Holiday Crescent Ring with Savory or Sweet Fillings

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Crescent Dough:**
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the crescent dough package (typically 375°F/190°C). Open the cans of crescent dough and lay the individual triangles in a circular pattern on a large baking sheet, leaving a small gap in the center. The wide end of the triangles should be facing outward, with the pointed tips in the center.

#### 2. **Prepare Your Filling:**
Now it’s time to choose your filling—whether you want something savory or sweet, both options are equally delicious.

– **For a Savory Filling**: In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cooked sausage (if using). You can also add sautéed spinach, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some extra flavor.

– **For a Sweet Filling**: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add fruit preserves of your choice, gently stirring them into the mixture to create a swirl effect. For a hint of warmth, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top.

#### 3. **Assemble the Crescent Ring:**
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the ring.

– **Savory Version**: Spoon the savory filling evenly along the center of the crescent dough, ensuring it’s spread out but not too thick. Fold the edges of the crescent dough over the filling, pinching the dough where the ends meet to seal it into a ring shape. The center of the dough should remain open, creating a ring. Brush the top of the crescent ring with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

– **Sweet Version**: If you’re making a sweet version, spoon the cream cheese mixture in the center of the dough ring, leaving some space between the filling and the edges. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching it together to form a ring. Brush with egg wash for that golden finish. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top for extra flavor.

#### 4. **Bake the Crescent Ring:**
Place the crescent ring into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking or burning.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the crescent ring is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before slicing. For a savory version, you can slice it into wedges and serve with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch. For the sweet version, drizzle with a little extra fruit preserves or top with whipped cream for a festive touch.

### Why the Holiday Crescent Ring is Perfect for the Season:

1. **Customizable**: The best part of the Holiday Crescent Ring is its versatility. You can fill it with virtually anything, from cheesy, meaty combinations to fruity, sweet mixtures. This makes it the perfect choice for all kinds of dietary preferences, whether you’re hosting guests who love savory foods or those with a sweet tooth.

2. **Impressive and Eye-Catching**: This crescent ring is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Its circular shape and golden crust make it a standout dish, and it’s guaranteed to get oohs and aahs from your guests when you place it on the table.

3. **Quick and Easy**: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is an easy go-to for holiday entertaining. The store-bought crescent dough takes the work out of creating the flaky crust, leaving you with more time to focus on the filling.

4. **Perfect for Any Meal**: The Holiday Crescent Ring is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a breakfast treat with a sweet filling, as an appetizer for a holiday meal with savory fillings, or as a dessert to end the evening on a sweet note.

5. **Fun for the Whole Family**: This recipe is also a great one to involve kids or guests in, as they can help fill, fold, and assemble the crescent ring. It’s a great way to bond over a delicious project and enjoy the fruits of your labor together.

### Fun Variations to Try:

– **Breakfast Crescent Ring**: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast treat.

– **Mediterranean Crescent Ring**: Use hummus, roasted vegetables, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired savory filling.

– **Apple Cinnamon Crescent Ring**: For a seasonal twist, use sautéed apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet version.

– **Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring**: A spicy and tangy option, filled with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and cream cheese.

### Tips for Success:

– **Don’t Overstuff**: While it’s tempting to fill the crescent ring with a lot of filling, be careful not to overstuff it. Too much filling can cause the dough to break or the ring to lose its shape while baking.

– **Seal the Dough Well**: Make sure to press the edges of the dough together tightly when sealing the ring. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

– **Let It Cool Before Slicing**: While you’re eager to dig in, let the crescent ring cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from oozing out.

### Conclusion

The **Holiday Crescent Ring** with savory or sweet fillings is the perfect dish for any holiday gathering. It’s customizable, simple to make, and visually stunning, making it a great option whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an appetizer, or as a dessert. With endless variations to suit any taste, this festive treat will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season with this versatile and delightful recipe!