These Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites are like little flavor-packed hugs! Juicy beef and melted cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough make them hard to resist.
Perfect for parties or just a snack, I love how easy they are to whip up. Plus, they disappear faster than you can say “yum!” Who doesn’t enjoy cheesy bites? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work well too. Vegetarian options like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms can also be great substitutes for a meatless version.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor, but you can swap it for shallots or green onions if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it altogether.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up. Mozzarella offers a gooey texture, while pepper jack adds a kick. Dairy-free cheese options are available if you need to avoid dairy.
Crescent Roll Dough: If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough. Just ensure they can be rolled and shaped similarly for the best results.
Dipping Sauce: Marinara is a favorite, but try BBQ sauce or salsa for a twist. Ranch dressing is also a crowd-pleaser!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Beef?
Getting tasty beef filling is super important in this recipe. Seasoning during cooking helps the flavors develop. Here’s how:
- Brown the beef thoroughly. This adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Use a spatula to break the beef into small bits while cooking. This ensures every bite is juicy.
- Don’t rush! Let the onions cook down to sweetness before mixing them with the beef for maximum flavor.
Adding Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavor even more, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it. Just remember that patience is key to a delicious filling!
How to Make Beef And Cheese Crescent Ring Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For the Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
For the Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking oil or spray for the pan
Dipping Sauce:
- Optional: marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making the total around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for a delightful snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Stir often until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep things from getting too oily.
3. Season the Mixture:
After the beef is browned, add the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything well and let it cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto your prepared baking sheet, and separate it into individual triangles. Lay them out in a large ring shape, with the points facing inwards and slightly overlapping the wide ends to create a circular base.
5. Layer the Cheese:
Take half of your shredded cheese and spread it evenly over the wide ends of the crescent triangles that make up the ring. This will make for a delicious cheesy filling!
6. Add the Beef Mixture:
Next, evenly distribute the cooked beef mixture over the layer of cheese. Making sure it’s layered well helps all the flavors meld together.
7. Top With More Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Cheese lovers rejoice!
8. Cover and Seal:
Unroll the second can of crescent dough, separating it into triangles as before. Layer these triangles over the beef filling, making sure the wide ends of the new dough overlap the base layer. Gently press down to seal everything inside.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the ring bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and take it out when the dough is golden brown and flaky.
10. Cool and Slice:
Allow the crescent ring to cool for a few minutes before slicing between the points. This will help maintain the shape and make it easier to serve.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these tasty bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara or ranch dressing. Enjoy your cheesy, meaty crescent ring bites!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative to beef. It will still provide excellent flavor—just be sure to season it well for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent ring bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Bites?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy salsa for a kick. Get creative with your favorite sauces!
