Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

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Golden, flaky, and bursting with bold Italian flavor, this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring is the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes. With layers of savory meats, melty cheese, spicy peppers, and a buttery, seasoned crust, it’s everything you crave in a deli-style sandwich—but baked into a pull-apart ring that’s perfect for game day, brunch, or an easy weeknight dinner.

It comes together quickly with crescent dough and a few classic sandwich fixings. Each bite delivers a warm, gooey center with a crisp exterior, and that signature zing from banana peppers or jalapeños. Whether served hot out of the oven or at room temp for a picnic, it’s guaranteed to impress your people (and your taste buds).

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What Kind of Crescent Dough Should I Use?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough is the easiest and most accessible option for this recipe. You can use standard crescent rolls or the seamless crescent dough sheet if you want to skip pressing seams together. The goal is to create a smooth base for layering fillings and shaping the ring.

If you’re feeling adventurous, puff pastry or homemade pizza dough also works—but crescent dough provides that buttery, pull-apart texture that makes this ring irresistible.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Crescent Roll Dough
This is your base and structure. The dough bakes up buttery, flaky, and golden brown, making it the perfect wrap for your fillings.

Genoa Salami and Deli Ham
Layering a mix of spicy and savory deli meats gives the ring depth and richness, with just the right amount of heat.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully and binds the ingredients together while adding that creamy, stretchy texture in every bite.

Banana Peppers or Pickled Jalapeños
Add a spicy kick and tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.

Roasted Red Peppers
Sweet, smoky, and vibrant—they balance the spice and bring a burst of color.

Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder
Sprinkled on top before baking for a fragrant, herby finish that enhances every layer.

Egg Wash or Melted Butter (optional)
Brushed on the dough for extra shine and golden color.

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How To Make the Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Step 1: Prep the Dough Base

Unroll the crescent dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the triangles in a circle with the points facing outward, slightly overlapping to form a ring.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

Start by layering slices of Genoa salami and ham over the bottom portion of the ring (closest to the center). Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly. Top with roasted red peppers and either banana peppers or jalapeños for that spicy kick.

Step 3: Fold and Seal

Carefully bring the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under the ring. Pinch any open seams to help secure the shape.

Step 4: Add Seasoning

Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash or melted butter, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. This gives your crescent ring a golden finish and herby aroma.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store Your Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Serve this crescent ring warm from the oven for ultimate cheesy, gooey satisfaction. Slice into wedges and pair it with a side salad or dipping sauces like marinara, spicy mustard, or garlic aioli.

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy edge. It’s also great cold—kind of like next-day pizza!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

That depends on the peppers you choose. Banana peppers are mild and tangy, while jalapeños bring more heat. You can also control the spice by adjusting the amount.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the ring and store it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the freshest result.

Can I freeze the crescent ring?

Freezing is best after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What other meats can I use?

Pepperoni, capicola, prosciutto, or turkey all work well. Just make sure to avoid overly moist fillings that could make the dough soggy.

What if I don’t eat pork?

Use turkey-based salami or ham substitutes. You’ll still get that savory layered flavor without the pork.

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Want More Crescent Dough Ideas?

If you love this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring, try these other delicious creations from Life with Jam:

• Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole for a creamy, comforting bake.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza made with Crescent Rolls for a dessert spin.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf if you’re craving cheesy, savory pull-apart bread.
• Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists for a snackable twist.
• Reuben Bake with deli layers and tangy dressing.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest party board so you can come back to it for your next get-together.

Tried this at your game night? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you go bold with jalapeños or keep it mellow with banana peppers? Did you add pepperoni or cheese it up even more?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. Drop your thoughts or questions below and let’s keep cooking up ideas together!

➡️ Follow along for more tasty recipes over on my Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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