Mac and Cheese Crescent Rings (Printable)

Elbow macaroni in rich cheddar sauce, wrapped in crescent dough and baked for a gooey, crispy appetizer.

# Components:

→ Mac and Cheese Filling

01 - 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Crescent Dough & Assembly

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

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring continuously, until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
06 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese mixture and combine thoroughly. Let mixture cool slightly.
07 - Unroll crescent dough triangles and arrange in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends to form a ring with points facing outward.
08 - Spoon macaroni and cheese mixture evenly around the ring, near the base of the dough triangles.
09 - Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the filling.
10 - Fold triangle tips over the filling and tuck under the ring to seal.
11 - Brush the top surface of the ring with melted unsalted butter.
12 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
13 - Cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Slice the ring into portions and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Crowd pleasing and easy to serve as finger food
  • Customizable with add ins like jalapeño or bacon
  • Quick enough for busy weeknights or potlucks
02 -
  • Each ring slice is packed with gooey cheese that pulls apart beautifully
  • The recipe is vegetarian friendly and kid approved
  • You can assemble ahead and bake when guests arrive
03 -
  • Always slightly cool your macaroni and cheese before filling the ring so it does not run out when you slice
  • Shred your own cheese for the creamiest filling pre shredded can be dry
  • Make sure the points of the crescent dough fully tuck under the ring so nothing leaks out as it bakes

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