Mini Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas

These mini deep dish crescent roll pizzas are soft at the base, golden at the edges, and generously filled with gooey cheese and classic pizza toppings. They taste rich and comforting with a fluffy, buttery crust that crisps just enough around the sides. This is an easy, family friendly recipe that comes together quickly and suits busy weeknights or casual entertaining. From start to finish, you will have them ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Crescent Roll Base

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, for greasing

For the Filling

• 120 ml pizza sauce or thick tomato passata
• 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 40 g grated cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

• 30 g mini pepperoni slices
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion

For Seasoning

• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
• A pinch of black pepper

How to Make Mini Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas

Prepare the Oven and Tin

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with olive oil or melted butter, making sure each cup is well coated to prevent sticking.

Shape the Crescent Roll Bases

Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles. Gently press one triangle into each muffin cup, easing the dough up the sides and pressing seams together to form a small deep dish crust.

Add the Filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup and spread lightly. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce, then add your chosen toppings evenly.

Season and Bake

Finish with a pinch of oregano, basil, and black pepper. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is puffed, golden, and cooked through.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the pizzas to rest in the tin for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully lift them out and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Mini Deep Dish Crescent Roll Pizzas

How do I stop the bottoms from going soggy?

Use a thick pizza sauce and avoid overfilling. Too much moisture can soften the base before it bakes properly.

Can I make them extra crispy?

Brush the dough lightly with olive oil before adding the sauce. This helps create a firmer, lightly crisp base.

What is the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella gives the best melt, while a little cheddar adds flavour. Avoid very wet fresh mozzarella unless well drained.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad and vinaigrette
• Pair with garlic dip or ranch dressing
• Add a bowl of warm marinara for dipping
• Enjoy as part of a party platter with finger foods

Storage

Room Temperature

These pizzas are best eaten fresh but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours once baked.

Refrigerator

Store cooled pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze fully baked and cooled pizzas in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 180°C until hot through.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, but the texture will be flakier rather than soft and bread like. Crescent dough gives a more classic deep dish feel.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. Simply skip the meat toppings and add vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or sweetcorn.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Yes. Bake them earlier in the day and reheat in the oven just before serving. They hold their shape well.

What other fillings work well?

Cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or even a spoon of pesto under the sauce all work beautifully.