These Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites are a delicious treat! They are packed with tasty beef and gooey cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough that’s easy to work with.
Making these bites is a fun family activity. Just roll up the filling, shape them into a ring, and bake until golden brown. They make perfect snacks or party appetizers that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! Feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can use onion powder or skip it altogether. Green onions can also be a nice substitute!
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough is super easy and convenient. If you want to make your own, puff pastry can work, but it’ll take longer. You can also use phyllo dough for a different texture.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic here, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper jack for some heat, or even cream cheese for a creamier texture. Cheese is all about personal preference!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Well-Cooked and Tasty?
Cooking the ground beef properly is key! Start by browning the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. Don’t rush this step! The more you break it up, the tastier each bite becomes.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking.
- When adding the onions, cook until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Taking these steps will make your filling delicious and help it shine in the tasty crescent bites!
Beef And Cheese Crescent Ring Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe generally takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when your crescent ring bites are assembled!
2. Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. Once it’s browned, carefully drain any excess fat and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet with the beef. Cook them together until the onions are soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget to season the mix with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll your package of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles as indicated on the package. Lay them out on a clean surface.
5. Add the Filling:
On each triangle, place a spoonful of the beef and onion mixture. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Be generous with the cheese for extra gooeyness!
6. Roll and Shape:
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll it up tightly towards the point and make sure to tuck in the filling as you go. Repeat this for all the triangles.
7. Form the Ring:
Arrange the rolled crescent bites in a circular shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the narrow ends pointing inward and the wide ends outward, creating a lovely ring shape. Lightly pinch the ends together to seal them.
8. Brush with Butter (Optional):
If you want a beautiful golden finish, brush the dough lightly with melted butter or milk before baking.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the crescent bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. For an added touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
11. Serve:
Slice the ring into individual bite-sized pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Beef And Cheese Crescent Ring Bites — perfect for snacking, parties, or gatherings!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, so you may want to season it a bit more.
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the crescent ring bites earlier in the day. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Beef and Cheese Crescent Ring Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crispy!
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bites! Assemble them, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
