These Crescent Roll Meatball Bites are a fun and tasty treat! Each bite is a cheesy surprise, wrapped in soft crescent dough and filled with juicy meatballs. Perfect for parties!
Who can resist the cheesy goodness tucked inside a flaky roll? I love making these for game day—everyone disappears when I bring them out! 🎉
They’re super easy to whip up. Just bake, share, and watch them vanish in seconds. I like to serve them with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the dish, creating a lovely, flaky exterior. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry works well too and gives a similar texture.
Meatballs: I like using a mix of beef and turkey for flavor, but you can choose any kind you love, including veggie meatballs for a plant-based option. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before using.
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for its melty goodness. However, feel free to swap it for cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack if you want a kick!
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience, but homemade is always special. If you prefer a different sauce, try barbecue for a unique twist.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add great flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil will do the trick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
How Do I Successfully Roll and Seal the Crescent Bites?
Rolling and sealing the crescent bites properly is crucial to keep the filling inside while baking. Here’s how:
- When you place the meatball, cheese, and sauce on the dough, don’t overload them; a tablespoon of cheese should be enough.
- Gently fold the sides of the dough over the filling, and roll it up towards the tip. Pinching the edges really helps seal in all that cheesy goodness.
- Make sure the seams are pinched well to avoid any surprises in the oven. If you notice some seams are not sealing, a little water can help bind it together.
These tips should help you create perfectly stuffed bites that turn golden brown while keeping all the flavors inside! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crescent Roll Meatball Bites Stuffed with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatball Bites:
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 pound of cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus additional for dipping)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at around 30-35 minutes before enjoying these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into individual triangles, as you’ll be wrapping your meatballs in these.
3. Stuff the Meatballs:
Take each triangle of dough and place a cooked meatball right in the center. On top of the meatball, sprinkle about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a small spoonful of marinara sauce. You can adjust the amounts based on your taste!
4. Roll and Seal:
Now it’s time to make these bites! Fold the sides of the crescent dough over the meatball and gently roll it up into a bite-sized bundle. Make sure to pinch the edges together to seal everything inside.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the stuffed crescent roll bites on your prepared baking sheet, giving them some space so they don’t stick together while baking.
6. Add Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the crescent roll bites. It adds so much flavor!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crescent rolls turn a lovely golden brown and are fully cooked.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the bites cool slightly. Then, sprinkle them with the chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these warm with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy your delicious Crescent Roll Meatball Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them before using. You can thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker method, place them in a microwave-safe dish and defrost them in the microwave. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual!
What Kind of Cheese Can I Substitute?
You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would work wonderfully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a spicy kick! Just keep the amount the same (1 cup shredded) for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover meatball bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, until heated through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the crescent roll bites ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven to ensure even baking.
