Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

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When I’m craving something bold, cheesy, and satisfying, this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is my go-to comfort food with flair. It combines all the flavors I love in a classic Italian sub—salty cured meats, melty cheese, and briny peppers—tucked into golden, flaky crescent dough. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something indulgent for dinner, this ring makes a lasting impression with minimal effort.

I’ve made this for game days, potlucks, and even busy weeknights when I want to keep things easy yet impressive. It bakes up beautifully golden, and when sliced, the layers of spicy meats and melted cheese ooze just enough to make your mouth water. It’s not just a meal; it’s a showstopper that brings people to the table fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

This dish is full of flavor, thanks to the combination of spicy salami, ham, pepperoni, gooey provolone, and pickled banana peppers—all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough. It’s fast to assemble, bakes quickly, and works great for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. Best of all, it looks stunning without needing a lot of work.

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What Kind of Crescent Dough Should I Use?

I always go with refrigerated crescent dough sheets when possible—they’re easier to work with and don’t have the perforated seams like the regular crescent rolls. If you can’t find the sheets, the regular rolls will still work just fine; just press the seams together well to keep everything sealed.

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Options for Substitutions

This ring is flexible, so feel free to play with the ingredients:

• Meats: Swap in turkey, roast beef, or even prosciutto.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or fontina melt beautifully too.
• Peppers: Use roasted red peppers or pepperoncini instead of banana peppers.
• Spice level: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier salami if you want more kick.
• Dough: Puff pastry can be used for a more flaky texture, though it may be more delicate to handle.

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Ingredients for this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

• Crescent Dough Sheet: The base of the ring—flaky, buttery, and easy to mold into a circular shape.
• Spicy Salami: Brings a punch of heat and savory flavor to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Deli Ham: Adds a mild, slightly sweet contrast to the spicier meats.
• Pepperoni Slices: Offers a classic Italian-American zip and crispy texture when baked.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts into creamy layers that pull everything together.
• Banana Peppers: Add tangy heat and crunch—perfect for balancing the fatty meats.
• Egg (for egg wash): Helps brown the top of the ring and gives it that glossy, golden finish.
• Italian Seasoning & Cracked Black Pepper: Sprinkled over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

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Step 2: Lay Out the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough sheet and place it on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one continuous sheet. Cut slits around the edges (about 2 inches in) to make flaps for folding later.

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Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheese

In the center ring of the dough, layer the salami, ham, and pepperoni, slightly overlapping them. Follow with slices of provolone cheese on top. Make sure to leave the flaps exposed so they can be folded over.

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Step 4: Add Peppers for a Tangy Kick

Scatter sliced banana peppers evenly over the cheese layer. This is where the flavor really comes to life—don’t skip this step if you want that signature spicy zing.

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Step 5: Fold and Seal the Ring

Carefully fold each slit of dough over the filling, tucking the ends under to form a sealed ring. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it’s secure enough to hold the filling in.

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Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat one egg and brush it over the surface of the dough to give it a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper generously on top.

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Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked. The cheese should be melted and slightly bubbling through the seams.

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Step 8: Cool Slightly and Slice

Let the crescent ring rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the melted cheese set slightly and makes for cleaner slices.

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How Long to Prepare the Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Prep Time:

If you have all your ingredients ready, the prep takes about 15 minutes. That includes laying out the dough, layering the meats and cheese, and folding everything into a ring. If you’re using pre-sliced deli meat and cheese, it makes the process much faster and easier.

Bake Time:

The ring needs 20–25 minutes in the oven at 375°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is golden and the cheese starts to bubble at the edges. Always let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow everything to settle.

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Tips for Perfect Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
• Don’t overstuff the center of the ring—it can burst open during baking.
• Cut even slits when preparing the dough to get a consistent shape and look.
• Brush with egg wash generously to ensure that deep golden crust.
• Let it rest after baking to allow the cheese to slightly firm up, giving you cleaner slices.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Seams not sealed: If using perforated crescent dough, be sure to pinch seams tightly or your filling may leak.
• Too much moisture: Overloading with peppers or not draining them well can lead to soggy dough.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out the dough and make the meats tough.
• Skipping egg wash: This small step makes a big difference in color and texture.
• Cutting too early: Slicing while piping hot can cause the cheese to spill out messily.

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What to Serve With Spicy Italian Crescent Ring?

1. Italian Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad with olives, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the warm, cheesy ring.

2. Marinara Dipping Sauce

A small bowl of warm marinara adds a pizza-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the crescent ring.

3. Garlic Parmesan Wedges

Crispy, herbed potato wedges are a hearty and delicious side.

4. Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and creamy dressing helps cut through the richness of the crescent ring.

5. Pickled Vegetables

A side of giardiniera or pickled red onions adds tang and brightness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for best texture.

Freezing:

You can freeze the baked ring by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, assuming 8 servings)

• Calories: ~340
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ring, cover it, and store in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Absolutely! Just handle it carefully since puff pastry is more delicate.

What cheeses can I use besides provolone?

Mozzarella, fontina, or even Swiss cheese work well. Choose one that melts nicely.

Is this spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice, depending on the meats and peppers. You can adjust heat levels to your liking.

Can I add veggies inside?

Yes! Just make sure to slice them thin and avoid using ones with too much moisture, like tomatoes.

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Conclusion

The Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is everything I love in one golden, cheesy, flavor-packed dish. It’s crowd-pleasing, quick to make, and versatile enough to fit into any mealtime or party. With the right layering, a little spice, and a golden crust, this recipe is destined to become a repeat favorite. Serve it with bold sides or simple dips, and watch it disappear slice by slice!

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