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Home › Recipes
49 Comments

Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Jan 6, 2023

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Get all the zing of your favorite Italian sub wrapped in a tender, flaky crust with this easy Spicy Italian Crescent Ring recipe!  Loaded with ham, pepperoni, 2 glorious melty cheeses, banana or pepperoncini peppers & roasted red bell pepper, this delicious hot sandwich is perfect for parties, tailgates, family fun nights and even a quick dinner on busy weeknights.  You’re going to love serving this fun, dippable crescent ring every chance you get!

Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring with ham, salami, banana pepper rings and 2 kinds of cheese.


Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring scripture- Psalm 107:20

Who can resist warm, delicious crescent rolls?  I can’t!  They always bake up so deliciously golden with a crisp, flaky outside and heavenly soft inside!  When it came time to make this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring, just the prospect of all that warm goodness wrapped around some of our favorite sandwich makings was almost more than we could bear.  Making some tout suite become an A-#1 priority!

How to make a Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring sandwich on a pizza stone

Spicy Italian Crescent Ring Sandwich Ingredients

  • canned crescent rolls
  • thin sliced ham
  • spicy pepperoni (or salami)
  • provolone cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • roasted red bell peppers (jarred)
  • pepperoncini or banana pepper rings
  • egg
  • coarse ground black pepper
Italian sub crescent ring being made

 How to Make The Best Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring

Making a sandwich crescent ring is one of those things that’s super easy to do but looks like a million bucks when finished. I love recipes like that! Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for making the best (and one of the prettiest) sandwich rings around.

  • Use a pizza stone to make this recipe.  A pizza stone draws moisture away from whatever is being baked on top of it, virtually eliminating any chance of soggy bottoms.  That’s why I love to bake more than just pizza on mine.  Just like this sandwich ring, biscuits, cookies, galettes & hand pies bake up with nice crisp undersides if baked on a good pizza stone. 
  • A heated pizza stone bakes a crispier bottom than a cold one.  Just don’t burn yourself when putting your crescent ring together!
  • Arrange crescents on a round pizza pan or pizza stone in a circle with the wide ends of crescent roll triangles overlapping a little in the center to form a ring and the triangle points facing outward to make the shape of a sun.
  • Don’t be afraid of the process.  Crescent rolls are pretty forgiving.  As you create your ring, don’t be afraid to gently pull or push a little on the center of your dough ring to get that pretty center circle. 
Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring Finish photo
  • Build up, not out.  As you layer on the ham, pepperoni, cheese and peppers, don’t let your layers get too wide.  Keep them tall, narrow and confined to the widest part of your dough ring.
  • Take your time.  As you lay out your crescents, create your layers and wrap the ends around to seal the ring, don’t get rattled.  Take your time.  If a little falls out of a layer, put it back on.  Use your triangle ends to catch and fold in any stray cheese or peppers.  Again don’t be afraid to gently push in or pat out the outside of your ring after you’ve folded it to get the shape you want.
  • Use an egg wash for golden, rich color.  This recipe calls for brushing 1 beaten egg (the whole egg, but you could just do the white if you liked) over the top of the crescent ring to create a beautifully browned top that’s just a touch crisp.  Crescent rolls won’t achieve deep, rich color without it.  Pretty ring = a good egg wash.
A slice of an Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring

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As gorgeous as a crescent ring looks, it tastes even better!  The spicy, vinegary zip of the peppers, the savory goodness of the ham and pepperoni, all wrapped in deliciously soft, warm crescent rolls.  Eat just as it is; dip it in a classic ranch dressing or spicy marinara.  “Hey, we’re having sandwiches!” will never quite mean the same thing again!

Other Delicious Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love

  • The Classic Muffuletta
  • Kentucky Hot Browns
  • Sloppy Joe Sliders
  • Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sliders
  • Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich (crockpot)
  • Grilled Apple, Bacon Pimento Cheese
  • Ultimate Turkey Cranberry Sliders

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring

Spicy Italian Crescent Ring

Get all the flavors of your favorite Italian sub sandwich in a tender, flaky crescent ring! Perfect for dinner, parties, tailgates and busy weeknights!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Game Day, party
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Ingredients

  • 2 cans 8 count refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 5 slices Provolone cheese, cut in halves
  • 9 oz thin sliced deli ham
  • 6 oz spicy pepperoni
  • ½ C diced roasted red bell pepper, jarred
  • ½ C pepperoncini or banana pepper rings
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 C shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
  • Dice enough jarred roasted red bell peppers to create ½ C. Measure ½ C pepperoncini rings. Place both on paper towel and pat dry. Place in small bowl and toss with ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper. Set aside.
  • Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Arrange crescents on a round pizza pan or pizza stone in a circle with the wide ends of triangles overlapping a little in the center to form a ring and triangle points facing outward to make the shape of a sun.
  • Arrange halved slices of Provolone cheese around the overlapping wide triangle end edge of your crescent ring. Top with folded ham slices, a layer of spicy pepperoni (there will be pepperoni leftover), a layer of the pepper mixture & then the mozzarella cheese.
  • Bring the point ends of the triangles up and around the filling, securing everything inside and tucking points under the center of the ring to seal it. Use a brush to wash the dough with beaten egg. Sprinkle with more black pepper.
  • Place in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and bottom is cooked.
Spicy Italian Sub Crescent Ring
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Get all the flavors of your favorite Italian sub sandwich in a tender, flaky crescent ring! Perfect for dinner, parties, tailgates and busy weeknights!

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Recipes, Sandwiches Tagged With: easy meals, game day, party

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Avatar photoMarcia zeballos

    October 9, 2020 at 9:35 am

    What’s the dip in the middle?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      October 9, 2020 at 11:03 am

      Hi, Marcia! It’s pictured with Ranch dressing and marinara. Hope you enjoy this recipe!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoRenee

        April 8, 2023 at 10:40 am

        This looks amazing. We are a pizza loving family and spicylovers I’m sure they will go for it. I can’t wait to try this.

        Reply
  2. Avatar photoAnna Smith

    April 16, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Stacy!
    I made this for dinner this evening.
    Not only was it so easy to make with your detailed instructions, tips, and tricks, it was so delicious!
    This will definitely be made again and again!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      April 17, 2021 at 9:55 am

      Hi, Anna!

      I am so glad you loved this crescent ring sandwich! It’s such a fun recipe to make & serve. I hope everyone is doing well! You really
      made my day!

      Reply
  3. Avatar photoAngela W

    September 22, 2021 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! My husband said it was the best new thing I’ve made in a long time. Great detailed directions, easy to make, delicious and looks beautiful. Can’t wait to try with company. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 23, 2021 at 11:58 am

      Hi, Angela! I am just tickled that you loved this crescent ring! Thank you so much. You made my day!

      Reply
  4. Avatar photoAngie

    November 19, 2021 at 9:08 pm

    Making this tmrw …. What kind of sides did you serve with it?…. I’m thinking maybe just some good potato chips

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 20, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Hi, Angie! I am so excited that you’re making this Spicy Italian Crescent Ring! Yes, good potato chips would be perfect! Also, maybe a pasta salad, potato salad or even a nice soup and salad! These might help.

      https://southerndiscourse.com/creamy-dill-potato-salad/
      https://southerndiscourse.com/southern-macaroni-salad/
      https://southerndiscourse.com/green-salad-with-creamy-mayo-vinaigrette/
      https://southerndiscourse.com/creamy-short-cut-parmesan-cauliflower-soup/

      Reply
  5. Avatar photoMyrtle Forquer

    March 20, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    5 stars
    Soooo good and easy to make! We love it!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      March 24, 2022 at 8:59 am

      Hi, Myrtle! Yay! I am so glad you love this fun recipe! It is one of our very favorite weekend eats. Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Avatar photoAnita

    August 18, 2023 at 7:25 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so yummy. My husband loved it.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      August 20, 2023 at 11:49 pm

      Hi, Anita! Thank you so very much! I am just tickled your husband loved this. Thanks again!

      Reply
  7. Avatar photoAlice

    November 4, 2023 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    Delicious everyone enjoyed it and it wasn’t that hard to put together

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 8, 2023 at 10:36 pm

      Hi, Alice! Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe. I think it is so fun to make and serve!

      Reply
  8. Avatar photoD Harrison

    December 10, 2023 at 7:26 pm

    Can these be put together earlier and refrigerated a couple of hours before cooking for a party?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 12, 2023 at 5:41 pm

      Hi, D! The ingredients can be prepped so that everything is ready to go, but the rings can’t be made in advance without baking them. As soon as the crescent roll dough is opened, it begins to dry out. It has to be baked as soon after opening as possible. If stored in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight, the dough will shrink and will not rise or be flaky and tender when baked.

      Reply
  9. Avatar photoLiz

    December 19, 2023 at 8:39 am

    Could I substitute Turkey for the ham?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 21, 2023 at 11:13 am

      Hi, Liz! You sure can! Would be delicious!

      Reply
  10. Avatar photoRobert

    December 26, 2023 at 6:19 am

    5 stars
    that looks delicious I’m going to make

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 29, 2023 at 11:59 am

      Thanks, Robert! Can’t wait to hear about it!

      Reply
  11. Avatar photoSS

    January 1, 2024 at 7:19 pm

    5 stars
    Great instructions! Loved it! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 3, 2024 at 2:41 pm

      Hi, SS! You are so welcome! Thank YOU for making this recipe and enjoying it!

      Reply
  12. Avatar photoAndy Bridges

    January 3, 2024 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved this. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 11, 2024 at 11:38 am

      Hi, Andy! I am so glad! Thank you for making this crescent ring sandwich.

      Reply
  13. Avatar photoJudi

    January 12, 2024 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    This was a big hit at a club meeting. I used Provolone and Swiss and added some caramelized onions to the pepper mixture. Delicious . Served with Marinara.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 22, 2024 at 11:34 am

      Hi, Judi! Love the idea of the caramelized onions! So glad you made and shared this recipe. I love it! Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Avatar photoJoann Kochis

    January 14, 2024 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    This spicy crescent roll is delicious! I made it for a party before Christmas and it was delicious. I made two to take our family Christmas party and everyone loved them. I’m making it again tonight for my hubby and I during the Lions’ football game. Thank you for this great recipe,

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 22, 2024 at 11:31 am

      Hi, Joann! This is so awesome! Thank you so much for making this crescent ring again and again. Love it!! You’ve definitely made my day!

      Reply
  15. Avatar photoLindsy

    January 24, 2024 at 6:00 am

    5 stars
    Thankful for your tips as I have tried 2 different filled rings but can not get them to be fluffy. Not sure why they are still coming out with mushy dough on inside? I had used a Wilton circle pan and cut the recipe down to only one can. Not sure what I’m doing wrong

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 26, 2024 at 1:06 pm

      Hi, Lindsy! Sounds like your oven might cook a little hot. Try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and lengthening the cook time. Covering the crescent ring with tented foil for the first half of the baking time will keep it from browning on the outside before the inside has a chance to cook all the way through. Lastly, have you tried using a pizza stone and heating the stone first? Just be careful when assembling the sandwich. Hope this helps! Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Avatar photoGladys Anderson

    February 11, 2024 at 11:41 am

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS!!! And easy to make !!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      February 14, 2024 at 1:37 pm

      Hi, Gladys! Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed this Italian crescent ring sandwich! Thank you so much.

      Reply
  17. Avatar photoHelen Dodd

    March 27, 2024 at 1:49 pm

    5 stars
    Loved it! Easy to make and delish!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      March 27, 2024 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks so much, Helen!

      Reply
  18. Avatar photoNandine

    April 8, 2024 at 6:25 am

    Looks delicious, Can this be made into small pinwheels ?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      April 25, 2024 at 11:53 am

      Hi, Nandine! I have never tried it, but it sounds like a great idea!

      Reply
  19. Avatar photoJ

    April 13, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    5 stars
    Pretty amazing. Only thing I might try next time is some garlic butter on the crescents before baking. Just to add a little flavor to the bread. Everything else was great!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      April 25, 2024 at 11:29 am

      Hi, Jeff! I love that idea! I know it will be delicious! Thank you so much for loving this sandwich and recipe.

      Reply
  20. Avatar photoAndrea

    April 30, 2024 at 9:41 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      May 2, 2024 at 1:52 pm

      Hi, Andrea! I am so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for making this recipe.

      Reply
  21. Avatar photoMarla Bertaut

    May 31, 2024 at 6:59 pm

    5 stars
    came out perfect! family raved

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      June 2, 2024 at 8:32 am

      Hi, Marla! I am so glad you made the crescent ring and that the family loved it. Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Avatar photoLori

    June 22, 2024 at 2:37 pm

    what’s the sauce in the middle?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      July 3, 2024 at 1:55 pm

      Hi, Lori! In the post, I mention that the sauce in the middle is Ranch dressing and give the additional suggestion of using marinara as a dipping sauce. Hope you love this recipe!

      Reply
  23. Avatar photoElaine

    December 6, 2024 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    It was delicious!!! Will make it again!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 20, 2024 at 5:14 pm

      Hi, Elaine! Wow, thank you so much! This makes my day!

      Reply
  24. Avatar photoSteph

    July 4, 2025 at 11:44 am

    Do you have to use a spray or oil or something on the pizza stone?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      July 4, 2025 at 3:25 pm

      Hi, Steph! I never use a spray on my stone bc it leaves a sticky residue that is almost impossible to get off! If I think my dough might stick to the stone, a dusting of cornmeal on the stone does the trick! (You can also use flour. I just prefer cornmeal over flour.)

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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