Crescent Rounds with Olives and Cheese

Elevate Your Appetizer Game: Crescent Rounds with Olives and Cheese

Impress your guests with a delightful appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious – Crescent Rounds with Olives and Cheese. These savory bites feature creamy whipped cream cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers wrapped in flaky Pillsbury crescent dough. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply snacking at home, these Crescent Rounds are sure to be a hit. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients

Produce:

• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder

Condiments:

• 2 tbsp Kalamata olives
• 4 oz Whipped cream cheese spread

Baking & Spices:

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (8 ounce) package Pillsbury crescent dough sheet, refrigerated
• 2 tbsp Red pepper, roasted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers. Set aside.
3. Roll Out Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough sheet onto a clean work surface. Press the seams together to form a single large rectangle.
4. Spread Cream Cheese: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
6. Roll Up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, like a jelly roll. Press the seam to seal.
7. Slice Rounds: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rounds are golden brown and puffed up.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Cheese Options: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite cheeses such as shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or grated Parmesan.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile. Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley would all be delicious additions.
• Meat Additions: For added protein, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sliced pepperoni to the filling mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, consider the following modifications:

• Low-Carb Dough: Use a low-carb or keto-friendly dough alternative such as almond flour dough or fathead dough in place of the Pillsbury crescent dough.
• Reduced-Carb Fillings: Opt for low-carb toppings such as sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and diced bell peppers. Be mindful of the carb content of the cream cheese spread.
• Portion Control: Enjoy these Crescent Rounds in moderation as part of a balanced keto or low-carb diet, being mindful of portion sizes to stay within your carb limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these Crescent Rounds ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Crescent Rounds ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply slice and arrange them on a baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze these Crescent Rounds? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Crescent Rounds for future use. Arrange the sliced rounds on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Q: Can I customize the fillings in these Crescent Rounds? A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the fillings and customize them to suit your taste preferences. You can add different cheeses, herbs, spices, or even meats to create your own unique flavor combinations.

In conclusion, Crescent Rounds with Olives and Cheese are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a tasty snack, these savory bites are sure to impress. With their flaky crust, creamy cheese, and briny olives, they’re irresistible from the first bite to the last. So whip up a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!