If you’re on the hunt for a fun, spooky, and downright delicious way to celebrate the season, this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine soft, golden crescent dough twisted into creepy, winding “intestines” stuffed with a savory turkey filling, melted mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and herbs. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a delightfully eerie centerpiece perfect for your Halloween festivities. Whether you’re sharing this with kids or adults, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe a playful shiver or two at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—each ingredient here is simple yet plays a crucial role in making the texture rich, the flavors bursting, and the colors just right for this seasonal favorite.
- Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding a smooth base without overpowering flavors.
- Finely chopped red onion: Provides a sweet sharpness and depth to the filling.
- Finely chopped red bell pepper: Adds a vibrant pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps things light but hearty, soaking up all the tasty seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the mixture with comforting, aromatic warmth.
- Season salt: Balances and enhances all flavors perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herbaceous note.
- Marinara pasta sauce: Brings tangy sweetness and moisture to the filling and the “bloody” finishing touch.
- Crescent roll sheets: The golden, buttery wrappers that hold everything together and bake up perfectly flaky.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, stretchy pockets inside and on top for indulgence.
- Butter, melted: Mixed with garlic powder to brush over the rolls, creating an irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped red onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and release their fragrant sweetness. Next, add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Don’t forget to season with garlic powder, season salt, and oregano to build that familiar, comforting flavor we all love. Finally, stir in a cup of marinara sauce to bring it all together with a tangy splash, then let the filling cool slightly before assembly.
Step 2: Ready the Crescent Rolls
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch all the ooey-gooey goodness. Unroll each tube of crescent dough and slice each sheet into three long strips—the perfect size for wrapping your savory filling and making each “intestine.”
Step 3: Stuff and Shape the “Intestines”
Sprinkle a generous line of shredded mozzarella down the center of each crescent strip to give that melty core everyone’s dreaming of. Add spoonfuls of the turkey mixture on top, then gently pull up the sides of the dough to wrap around the filling. Seal those edges well, or your intestines might try to “escape” during baking! Now, place the rolls on the baking sheet and twist or arrange them into wavy, winding shapes that look just like creepy, icky intestines—feel free to get creative here.
Step 4: Garlic Butter and Bake
Mix the melted butter with a little garlic powder and generously brush this over your shaped intestines. This step isn’t just about flavor; it’s about getting that gorgeous, golden-brown crust with a delightful garlic aroma that fills your kitchen. Bake these creepy delights for 15 minutes to start.
Step 5: Add Bloody Finishing Touches
When the rolls come out of the oven, brush on some extra marinara sauce for a “bloody” look that’s perfect for Halloween vibes. Scatter any leftover turkey filling around the rolls and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Pop everything back into the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until bubbly, golden, and irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm, winding Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) fresh from the oven. Get ready for ooohs and aaahs as everyone digs into this creative, spooky, and downright tasty treat!
How to Serve Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can amp up the creepy fun. Try sprinkling some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a splash of green that contrasts nicely with the red and golden hues. A drizzle of spicy ketchup or sriracha can add a kick and a gory texture, perfect if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed crescent rolls with a fresh, crisp side like a garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A light but zesty coleslaw works beautifully too, cutting through the cheesy, meaty filling with its crunch and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe on a large platter lined with dark leafy greens for a dramatic “creepy forest floor” look. You can also arrange the intestines around a bowl of “monster” marinara dip or place small plastic spiders or eyeball candies nearby to really bring out the eerie atmosphere your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for a quick snack or an easy lunch the next day and still taste great warmed up.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked stuffed crescent rolls arranged on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a fantastic make-ahead strategy for a stress-free Halloween treat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that buttery, flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will give you a richer, beefier flavor, which is delicious. Just be mindful of the extra fat—drain any excess after cooking to avoid soggy rolls.
What if I don’t have crescent roll sheets?
You can substitute with puff pastry sheets or even homemade dough if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust baking times accordingly since thickness can vary.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground turkey with cooked lentils, crumbled firm tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute, and adjust seasonings to taste for a fantastic vegetarian version.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and friendly for all ages, but if you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the turkey filling.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually makes assembly quicker and lets the flavors meld nicely.
Final Thoughts
Nothing gets me more excited about Halloween than dishes that are both fun and flavor-packed, and this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe hits the spot every single time. It’s a playful, mouthwatering way to enjoy the spooky season with family and friends, and once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved tradition for you too. So gather your ingredients, get twisting, and prepare to wow everyone at your next Halloween bash!
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Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This fun and spooky Halloween recipe transforms crescent rolls into creepy ‘Icky Intestines’ stuffed with savory ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a festive party snack or themed dinner, these stuffed crescent rolls are brushed with garlic butter and a touch of marinara sauce to create a delicious, gooey, and visually eerie treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara pasta sauce, plus more for brushing
Crescent Rolls
- 2 tubes crescent roll sheets
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season the meat with garlic powder, season salt, and dried oregano for a flavorful base.
- Mix in Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce with the cooked turkey mixture. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly so it is easier to handle when assembling.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cut Dough: Roll out each crescent roll sheet and cut each sheet into three long strips, forming the base for the ‘intestines.’
- Assemble Rolls: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella down the center of each dough strip. Spoon the turkey filling over the cheese, then bring the dough edges up around the filling and pinch tightly to seal, enclosing the filling inside.
- Shape Intestines: Place the stuffed rolls onto the prepared baking sheet and twist them into a wavy, winding pattern resembling intestines. Make sure to leave some space between each roll as they will expand when baking.
- Apply Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder. Use a brush to generously coat the shaped rolls with the garlic butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake Initial: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they start to turn golden.
- Apply Marinara: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and lightly brush the rolls with additional marinara sauce to give a ‘bloody’ and spooky appearance.
- Add Toppings: Scatter any leftover turkey filling around the baked rolls and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Serve: Serve the Halloween Icky Intestines warm for the best gooey, savory experience and enjoy the spooky presentation!
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option, or substitute with ground beef or sausage for a richer flavor.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables.
- Ensure the filling is not too hot when assembling to prevent tearing the crescent dough.
- For added spookiness, use a food-safe red food coloring mixed into the marinara sauce before brushing it on.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
