Holiday Crescent Ring with Savory or Sweet Fillings

This Holiday Crescent Ring is a festive and versatile dish that can be made with either savory or sweet fillings, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday party. The soft, flaky crescent dough forms the base of this ring, and you can fill it with a variety of ingredients, then bake it to golden perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, this recipe has you covered!

Ingredients:

For the Crescent Ring Base:

2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough (or you can use the dough for croissants)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)

Savory Filling Ideas:

1. Ham & Cheese Filling:

1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for a creamier filling)

2. Spinach & Artichoke Filling:

1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1/2 cup canned artichokes, drained and chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

3. Italian Sausage & Mozzarella Filling:

1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sweet Filling Ideas:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2. Cream Cheese & Fruit Filling:

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh fruit (like berries, sliced strawberries, or apple slices)

1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

3. Nutella & Hazelnut Filling:

1/2 cup Nutella (or chocolate spread)
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crescent Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll both cans of crescent dough on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Arrange the dough in a circle, with the wide edges of the triangles overlapping slightly to form a ring. The tips of the triangles should point outwards.
Press the seams together gently to seal the dough and create a solid base for your filling.

2. Add the Filling:

For Savory Fillings:
- Ham & Cheese: Spread the Dijon mustard (if using) in the center of the dough. Layer the chopped ham, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese in the center.
- Spinach & Artichoke: Spread a layer of the spinach and artichoke mixture in the center of the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Italian Sausage & Mozzarella: Spread the cooked sausage in the center of the dough, followed by marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.

For Sweet Fillings:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Spread softened butter in the center of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, then drizzle vanilla extract on top.
- Cream Cheese & Fruit: Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Nutella & Hazelnuts: Spread a generous layer of Nutella in the center of the dough and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts (if using) over the Nutella.

3. Fold and Seal:

After adding the filling, fold the tips of the crescent dough triangles over the filling and tuck them underneath the dough to form a ring. The center should be open for the filling to show, but the edges should be sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

4. Add Egg Wash (Optional):

Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes. You can also brush it with a little olive oil for a glossy finish.

5. Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough is golden brown and crispy. The filling should be bubbly and set.

6. Serve:

Let the crescent ring cool slightly before slicing and serving. If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for sweet versions or garnish with fresh herbs for savory ones.

Storage:

Savory: Store any leftover savory rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispness.

Sweet: For sweet versions, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven for a few minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Versatile: Whether you crave a savory dish like ham and cheese or a sweet treat with cinnamon and sugar, this crescent ring can be customized for any occasion.
Easy to Make: With pre-made crescent dough, the recipe is super simple and quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Impressive Presentation: It looks stunning on any holiday table or party spread, making it a great dish for gatherings.
Perfect for All Tastes: From savory to sweet, you can please everyone’s palate with this one recipe.

Tips for Success:

Sealing the Dough: Make sure to press the dough seams together well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Don’t Overstuff: If you’re adding a filling, don’t overstuff the crescent dough, as it can cause the ring to break or become difficult to seal.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the crescent ring ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings or last-minute gatherings.

This Holiday Crescent Ring is a beautiful, delicious, and customizable dish that can be tailored to your tastes or the theme of your celebration. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit!