If you love the bold flavors of classic pepperoni pizza but want a fun, finger-friendly twist, the Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe will quickly become your new favorite appetizer or snack. These golden, fluffy popovers are packed with savory pepperoni, melty mozzarella, fragrant basil pesto, and subtle Italian herbs, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Every bite bursts with cheesy, meaty goodness and a delightful garlicky aroma that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any time you crave a cozy, comforting bite with a gourmet flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe shines because it requires just a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery crescent dough forming the perfect golden crust to the zesty basil pesto adding a fresh herbal kick. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets: This ready-to-go dough makes assembling quick and ensures a tender, flaky popover crust every time.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle roasted garlic depth that enhances overall savoriness.
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that bring classic Italian pizzazz to each bite.
- ½ cup basil pesto: Brings a vibrant, fresh contrast with its rich basil and olive oil notes.
- 72 slices pepperoni: The heart of the dish—spicy, slightly smoky, and packed with meaty flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to provide gooey, cheesy goodness that ties it all together.
How to Make Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 12-cup muffin pan thoroughly. Greasing ensures the popovers don’t stick and come out with that perfect golden crust. This simple step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cut the Crescent Dough
Unroll one sheet of crescent dough onto a clean cutting board. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to first slice the dough lengthwise in half, then cut each half crosswise into thirds. You’ll end up with six evenly sized pieces that are easy to roll and fill. Uniform pieces bake evenly and look so inviting.
Step 3: Season and Layer with Pesto, Pepperoni, and Cheese
Lightly sprinkle half the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the dough pieces to infuse fragrant herbs and garlic flavor. Next, spread about ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly over the dough for a fresh, vibrant layer. Then layer 6 slices of pepperoni on each dough piece, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. The combination of these layers creates that irresistible pizza-inspired taste you crave.
Step 4: Roll and Place in Muffin Cups
Starting from the short end, carefully roll each dough piece into a spiral, making sure to keep all those delicious fillings inside. Place each rolled popover seam-side down into your prepared muffin cups—the ends of the dough should be facing up, ready to puff beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Repeat with Remaining Dough and Bake
Repeat the cutting, seasoning, layering, and rolling process with your second dough sheet until your muffin pan is full. Then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops turn a delicious golden brown. As they bake, the crescent dough puffs up, trapping all those fantastic flavors inside a fluffy, crisp exterior.
How to Serve Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe, try garnishing them with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a light dusting of grated Parmesan. A tiny drizzle of extra basil pesto or a few crushed red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and an extra flavor punch to each serving.
Side Dishes
These popovers pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Both options offer refreshing or comforting contrasts to the cheesy, savory popovers and round out your meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, arrange the popovers on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy arrabbiata. You can also thread a toothpick through each one to make them easy finger foods with a gourmet touch. Serving them warm from the oven always brings the best smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover popovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Their flaky crust and cheesy filling stay delightfully fresh and ready to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe by cooling them completely, then placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick snack, simply thaw and reheat for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat your popovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melted perfectly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While this recipe is super convenient with refrigerated dough, homemade crescent or pizza dough works just as well and gives you full control over ingredients and thickness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the pepperoni?
Yes, you can swap pepperoni for vegetarian or vegan pepperoni slices, or try hearty grilled veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to keep that bold flavor profile.
Can I prepare the popovers ahead and bake them later?
Definitely. Assemble the popovers and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just pop them into the hot oven when you’re ready and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have basil pesto on hand?
If basil pesto is missing from your pantry, you can substitute it with marinara sauce for a classic pizza touch or even a garlic butter spread for a different but delicious flavor.
How spicy are these popovers?
These popovers have a mild to moderate spice level depending on the pepperoni brand you use. For less heat, choose milder pepperoni or reduce the amount slightly to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe that blends ease, flavor, and fun all into one bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual snack or impressing guests at a party, these popovers bring that perfect wow factor without any fuss. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy warm, cheesy, pepperoni-filled bites that everyone will love. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Print
Pepperoni Crescent Popovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Crescent Popovers are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or a fun snack. Made with buttery crescent dough, flavorful basil pesto, savory pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese, they bake to golden perfection in just about 25 minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite pizza sauce for a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 72 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Heat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Cut the dough: Unroll one can of crescent dough onto a clean cutting board. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each half across into thirds to obtain 6 equal pieces.
- Season and spread pesto: Sprinkle half of the garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough pieces. Then spread ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly over the dough surface.
- Add toppings: Place 6 pepperoni slices on each dough piece, then sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over all pieces.
- Roll and place in pan: Starting at the short end, roll up each dough piece tightly and place them seam side down into the prepared muffin cups, ensuring the ends face upwards.
- Repeat process: Repeat steps 2 through 5 with the remaining can of crescent dough, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pesto, pepperoni, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe quick and easy.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto before spreading.
- If pesto is not available, substitute with marinara or pizza sauce.
- Ensure the muffin pan is well-greased to avoid sticking and to allow easy removal.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
