Cheesy Witch Hat Crescents are a fun and spooky snack! These little hats are made using crescent dough and filled with gooey cheese. Perfect for Halloween parties!
I love making these with the kids! They get a kick out of shaping the hats, and I enjoy watching them enjoy a cheesy treat. Plus, they disappear fast—beware of hungry goblins! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent roll dough: This is the base of our witch hats. If you can’t find it, you can use puff pastry instead, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time.
Ground sausage or beef: I love using sausage for more flavor, but cooked beans or diced veggies make a great vegetarian alternative. You could also try ground turkey for a leaner option.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar gives that classic flavor. If you’re looking for a different twist, try pepper jack for some spice or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Onion: I often skip this ingredient to keep it simple but can make a big difference in flavor. If you want to avoid onion, consider using garlic for more aroma.
How Do I Roll These Crescents Perfectly?
The rolling part can be tricky, but it’s straightforward with a little practice! Focus on the wide end of the triangle where the filling goes. Lay about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and cheese there, then carefully roll toward the pointed end.
- Keep the filling at the base to avoid spills.
- Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; a little mess adds to the fun!
These will puff up nicely as they bake, making any imperfections disappear!
Cheesy Witch Hat Crescents
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup ground sausage or ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra slices for topping
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious Halloween treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent the crescents from sticking.
2. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or beef, along with the chopped onion if you’re using it. Brown until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure everything gets nice and browned. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Set Up the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles along the perforations. This is where all the tasty filling will go!
4. Fill the Triangles:
For each triangle of dough, place about 1 tablespoon of the cooked meat mixture near the wide end. Then sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. This will make the hats cheesy and delicious!
5. Roll the Crescents:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle up toward the point, forming a crescent shape. Make sure to enclose the filling securely as you roll!
6. Create the Witch Hat Cone:
To give your crescents their witch hat shape, take a small strip of dough cut from leftover dough or an extra triangle. Twist it into a spiral and stand it upright at the top center of each crescent.
7. Add the Cheese Brim:
Place a small slice of cheddar cheese over the spiral cone. This will not only resemble the brim of the witch hat but will also melt and become extra delicious while baking.
8. Bake the Crescents:
Arrange the filled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the crescents cool for a few minutes. They can be served warm, and they make for a fun and tasty treat at any Halloween party or gathering!
Enjoy your adorable Cheesy Witch Hat Crescents and watch them disappear quickly—beware of hungry goblins!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground sausage or beef are popular choices, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or sautéed vegetables for a tasty twist. Just be sure to season appropriately!
Can I Make These Crescents in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the crescents up to the rolling and baking step and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Of course! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a gooey texture, or even a mix of your favorites for a cheesy explosion!
