When it comes to hosting fabulous parties, creating the ultimate checklist and planning ahead is key. But nobody's perfect, and sometimes you find yourself in need of last-minute appetizers. Luckily, most of us have a can or two of refrigerated crescent roll dough lingering in the fridge, and it turns out it's one of the most versatile ingredients out there. It also doesn't hurt that it's usually vegan!
Stuffed, rolled, or twisted into a festive edible wreath, simple crescent rolls can be turned into surprisingly elegant fare. These 20 recipes will show you just how easy it is to transform them into a variety of meal-elevating apps.
Savory Crescent Roll Appetizers
Crescent-Wrapped Asparagus
Tender stalks of asparagus seem made for elegant appetizers. This go-around they're wrapped in strips of flaky dough, then sprinkled with cheese and baked. (via Simply Sated)
Vegan Garlic-Stuffed Olives in a Blanket
Save the pigs-in-a-blanketfor game night. When hosting a swankier soirée, garlic-stuffed olives enveloped in flaky crescent dough will do the trick — and they're vegan. (via The Baking Fairy)
Greek Crescent Rolls
Buttery, flaky rolls are wrapped around creamy feta-kalamata dressing and a medley of chopped veggies to make this appetizer. The sweet sun-dried tomatoes and salty feta cheese perfectly balance one another out. (via Whitney Bond)
Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Forget the breadcrumb-coated poppers you know from the freezer aisle because they can't complete with this crescent roll appetizer. These elegant pastry-wrapped jalapeño bites combine comfort food and class in one tidy package. (via The Blond Cook)
Maple Sausage Cheddar Rolls
Sweet and savory maple sausage mingles with melted cheddar to make these bites absolutely irresistible. You can also add this recipe to your breakfast ideas list. (via Appetites Anonymous)
Onion Poppyseed Crescent Rolls
Stuffed with onions and poppyseeds, these rolls taste a bit like bagels. Serve them with a spread of whipped cream cheese that's been mixed with plenty of chopped scallion greens and a swirl of caramelized onions. (via My Sequined Life)
BEST Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls
Your guests won't even recognize that these are made from crescent roll dough. They look totally homemade, and the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top gives them an extra savory kick. (via Go Go Go Gourmet)
Pasta Bread Rolls
Filled with pesto, tomato, and cheese, these are like the grown-up version of pizza roll-ups. The best part is the cheese that gets crispy and golden on the bottom of the rolls. (via El Mundo Eats)
Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Rolls
Here we have a sub shop favorite masquerading as fancy finger food. Each satisfying bite is stuffed with shaved steak, cheese, and peppers. (via Food Fanatic)
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Croissant
Bronzed crescent rolls are stuffed with cream cheese and smoked salmon in this recipe. They're yummy served warm or cold. (via Christie At Home)
Spinach and Cheese Crescent Ring
Sometimes presentation is everything. This spinach and cheese wreath is arranged in a festive ring, so no one will guess that it's made with refrigerated crescent roll dough. (via Julie's Eats and Treats)
Turkey, Cranberry, and Brie Crescent Braid
Cut this gooey Brie braid into wedges if you're serving it as a starter. Or, serve it in large slices for brunch, lunch, or extra hungry party guests. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Mini Baked Brie Roll Ups
Your dream of getting to eat an entire baked Brie en croute is about to come true... in miniature version, at least. A toasted pecan atop each one adds a pleasing crunch. (via Inspired Taste)
Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing
Savory mushrooms and smokey pork ensure that each one of these small rolls packs enormous flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Sweet Crescent Roll Appetizers
Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath
Tart and sweet cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with creamy Brie. The flash of crimson will make this appetizer wreath the centerpiece of your party spread. (via My Modern Cookery)
Sweet Potato Crescent Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter
Take a cue from our Thanksgiving leftovers guide and use any remaining sweet potato to create these sweet crescent rolls. (via Completely Delicious)
Easy Vegan Rugelach
This may look like a savory crescent roll appetizer, but it's actually a dessert-filled treat! You can fill the middle with things chocolate or raisins. What makes this dessert vegan is its lack of cream cheese. However, you can always add it should you feel like taking a walk on the wild side. (via The Edgy Veg)
Glazed Apple Pie Crescent Rolls
Apple desserts are undefeated, but we couldn't have anticipated the quick and easy way this version could make our mouths water. We recommend saving this recipe so you can serve it during your Christmas brunch party. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Mixed Berry Almond Croissants
We only have two words for this crescent roll appetizer – absolutely scrumptious! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Croissant Cinnamon Roll Cake
Betcha didn't know you could make a croissant cinnamon roll cake. The good news is now you do. (via Woman Scribbles)
For more last-minute entertaining ideas, follow us on Pinterest.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.
