Golden Meat & Cheese Crescent Ring is a visually striking and flavor-packed savory pastry that combines flaky crescent dough with a rich, seasoned meat filling and gooey melted cheese. Shaped into a circular ring, this dish is both elegant and hearty, making it a centerpiece-worthy option for brunches, dinners, or celebratory spreads. The crescent dough bakes to a golden crisp, encasing a warm, savory filling that’s spiced to perfection and balanced by the creamy stretch of cheese.
This dish is ideal for sharing, as each wedge pulls apart easily, revealing the layered textures of meat and cheese inside. The ring shape not only enhances presentation but also ensures even baking and portioning. Garnished with fresh herbs and served warm, it offers a comforting yet refined experience that appeals to both casual and formal settings.
Whether served with dips, salads, or soups, this crescent ring is versatile, customizable, and deeply satisfying. It’s easy to prepare using store-bought dough or homemade pastry, and the filling can be adapted to suit different tastes—from spicy ground beef to herbed chicken or vegetarian alternatives.
INGREDIENTS:
For the filling:
- 500g ground beef or chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or coriander
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
For the pastry:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (or homemade puff pastry, rolled thin)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with egg)
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, or chives)
- Optional: sesame seeds or nigella seeds for sprinkling
INSTRUCTION:
Step 1: Prepare the meat filling
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and break it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, paprika, cumin, and oregano.
- Stir in tomato paste or ketchup and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in chopped herbs.
- Let the filling cool slightly before adding cheese.
- Stir in shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare the crescent ring
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Open crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles.
- Arrange triangles in a circle on the tray, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward.
- Press the overlapping edges gently to form a solid inner ring.
- Spoon the meat and cheese filling evenly around the inner ring.
- Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck under the inner ring to seal.
- Repeat until the entire ring is enclosed.
Step 3: Apply egg wash and bake
- In a small bowl, whisk egg with milk to create egg wash.
- Brush the top of the crescent ring with egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or extra herbs if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the ring to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm.
- Pair with dipping sauces like garlic mayo, yogurt chutney, or spicy ketchup.
SERVINGS:
This recipe yields 8 to 10 wedges, depending on how the ring is sliced. It’s ideal for serving 4 to 6 people as a main dish or up to 10 as a snack or appetizer.
NOTE:
Filling Tips
- Meat choice: Beef offers richness; chicken is lighter. Lamb adds depth.
- Vegetarian option: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils with cheese.
- Spice level: Adjust chili flakes and paprika to taste.
- Cheese blend: Cheddar adds sharpness; mozzarella offers stretch; feta adds tang.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley brightens the flavor; coriander adds earthiness.
Dough Tips
- Crescent rolls: Convenient and flaky.
- Homemade pastry: Use puff pastry or yeasted dough rolled thin.
- Sealing: Press edges firmly to prevent leakage.
- Shape: Maintain even spacing for uniform baking.
Baking Tips
- Egg wash: Ensures golden color and sheen.
- Seeds: Add texture and flavor.
- Resting: Allows filling to settle and makes slicing easier.
- Tray choice: Use a flat tray for even browning.
Serving Suggestions
- With dips: Garlic yogurt, spicy ketchup, or herb mayo.
- With sides: Fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or soup.
- As brunch: Serve with eggs and fruit.
- As party food: Slice into smaller wedges and serve on platters.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked wedges individually. Reheat in oven.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to filling.
- Cheesy version: Add cream cheese or extra shredded cheese.
- Herbed version: Mix fresh basil or thyme into dough.
- Stuffed crust: Add cheese to dough edges before folding.
Practical Tips
- Batch prep: Make two rings for larger gatherings.
- Uniform slices: Use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts.
- Presentation: Serve on a white platter or wooden board.
- Garnish: Add edible flowers or citrus zest for flair.
Mindful Cooking
- Sensory cues: Watch for golden crust, bubbling cheese, and aromatic steam.
- Relaxation: Shaping the ring is rhythmic and satisfying—enjoy the process.
- Sharing joy: Perfect for communal meals—serve with warmth and generosity.
- Creative expression: Customize fillings, shapes, and garnishes to reflect your style.
- Seasonal twist: Add roasted pumpkin in autumn or fresh herbs in spring.
- Cultural connection: Crescent rings are beloved in many cuisines—celebrate their versatility and heritage.