as good as it tastes!
Beef And Cheese Crescent Ring Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 2 (8 oz each) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and 12-15 minutes for baking, making the total time around 30 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these delightful bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it so the dough doesn’t stick.
2. Cook The Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease after cooking!
3. Season It Up:
Once the beef and onion are cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare The Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. For our ring shape, we’ll use two triangles for each bite. Lay eight triangles in a circle on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the points are facing outward and slightly overlapping in the center.
5. Fill The Ring:
Grab your beef mixture and place about 2 tablespoons into the center of the ring, then sprinkle around 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the beef filling.
6. Fold The Points:
Now, take each point of the dough and fold it toward the center of the ring. You’re going to create a nice star shape, so overlap the tips slightly, leaving some of the filling visible. If you want to, you can tuck the edges in to make it look neater!
7. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture all over the dough ring to help it get that beautiful golden color when it bakes.
8. Bake It:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Cool & Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let your crescent ring cool for a few minutes. You can sprinkle it with some chopped parsley or dried parsley flakes for a little extra special touch before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your warm Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites to your guests—or just treat yourself! They are perfect for snacking and will surely impress everyone at your gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a touch of olive oil to keep the filling moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative such as lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat crumble. Just season as you would the beef and you’ll still get all the great flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat these crescent bites is in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the dough crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be aware that the pastry may not be as flaky!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling in advance! Cook it up, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just fill the crescent dough with your prepped mixture. Easy peasy!