– **Title**: Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated croissant dough
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
– Optional: Italian seasoning for sprinkling
– Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Open the can of croissant dough and separate it into individual triangles on the prepared baking sheet.
3. On each triangle, place a small amount (about a tablespoon) of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2-3 pepperoni slices near the wide end of the triangle.
4. Roll the croissant dough from the wide end towards the tip, pinching the ends to seal them securely.
5. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on top of each croissant roll for extra flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves.
8. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of our croissant rolls, giving them a flakey, buttery texture. If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry, but the baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella adds that gooey, melty texture we love. You can substitute it with Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. Cheese sticks work too if you’re in a pinch!
Pepperoni Slices: While pepperoni is classic, feel free to switch it up with turkey pepperoni or even sliced ham for a milder taste. For a vegetarian option, mushrooms or bell peppers would be great additions!
Pizza Sauce: This gives moisture and flavor. If you’re out of pizza sauce, a mix of marinara and Italian spices works well. You could even use a homemade garlic sauce for a twist!
How Do I Roll Up the Croissant Dough Properly?
Rolling croissant dough might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The key is to roll tightly from the wide end towards the point. Make sure to pinch the edges when you seal them to prevent them from unrolling while baking.
- Unroll the crescent dough carefully to maintain its shape.
- Add your sauce and fillings near the wide end; too much sauce can make it soggy!
- Start rolling from the wide end around the filling and keep it snug, pressing gently to seal the edge.
- Place the rolls pointed side down on the baking sheet to help them stay rolled.
Using these tips will help ensure that your croissant rolls stay nicely filled and tightly rolled! Happy baking!
How to Make Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Croissant Rolls:
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (for dipping or spreading)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have delicious, cheesy croissant rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the rolls from sticking.
2. Preparing the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Lay the triangles flat on a clean surface.
3. Adding Sauce and Toppings:
If you like, spread a small amount of pizza sauce near the wide end of each triangle. Then, place a few slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over them. Yum!
4. Rolling Up the Croissants:
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll it up tightly toward the pointy end. Be sure to pinch the edges to seal them well, so the filling doesn’t escape while baking.
5. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Place the rolled croissants on your prepared baking sheet with the pointy end facing down. This helps prevent them from unrolling during baking.
6. Brushing and Seasoning:
Brush the tops of the croissant rolls with olive oil or melted butter to give them that golden finish. Then, sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the tops. If you want a little kick, add some red pepper flakes too!
7. Baking the Rolls:
Now it’s time to bake! Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them cook for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is nice and bubbly.
8. Serving:
Once they’re done, take the croissant rolls out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for this recipe, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just keep the total amount of cheese around 1 cup to ensure perfect melting!
What if I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No problem! You can substitute with puff pastry sheets or even homemade pizza dough—just roll it out to about the same thickness as crescent rolls and cut into triangles. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the rolls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will help keep them crispy!
