Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatball Crescent Rolls are the perfect combination of simplicity and comfort. They come together with just a few ingredients, can be made ahead of time, and appeal to both kids and adults. The buttery crescent dough pairs perfectly with the juicy meatballs and melty cheese, making them irresistible for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crescent roll dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked meatballs (frozen or homemade)
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or cubed)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of each triangle.
- Add one meatball on top of the sauce, then sprinkle or place a small piece of mozzarella cheese on the meatball.
- Fold the dough over the meatball and seal the edges, wrapping it completely.
- Place each wrapped meatball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a little melted butter or oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 crescent rolls and serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Meatball Rolls: Add a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer cheese flavor.
- Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian meatballs or add crushed red pepper to the sauce.
- BBQ Twist: Swap marinara for barbecue sauce and use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Mini Party Bites: Cut crescent dough triangles in half and use smaller meatballs for bite-sized appetizers.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based ones and keep all the other ingredients the same.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Meatball Crescent Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soft.
You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months—just reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, just thaw them before assembling to ensure even baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or cheddar also taste great.
Can I use biscuit dough instead of crescent dough?
Yes, biscuit dough can work—just flatten it slightly before wrapping.
Can I air fry Meatball Crescent Rolls?
Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I prevent sauce from leaking out?
Use only a small amount of sauce and seal the dough edges tightly.
Can I make them without sauce inside?
Yes, you can skip the sauce and serve it on the side for dipping.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter sauce are all delicious options.
Are these good for parties?
Absolutely—they’re portable, bite-sized, and easy to serve.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes, assemble the rolls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Meatball Crescent Rolls are a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With melty cheese, tender meatballs, and buttery crescent dough, they’re a hit every time. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or fun dinner idea—and don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for that final touch of flavor.
PrintMeatball Crescent Rolls
Meatball Crescent Rolls are warm, cheesy, and golden-baked appetizers made by wrapping savory meatballs and marinara sauce in buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, they’re quick, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 rolls (serves 4)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8 count)
- 8 cooked meatballs (homemade or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or cubed)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of each triangle.
- Add one meatball on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the dough over the meatball, sealing the edges tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Thaw frozen meatballs before assembling to ensure even cooking.
- Seal dough edges tightly to prevent sauce from leaking.
- Use barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese for a fun flavor twist.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for a quick alternative.
- Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months for easy make-ahead prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
