Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists Recipe

The Best Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists Recipe for Game Day

Cheesy pepperoni crescent twists promise a delightful twist on classic snack fare that sparks instant excitement.

Crispy, golden exterior meets gooey melted cheese in a handheld treat that tantalizes taste buds.

Our simple recipe elevates ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Spiraling dough captures savory pepperoni and melted cheese in every delectable bite.

Imagine a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks impressive yet comes together in minutes.

Quick preparation and irresistible flavors make these twists perfect for spontaneous gatherings or lazy weekend munching.

These bite-sized delights will have everyone reaching for seconds before you know it.

Why Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists Are Irresistible

  • The herb seasoning blend of garlic powder, oregano, and basil transforms simple crescent rolls into a mouth-watering appetizer that packs a punch of Italian-inspired taste.
  • This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a quick and impressive snack that takes just 15 minutes to bake.
  • The combination of melted mozzarella and crispy pepperoni wrapped in golden-brown crescent dough creates an irresistible texture and flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • These twists work brilliantly as game day snacks, party appetizers, or quick after-school treats that will have everyone coming back for more.

What You Need to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Twists

Main Ingredients:

Crescent Roll Base:
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft, pillowy dough that creates the base for the twists, providing a light and flaky texture.
  • Mozzarella Sticks: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the twist, adding a rich and gooey center.
  • Pepperoni: Spicy and savory meat that brings bold flavor and classic pizza-like taste to the snack.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, pungent depth to the overall seasoning blend.
  • Oregano: Brings an herbal, slightly bitter note typical in Italian-inspired dishes.
  • Basil: Provides a fresh, sweet herb flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on top of the twists, helping the seasonings stick and giving a beautiful finish.

Instructions to Bake Cheesy Crescent Twists

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Blend

Gather these ingredients:
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Basil

In a small mixing bowl, combine the herbs and spices to create a fragrant seasoning blend that will elevate the flavor of your crescent twists.

Step 2: Create Golden Egg Wash

Grab a separate small bowl and crack an egg into it. Whisk the egg thoroughly until it becomes smooth and uniform in color. This egg wash will give your twists a beautiful, glossy finish that looks professional and appetizing.

Step 3: Unroll and Stuff Crescent Rolls

Open your crescent roll package and gently unroll the dough. At the wide end of each triangle:
  • Place half a mozzarella stick
  • Add several pepperoni slices

Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the crescent towards the narrow point, ensuring the cheese and pepperoni are securely wrapped inside.

Step 4: Season and Brush Twists

Arrange the rolled twists on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle the herb seasoning evenly across the top of each twist. Use a pastry brush to delicately coat the twists with the prepared egg wash.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Slide the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and watch as your friends and family devour these delicious, cheesy treats!

Tips for Perfectly Golden Pepperoni Crescent Twists

  • Seal Ingredients Tightly: Roll each crescent twist carefully to prevent cheese and pepperoni from leaking during baking.
  • Brush with Precision: Apply egg wash evenly using a pastry brush to achieve a uniform golden-brown color across all twists.
  • Space Twists Strategically: Leave enough room between each twist on the cookie sheet to ensure consistent heat circulation and crispy edges.
  • Check Browning Early: Start monitoring the twists around 12 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary in temperature and performance.
  • Let Rest Briefly: Allow twists to cool for 2-3 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth when eating.

How to Store and Reheat These Savory Twists

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover crescent twists in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm twists at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture. Spread them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, zap twists on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the crispy exterior compared to oven reheating.

Perfect Pairings for Pepperoni Crescent Twists

  • Elevate with Italian Red Wine: Pair these cheesy pepperoni twists with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity and tannic notes will cut through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, creating a perfect balance.
  • Dip into Marinara Magic: Serve with a zesty homemade marinara sauce for dunking. The tangy tomato base complements the herbal seasonings and adds an extra layer of flavor to the crispy twists.
  • Cool Down with Ranch: Whip up a quick ranch dressing as a creamy, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy pepperoni. The herbal undertones in the ranch will echo the oregano and basil in the twist's seasoning.
  • Craft a Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy crescent twists.

Flavor Swaps for Crescent Twists

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace pepperoni with diced jalapeños and add shredded pepper jack cheese for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap pepperoni for crumbled feta cheese, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with dried oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Breakfast Remix: Incorporate crispy bacon bits instead of pepperoni, use cheddar cheese, and include a light sprinkle of chives for a morning-friendly breakfast variation that transforms the original recipe.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Roll: Replace pepperoni with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, use mozzarella cheese, and season with garlic and Italian herbs to create a meat-free alternative packed with vegetables.

FAQs for Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?

Yes! Cheddar or provolone work great as substitutes. Just make sure the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape while baking.

  • How do I store leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

  • Can I make these twists ahead of time?

You can prepare the twists and refrigerate them before baking for up to 2 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

  • Are there kid-friendly modifications for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the herbs or leave them out completely. Kids also love helping to roll the twists, making it a fun cooking activity.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Crescent Twists Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible cheesy pepperoni crescent twists bring classic Italian-American comfort to your snack table with minimal effort. Crispy, golden-edged pastry spirals packed with melted mozzarella and zesty pepperoni will make you the star of any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 packages Pillsbury crescent rolls
  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 16 pieces)
  • 1 package pepperoni

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the crescent twists.
  2. Craft a aromatic seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, oregano, and basil in a small mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of herbs.
  3. Whisk the egg thoroughly in a separate bowl, preparing a glossy coating that will enhance the visual appeal of the pastry.
  4. Carefully unroll the crescent dough, revealing its delicate layers.
  5. Position a half mozzarella stick at the wide end of each crescent triangle, then layer pepperoni slices on top to create a savory foundation.
  6. Gently roll the dough from the wide end toward the pointed tip, encasing the cheese and pepperoni within a soft, flaky embrace.
  7. Arrange the twisted morsels on an ungreased cookie sheet, ensuring slight separation between each piece.
  8. Generously sprinkle the prepared herb mixture across the surface of each twist, distributing the seasonings evenly.
  9. Delicately brush the egg wash over the tops of the twists, creating a lustrous golden sheen.
  10. Transfer the cookie sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a rich, golden-brown transformation.

Notes

  • Quick and easy snack perfect for game day or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
  • Minimal ingredients required, making this recipe budget-friendly and simple to whip up in under 30 minutes.
  • Mozzarella sticks and pepperoni create a deliciously gooey and savory filling that melts beautifully inside soft crescent dough.
  • Herb seasoning blend elevates the basic crescent roll, adding depth of flavor and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired notes.
  • Egg wash ensures a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with a shiny, appetizing finish that looks professionally baked.
  • Pro tip: Serve immediately after baking for maximum cheese stretch and optimal crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star