Mac and Cheese Crescent Rings (Print View)

Cheddar mac and cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough for a melty, crowd-pleasing snack.

# Components:

→ Mac and Cheese Filling

01 - 1 and 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Crescent Dough & Assembly

09 - 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces each, 16 triangles total)
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until mixture is smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and 1 and 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
07 - Unroll crescent dough triangles and arrange them in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends to create a ring with points facing outward.
08 - Distribute mac and cheese mixture evenly around the ring, placing it near the base of the triangles.
09 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese filling.
10 - Fold the tips of the dough triangles over the filling and tuck under the ring to secure. Brush the top of the ring with melted butter.
11 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the crescent ring is golden brown and crisp.
12 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired, slice, and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple refrigerated dough and familiar pantry staples for quick prep
  • Bakes into an impressive ring that everyone can pull apart and enjoy
  • Crowd-pleaser with gooey cheese and buttery, flaky crust
  • Perfect for vegetarian eaters
02 -
  • Excellent make ahead appetizer that reheats well for parties
  • The ring is high in protein and calcium from cheese and milk
  • Easily customizable with extra fillings like bacon or sautéed vegetables
03 -
  • Let your mac and cheese cool to room temperature for ten minutes before assembling. This keeps the filling more cohesive.
  • Always use freshly shredded cheese which melts better and never skip the butter brush step before baking for that golden finish. I learned the hard way that store bought pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents which can make your sauce gritty so take that extra shredding step.
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