If you love the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want a fun and shareable way to enjoy it, this Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture juicy, seasoned ground beef mingling perfectly with melty cheddar cheese and tangy pickles all wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough baked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible party treat or cozy family meal that transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering ring everyone will rush to grab.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe just right is all about simple, classic ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the savory beef seasoned with a punch of spices, to the cheesy layer that melts beautifully, every element adds a unique flavor or texture that makes each bite satisfying and balanced.
- Extra lean ground beef (1 ½ lbs): The hearty base that gives rich, juicy flavor without too much fat.
- Medium onion (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that complements the beef perfectly.
- Montreal steak spice (1 tablespoon): Brings a bold, smoky seasoning to enhance the meat.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a gentle garlic note that rounds out the spices.
- Barbeque sauce (⅓ cup): Adds tangy sweetness and moisture to the beef mixture.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (16 oz, 2 cans): Flaky, buttery dough that wraps everything in a golden hug.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts over the filling creating that classic cheeseburger gooeyness.
- Dill pickle chips (16): Adds the must-have crunch and tang that define a cheeseburger.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): For brushing the dough to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic salt (½ teaspoon): Invigorates the crust with subtle seasoning.
- Sesame seeds (½ tablespoon): A nod to classic burger buns and a delightful texture boost.
- Ketchup and mustard (optional): Perfect for dipping, just like your favorite burger sides.
How to Make Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish. Then stir in Montreal steak spice, garlic powder, and barbeque sauce to give the beef a flavorful and sticky consistency that will hold the ring together beautifully. Set this savory mixture aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Arrange the Crescent Rolls
Grab a round baking pan or pizza stone and place a bowl with a 6-7 inch opening in the center. This will act as your guide. Unroll the crescent rolls and arrange them around the bowl, with the wide ends touching the bowl and narrow ends pointing outwards like rays of sunshine. This creates the perfect base ring shape that will hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Thin Out the Dough Base
Remove the center bowl carefully. Now take the overlapping wide ends of the crescent rolls and roll or press them inward towards the center until the hole becomes smaller, about 4 to 5 inches wide. Doing this helps make the dough base thinner and ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t stay doughy or thick when baked.
Step 4: Add the Beef Filling
Evenly spread the prepared ground beef mixture over the crescent dough base inside the ring. This layer forms the flavorful heart of your cheeseburger ring, so make sure it’s nicely distributed to every corner.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef topping. As the ring bakes, this cheese layer will melt into a gooey blanket, tying all the flavors together with that cheesy goodness we all adore.
Step 6: Fold the Crescent Dough
Carefully lift the narrow ends of the crescent dough and bring each piece up and over the filling, tucking the tips underneath the dough in the middle. Leave a little space between each folded piece so your ring has that beautiful segmented look and the filling peeks through.
Step 7: Insert the Pickle Chips
In the gaps between the folded dough pieces, tuck in one dill pickle chip each. These tangy pickle chips are the iconic burger touch that adds texture and flavor right where it counts.
Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle the Top
Mix the melted butter with garlic salt in a small bowl and brush this mixture generously over the entire top of the crescent ring. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a lovely nutty crunch and an authentic burger bun appearance.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your ring into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, slice the ring into 16 pieces and serve hot with optional ketchup and mustard for dipping. This is the moment when all your hard work shines and everyone digs in eagerly!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up this hearty dish. You can also add a few cherry tomatoes on the side to balance the richness with a juicy, sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This ring pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy French fries, a crisp green salad, or even some tangy coleslaw. These sides keep the meal balanced and provide a classic diner feel that perfectly complements the Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, serve the ring with small ramekins of different dipping sauces like spicy mayo, ranch, or honey mustard. You can also create mini versions by making individual crescent rings on smaller pans for personalized servings. Kids and adults alike will love the interactive, shareable vibe this dish offers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the crescent ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated slices just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ring by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, keeping it in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the ring or individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for cheeseburgers, you can swap it out for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor and melt quality. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils seasoned similarly. The crescent roll and cheese layers remain the same for a satisfying meatless option.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields 8 servings, with each ring cut into 16 slices, so it’s perfect for sharing at family dinners or gatherings without leftovers running out quickly.
Can I prepare the ring without the pickles?
You can skip the pickle chips if you prefer, but they add that classic tang and crunch that make the Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe special. Try adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist instead.
What is the best way to prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Trimming the hole in the center to make the dough thinner under the filling helps it to cook thoroughly and avoid sogginess. Also, draining the cooked beef well before adding the sauce keeps excess moisture at bay.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress friends or enjoy a cozy night in with a comforting twist on a beloved classic, the Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe is an absolute kitchen winner. It combines ease, flavor, and fun presentation in a way that makes everyone smile. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite you’ll keep coming back to!
Print
Cheeseburger Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Crescent Ring is a fun and delicious twist on a classic cheeseburger, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main dish, it combines seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, melted cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings baked to golden perfection in a ring shape.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs. extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak spice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup barbeque sauce
Dough and Toppings
- 16 oz refrigerated crescent rolls (2 – 8 oz cans)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 dill pickle chips
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Meat: Preheat your oven to 350℉. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for 5-8 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat, drain excess fat, and discard it. Stir in Montreal steak spice, garlic powder, and barbeque sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Dough Base: Place a bowl with a 6-7” opening in the center of a round pizza stone or baking pan. Arrange crescent rolls evenly around the bowl with the wide ends touching the bowl and the narrow ends pointing outward.
- Adjust Dough Thickness: Remove the bowl, then roll or press the wide ends of the overlapping crescent rolls toward the center of the pan to create a 4-5” wide hole. This step thins the dough base to ensure even cooking and prevents undercooked dough.
- Add Meat Mixture: Spoon the prepared ground beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll base, covering the dough completely but leaving the edges free for folding.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer, ensuring every slice will have cheesy goodness.
- Fold Dough Over Filling: Bring the narrow ends of the crescent rolls up and over the filling, tucking the dough ends underneath in the center of the ring. Leave small spaces between each folded dough segment.
- Add Pickles: Insert a dill pickle chip into each small space left between the folded dough segments; this adds texture and tangy flavor when baked.
- Brush and Season: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the crescent roll dough, then sprinkle sesame seeds evenly across the top for a nutty crunch.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the ring in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from oven, cut into 16 slices, and serve immediately with optional ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce grease and fat content.
- You can substitute Montreal steak spice with any steak or burger seasoning of your choice.
- Allow the cooked meat mixture to cool slightly before layering to prevent dough from getting soggy.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
