Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake

$- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough - 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1/2 cup diced onion - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) To start, you need two cans of crescent roll dough. This dough gives a flaky base and top. You can swap it with puff pastry if you want a different texture. The main meat is Italian sausage. You can use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter dish. Next, add one cup of sliced pepperoni. If you prefer, you can replace pepperoni with salami or even prosciutto. For cheese, use one cup of shredded mozzarella. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. You also need a half cup of diced bell peppers. Any color works, but I love using both red and green for a pop of color and taste. Add half a cup of diced onion. Yellow or white onions work best. For the sauce, one cup of marinara sauce brings moisture and taste. You can use store-bought or homemade. Spices are crucial. Use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, fresh basil leaves are optional for garnish. They add a nice touch and freshness to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the Italian sausage. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it turns brown and crumbly. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra grease. This keeps the dish from being too oily. Next, you need to prep the crescent roll dough. Open one can of the dough. Carefully unroll it and press it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure to cover the bottom and the sides slightly. This will form a nice base for your filling. Now, combine the filling ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooked sausage, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, toss in diced bell peppers and onion. Pour in the marinara sauce, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well. This will create a tasty filling that packs in all the flavors. To layer and seal the dough, spoon the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Make sure it spreads out nicely. Now, unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Place it over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal them closed. This helps keep all the goodness inside while baking. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for about 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden brown and the filling to bubble. This shows that it's ready. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. Enjoy your Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake! To make your Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake pop, try these spices: - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These spices add depth and warmth. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh taste. Balancing flavors is key. Taste your filling mix before baking. If it feels too rich, add a pinch of salt. If it is too salty, add a splash of marinara sauce. Browning the sausage well is crucial. This step adds flavor. Cook it in a hot skillet until it is well-browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and great texture. To prevent sogginess in the bottom layer, press the crescent dough firmly into the dish. Make sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Use a fork to poke small holes in the dough. This allows steam to escape while baking. You want a nice, crisp base. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and basil to enhance the flavor of your sandwich bake. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms or olives to suit your taste preferences. Don’t Skip the Marinara: A good quality marinara sauce will elevate the dish, adding richness and moisture to the filling. Let It Rest: Allow the baked sandwich to cool for a few minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set and makes for easier serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients for this dish. - Vegetarian alternatives: Use mushrooms instead of Italian sausage. Add in extra veggies, like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes. You can also use plant-based sausage for a meat-like flavor. - Gluten-free options: Swap the crescent roll dough for gluten-free dough. You can find this at most grocery stores. Just check the package for the right cooking time. Experimenting with flavors makes this dish fun. - Adding different cheeses: Try using provolone or cheddar for a new taste. A mix of cheeses adds creaminess and flavor. - Experimenting with other meats: You can add ham or salami for a twist. Even cooked chicken works well. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! When your Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake is done, let it cool first. This helps keep it fresh. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just use freezer-safe containers. To reheat your leftovers, you have a few options. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your microwave. However, the oven keeps the texture better. Reheating this way prevents it from getting soggy. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the filling and assemble it in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, pop it in the oven. This saves time and is great for meal prep. How do I know when the sandwich bake is done? The sandwich bake is done when the top is golden brown. You can also check if the filling bubbles. If both these signs are there, your dish is ready. Let it cool slightly before slicing to ensure easier servings. Can I freeze the Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake? Yes, you can freeze it. After baking, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw and bake until heated through. What can I serve with this dish? You can serve this dish with a simple salad. A side of garlic bread pairs well too. For a light option, try some fresh veggies with dip. These sides add freshness and balance the rich flavors of the sandwich bake. You now have a complete guide to creating a delicious Italian Crescent Sandwich Bake. We covered every step, from gathering ingredients to serving options. Ingredient swaps and cooking tips ensure your dish suits any taste. Proper storage and reheating will keep leftovers tasty. Remember, cooking is fun—experiment and make it your own. Enjoy each bite, and don't be afraid to share your results! Happy cooking!$

A delicious baked sandwich made with crescent roll dough, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
0.5 cup diced onion
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, diced onion, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Unroll one can of the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, making sure to cover the bottom and up the sides slightly.
Spoon the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base.
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by pinching them closed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Keyword bake, crescent roll, Italian, sandwich