Waking up to the question "Is it pizza night yet?" is a daily occurrence in our house, but these Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas are the surprise twist that makes Max’s eyes go wide. We love how this recipe mimics the fun of a pizza party but with a buttery, golden crust that cups all the saucy goodness inside. It is our favorite family habit for celebrating Friday nights, turning a standard tube of dough into a bite-sized, deep-dish masterpiece that is perfect for little hands.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
- How To Make Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
- What Pairs Well With Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
- Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas Variations
- Equipment
- Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
- Top Tips for Best Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
- Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas FAQs
- A Pizza Night Win Everyone Requests
- Related
- Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
Why You Will Love This Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
This dish offers a perfect balance of flaky, buttery dough and rich, gooey cheese; providing a satisfying crunch that is both visually stunning and incredibly indulgent. It is an effortless way to create a Mini deep dish crescent roll pizza that works as a showstopper for game days, birthday parties, or just a fun family dinner.
How To Make Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
The Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas are a clever, muffin-tin twist on the classic slice; featuring a "cup" of dough filled with layers of marinara, cheese, and toppings. This specific version uses a garlic-butter brushed crust and a double-layer of cheese to ensure the bottom doesn't get soggy. Originally inspired by Pillsbury crescent roll pizza hacks, this recipe has been refined in our kitchen to match the golden, bubbling perfection you see in the photos.
Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 oz) Refrigerated crescent roll dough (sheet or rolls)
- ½ cup Pizza sauce (marinara, thick style is best)
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 12 slices Pepperoni (regular or mini)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step by Step Method
Prep the oven and pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray to ensure the pizzas pop out easily.
Form the crusts
- Unroll the dough and press the seams together if using perforated rolls. Cut into 12 even squares and press them into the muffin cups to form a deep "bowl" shape.
Brush for flavor
- Mix the melted butter and garlic powder, then brush the inside of each dough cup lightly to create a savory barrier.
Layer the filling
- Place a pinch of cheese at the very bottom of each cup first (this prevents the sauce from making the dough soggy).
- Spoon a tablespoon of pizza sauce on top of the bottom cheese layer.
Top and bake
- Fill the rest of the cup with the remaining mozzarella cheese and top with a pepperoni slice.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling over the sides.
Garnish and serve
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for five minutes before lifting them out with a spoon.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil immediately before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
MAX’S REACTION
"Mom, it’s like a pizza cupcake! The crust is so buttery and I love how the cheese stretches when I pull it apart!"
What Pairs Well With Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
I usually serve these mini pizzas with a side of warm marinara for dipping and a crisp green salad. If you are planning a "finger food" feast, they go perfectly alongside our Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella for a double dose of pizza fun. For a sweet finish to the meal, a slice of Valentine's Banana Bread or some bite-sized Hawaiian Roll French Toast makes for a delightful dessert course.
Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas Variations
Crescent Roll Pizza Air Fryer
Use silicone muffin liners and air fry the pizza cups at 350°F for 6-8 minutes for an ultra-crispy crust and faster cooking time.
Mini Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas (Veggie)
Skip the pepperoni and fill the cups with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a colorful, vegetarian Best deep dish crescent roll pizzas option.
Crescent Roll Pizza Ring Style
Instead of individual cups, arrange the dough triangles in a circle on a baking sheet, fill the center ring with sauce and cheese, and fold the points over for a pull-apart appetizer.
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Pizza "White Pie"
Swap the red sauce for Alfredo sauce or garlic ricotta and top with spinach and cooked chicken for a creamy, gourmet twist.
Equipment
- Standard Muffin Tin (12-cup)
- Pastry Brush
- Pizza Cutter (for cutting dough)
Mom Tip: The secret to keeping the "deep dish" shape is to let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. If you try to remove them while the cheese is molten hot, they might collapse!
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- These are essentially Mini pizzas frozen friendly! You can freeze the baked pizzas for up to two months.
Make Ahead Strategy
- You can press the dough into the tin and fill them with cheese and sauce a few hours in advance.
- Keep the tin in the fridge until you are ready to bake, adding a couple of minutes to the cook time.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to revive the crispy crust. Avoid the microwave as it makes the dough chewy.
Top Tips for Best Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
The absolute secret to that appetizing, golden crust you see in the photo is the garlic butter brush. It adds flavor and helps the edges brown beautifully. I always tell Max that the "cheese seal" on the bottom is crucial—never put sauce directly on the raw dough or you'll end up with a soggy bottom! Using a thick, high-quality pizza sauce also prevents the cups from becoming too watery.
Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead?
Yes, puff pastry works well and creates a flakier, lighter crust, though it won't have that signature "buttery roll" taste.
How do I stop the cheese from burning?
If the cheese is browning too fast before the dough is cooked, tent the muffin tin loosely with foil for the last five minutes of baking.
Can I make these in a mini muffin tin?
Absolutely! For Mini pizza recipe appetizers, cut the dough smaller and bake for only 8-10 minutes.
A Pizza Night Win Everyone Requests
Serving up this tray of golden, bubbly cups is my favorite way to switch up our weekend routine. If you enjoyed this savory win, you should try our Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella for another variation. For a sweet treat to bake next, nothing beats the aroma of our Valentine's Banana Bread.
Share your Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas! Tag us @HannahCooking with #DeepDishCrescentPizza; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
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Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin (12-cup)
- 1 Cooking spray (Non-stick)
- 1 Pastry brush (For butter)
Ingredients
- 1 tube Crescent roll dough - 8 oz
- ½ cup Pizza sauce - Thick marinara
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese - Shredded
- 12 slices Pepperoni - Regular or mini
- 1 tablespoon Butter - Melted
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder - For crust
- 1 tablespoon Fresh basil - Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin generously.
- Cut crescent dough into 12 squares and press into muffin cups to form bowls.
- Brush the inside of the dough with a mix of melted butter and garlic powder.
- Place a pinch of cheese in the bottom, then a spoonful of sauce.
- Top with remaining cheese and a slice of pepperoni.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
- Cool for 5 minutes, remove, and garnish with fresh basil.
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