The glorious appetizer. We all love snacking, and there's nothing better than enjoying tiny portions of deliciousness meant to be consumed in one or two bites. Crescent roll appetizers are perfect for parties, events, small plates, weekend snacks, or packing in your lunchbox.
Crescent roll appetizers are super versatile and easy to customize. You can fancy them up, or keep them basic, so you'll be able to make something for both kids and adults with a range of palates. Picky eaters? No problem. Fancy night hosting the boss? Done. Crescent dough rolls have got you covered.
Scroll Down For Easy Crescent Roll Appetizer Recipes ⬇
Appetizers or Hors d'oeuvres
The word appetizer appeared in the Americas and England around the mid 1800s and originally referred to small bites served between courses as a refresher. Over time, the pre-meal portions took over as the more common definition. In many cases, appetizers are considered the first course of a meal once you are seated at the table.
Hors d'oeuvres, a term that dates back to 17th century France, is a term that is sometimes used interchangeably with appetizers. However, this French word more specifically refers to small snack-sized portions served prior to a meal, usually with cocktails, and are meant to be eaten easily in one bite while standing and socializing.
Two major differences that you may consider? According to "experts" appetizers are usually eaten in 3 to 4 bites with a fork or spoon, while hors d'oeuvres are eaten with the fingers in two bites or less.
Does it matter which word you use? That depends. We love this type of food regardless of the terminology, so it probably won't matter in a casual environment. But if you're hosting something fancy, you may want to be more specific.
For the purpose of this page, we're going to include recipes that apply to both terms.
What Are The Most Popular Appetizers?
We've come a long way from pigs in a blanket -- although these are still a popular finger food at many American celebrations and events. What are some other classic appetizers?
- Wings
- Deviled Eggs
- Cocktail Meatballs
- Cheese or Chili Dip
- Cocktail Shrimp
- Hush Puppies
- Cheese Balls
- Tea Sandwiches
- Pimiento Cheese
- Roasted and Seasoned Nuts
- Crab Cakes
While you still see most of these served as appetizers from time to time, modern food trends have ramped up the appetizer game. Now, you're likely to see some form of:
- Charcuterie Boards
- Sushi
- Ceviche
- Pinwheels
- Skewers
- Crostini
- Fruit & Cheese Plates
- Fried Mac & Cheese Balls
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Jalapeño Poppers
This is obviously not a list that we can complete here as the options are nearly endless. Crescent roll dough is ideal for creating appetizers and hors d'oeuvres. The dough is versatile; it can be used in a number of ways and paired with almost any flavor profile. The dough can be formed into cups, pockets, rolls, swirls, twists, rings, braids, and more. Need inspiration? Check out Pillsbury's Crescent Roll Hacks to learn how to fold or twist new shapes with your dough.
Most crescent roll appetizer recipes require baking in the oven. But they can also be made in the air fryer, so we're including some recipes for that too, because a quick prep recipe that can be cooked in minutes in the air fryer makes things that much easier.
Crescent Roll Dough and Dietary Restrictions
Vegan & Paleo Crescent Roll Dough
Did you know that Pillsbury's Original Crescent Roll Dough is vegan? That's right. If you are cooking vegetarian or vegan, you can use the brands original crescent roll dough because it is free of any animal derived ingredients.
If you're looking for a Paleo alternative to crescent roll dough, try these Paleo yeast free crescent rolls. They are gluten free, dairy free, refined-sugar free, yeast free, and made with all-natural ingredients.
Gluten Free Crescent Roll Dough
Pillsbury does not have a gluten-free crescent roll dough alternative. If you want to try another brand that does have a gluten free option, Mom's Place Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls are made with white rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, organic evaporated cane sugar, salt, xanthan gum, and yeast. All you need to do is add milk, butter, and an egg white.
If you prefer to make gluten-free crescent roll dough yourself, try this Best Ever Gluten Free Crescent Rolls recipe. These are as close to the real thing as you can get.
Ready to get started on your crescent roll appetizers? Check out the recipe ideas below.
Try these other delicious crescent roll recipes!
- Crescent Roll Dinner Recipes
- Crescent Roll Rings
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes
- Crescent Roll Dessert Recipes
26 Crescent Roll Appetizers
Crescent dough is the perfect vehicle for making an array of delicious appetizers for any occasion! Whether it's the holiday season, an upscale dinner party or you're heading out to tailgate, these crescent roll appetizers are just what you'll need.
Pigs in a Blanket
Starting things off with a classic! This easy appetizer is always a hit with young and old alike. We like to serve ours with yellow mustard, but ketchup, honey-mustard or even a cheese dip are all solid choices.
Caramelized Pigs in a Blanket
Upping our pigs-in-a-blanket game with these mini smokies, wrapped in crescent roll strips and then baked in a sweet and buttery sauce.
Mini Lap Cheong Sausage Pigs in a Blanket
OR maybe you're more in the mood for some Chinese food? (We think it would be fun to make ALL of these pigs-in-a-blanket recipes and have a pigs-in-a-blanket party!)
BBQ Chicken Rollups
These tasty shredded BBQ Chicken and Colby-Jack cheese are perfect for a game day party!
Bacon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
The most swoon-worthy game-day snack, party appetizer and secret eat-in-private indulgence you’ll ever have. True story.
Butternut Squash & Spinach Crescent Roll-Ups
Vegetarian Crescent Roll-Ups filled with butternut squash & spinach. An easy appetizer for entertaining!
Cheesy Bacon Pinwheels
Serve up some cheesy bacon goodness to your family and friends. This appetizer is quick to make and always a hit.
Crescent Roll Veggie Bars
Whip up a quick-fix appetizer or snack with this family favorite recipe for veggie bars made with crescent rolls.
Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath -
This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is the perfect holiday appetizer for entertaining.
EASY Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers
Incredibly easy Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers- a game day appetizer everyone will love!
Crescent-Wrapped Asparagus
That parmesan! Also, Boursin cheese. Enough said.
Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage, cheese, banana peppers and more cheese "Man Candy" for your big game celebration or a fun appetizer anytime!
Pizza Pinwheels
These pizza pinwheels are easy to make and a fun appetizer for your Superbowl party!
Bacon Spinach Blossoms: Festive Holiday Appetizer
Great for Christmas cocktail parties! Bacon Spinach Blossoms with roasted red peppers and Italian cheeses are a festive holiday appetizer.
Blackberry Brie Bites
Melted Brie cheese is amazing with blackberry jelly and fresh Blackberries.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These little bites would be a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving or your holiday tray.
Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe
Stuffed with ooey-gooey cheese and luscious garlic butter, these are a great party appetizer, and super addictive!
Air Fryer Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these crescents are crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful sausage and cream cheese.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp Puffs
Sweet and sour shrimp puffs are the perfect flavor combination packed into a single bite. These will be a hit at your next get together.
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Puffs
Easy and delicious, these dressed up crescent rolls are perfect for an adult dinner party or holiday meal.
Crack Chicken Crescent Bites
These crack chicken crescent bites will be the star of every party. Make extra because they won't last long.
Baked Cheese Pear and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Appetizers
These pear and prosciutto crescent roll appetizers are delicious and elegant so they are ideal if you want something a little more sophisticated for an adult appetizer.
Meatball Sliders (only 4 Ingredients)
One bite meatball sliders will be every kids new favorite party food, and you'll love them too. They're just four ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Best Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
We already shared the crack chicken recipe, this is the crack crab. These are a party favorite and won't last long.
Air Fryer Roasted Tomato-Goat Cheese Tarts
Pop these in the air fryer for crispy crescent dough filled with goat cheese and tomato. These are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Old Fashioned Turkey And Noodles Recipe - February 2, 2024
- Candied Jalapeno Cocktails (4 Ways!) - January 26, 2024
- National Food Holidays: The Big List - January 8, 2024
Leave a Reply