Pizza Ring Recipe

If you are craving a fun, shareable, and utterly delicious party snack, the Pizza Ring is your new best friend. This delightful dish takes classic pizza ingredients and transforms them into a beautiful, pull-apart ring that makes every bite exciting. Imagine layers of Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, gooey mozzarella cheese, and tangy pizza sauce wrapped in golden, buttery crescent roll dough all baked to perfection. The Pizza Ring is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a lively addition to any gathering or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create the ultimate cheesy and savory treat. Each component brings something special to the table—from the savory meats to the creamy cheese and that perfectly flaky dough, every bite strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 2 (8-ounce) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls: The flaky, golden shell that encases all the goodness, providing a buttery and tender crust.
• ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage: Adds a fantastic depth of spice and hearty meatiness to every slice.
• ½ cup pepperoni slices: A classic pizza topping that contributes a slightly spicy and smoky flavor.
• ⅓ cup diced Canadian bacon: Offers a mild sweetness and tender chewiness that contrasts nicely with the other meats.
• ⅔ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping): The tangy tomato base that ties all the toppings together with zesty vibrance.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts creamy and stretchy, creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
• 1 tablespoon melted salted butter: Brushed on top for a golden shine and rich, buttery finish.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that enhances the overall Italian flair.
• 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty note to finish the topping beautifully.

How to Make Pizza Ring

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Ring

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray your baking sheet. Open both tubes of crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Begin assembling the ring by placing the first tube’s triangles on the pan with the wide sides overlapping in a circle—using an inverted 6-inch bowl as a guide helps create a perfect ring. Then, layer the second tube on top, staggering the wide ends towards the center and pressing gently to seal the dough together. This double-layered dough forms the sturdy base for your Pizza Ring.

Step 2: Add the Meats

Strategically place the Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, and diced Canadian bacon around the thick edges of your dough ring. Leaving about a half-inch gap at the wide ends will give you the space needed to fold the dough over later. These meats create a mouthwatering, savory filling that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Layer the Sauce and Cheese

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the meats for that perfect tang, and top everything with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. This layer will turn into melty, gooey goodness as it bakes, ensuring that each slice is packed with creamy texture and classic pizza taste.

Step 4: Fold and Seal the Ring

Gently lift each pointed end of the crescent roll dough over the sauce and toppings toward the center, tucking the tips underneath the ring to seal everything neatly inside. This step is crucial to keeping the ingredients enclosed while baking, creating that irresistible pull-apart pastry effect.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Brush the entire top of the ring with melted salted butter, then sprinkle on Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. These finishing touches add golden color and a burst of flavor as the Pizza Ring bakes for 18 to 20 minutes, until beautifully golden brown. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing to enjoy that perfect melty pull.

How to Serve Pizza Ring

Garnishes

To elevate your Pizza Ring even further, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano on top just before serving. A light dusting of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you love a little heat, and a drizzle of garlic butter can bring extra richness. Dipping the slices into warm pizza sauce or a creamy ranch dressing also never fails to delight.

Side Dishes

Because the Pizza Ring is quite filling and rich, pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides provides lovely balance. Consider a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, crunchy garlic roasted vegetables, or even some marinated olives on the side. These lighter accompaniments help round out your meal without overpowering the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

The true party magic of the Pizza Ring lies in its irresistible shape and presentation. Place the ring on a large, festive platter surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo. You can also create individual mini Pizza Rings by adjusting the dough and toppings for bite-sized snacks perfect for gatherings. Serving it with colorful garnishes makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pizza Ring keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the dough from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat slices individually for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some Pizza Ring for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to help the dough regain its tender flakiness while preserving the delicious fillings inside.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Pizza Ring is in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough chewy or soggy. Reheating this way refreshes its fresh-baked charm and gooey cheese.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Ring vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon and load the ring with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach. Just remember to adjust your seasonings and sauce to taste.

What if I don’t have crescent rolls?

Crescent roll dough is ideal for its flaky texture and easy shaping, but you can substitute with puff pastry dough or even pre-made pizza dough if that’s what you have on hand. Each will bring a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Can I use different cheeses in the Pizza Ring?

Of course! While mozzarella is classic, mixing in provolone, cheddar, or fontina adds unique flavor twists. Just be sure to use good melting cheeses to maintain that joyful stretchy texture.

Is Pizza Ring gluten-free friendly?

Traditional crescent rolls contain gluten, so for a gluten-free version look for gluten-free crescent dough or make your own gluten-free pizza dough alternative. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so swapping the dough is the main adjustment needed.

How do I keep the Pizza Ring from leaking sauce during baking?

Make sure to leave a small gap at the thick dough edges when layering the sauce and fillings and gently press the dough tips securely when folding. Also, avoid overloading with sauce to prevent leaks and mess in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making a Pizza Ring is an incredibly fun and rewarding way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite pizza in a fresh, shareable format. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any weeknight meal or game day snack. I can’t wait for you to try this crowd-pleaser—once you do, it’s going to become a beloved staple that everyone asks for again and again!

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