Two-For-One Dinner Inspiration

Have you ever come across something online (especially Pinterest) and thought to yourself "Why didn't I think of that?!"  Why do we all think that something should have been so obvious after we see that some one else has come up with it first?? 

These two pins definitely had me shaking my head for not thinking of this sooner... they also had me drooling. Who knew you could make such deliciousness with Pillsbury Crescent Rolls?!  The Pinspirations:

Pizza Crescents!

Photo Credit: Plain Chicken

French Dip Crescents with Easy Au Jus

Photo Credit: MamaLovesFood

I saw the Pizza Crescent Pin just in time to become the successful dinner for my boyfriend's can-be-picky nephews on their first sleepover at our house! I really wanted their sleepover to be fun, and so, of course, I turned to Pinterest. I saw the Pizza Rolls, and knew that I had a dinner contender (I also saw a really cool idea about Spaghetti and Weiners that I haven't tried yet... I will feature it on here after the next time we have the boys over for dinner!) 

<I will preface the upcoming section with an apology for the photography. These pictures were only taken with my iPhone, and I did not really ever think they were going to leave the "Camera Roll", let alone be featured on a blog.  I also do not have step-by-step pictures for this post for the same reason.>

I picked up a package of mixed pizza deli meats and mozzarella string cheese (both on sale!) and a  tube of regular Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. There was definitely room for improvement on my choice of dipping sauce though. The next time I make this I will take the time (that I didn't have with the boys over) to make a true 'pizza sauce' - these ones we just dipped into little bowls of jarred spaghetti sauce. OK, but not as good as it would have been with a zippy pizza sauce.  

The best part of the Pizza Rolls? How ooey-gooey the string cheese gets when it melts!! It was delicious, and very fun! The boys did like getting to choose their own ingredients to customize their own pizza rolls (they got to choose from ham, pepperoni, salami, and pineapple), but they really liked stretching out the stringy cheese!  

Kaden

Bennett

After the success of the Pizza Rolls, I knew I definitely wanted to try the other Pillsbury Crescent Roll pin. I picked up some thinly sliced deli roast beef, and some deli sliced provolone cheese. The original pin suggested swiss or provolone, but I highly recommend provolone as it really was a delicious combination!! Again, there was room for improvement on the dipping sauce on this one, too. I actually forgot about the 'dip' part of the 'Beef Dip' dinner until the rolls were already in the oven, so I had to scramble and whip up something remotely 'au jus'ey... It was alright, but I will definitely make it again with an intentional au jus! 

This picture really doesn't do this justice!! It was delicious, and super easy for a weeknight meal! My suggestion to you though, is that since they are quite small, you might want to supplement this meal with a nice salad or other side dish... Also, I would estimate that one tube of crescents will feed about 2 people. I wouldn't really stretch it any further than that. Even at four each, they went down fast!!  If you're not trying to make this the 'star' of a full meal, they would be great appetizers, or finger food at a party.

If you've read this and are now thinking that you've 'got to try this', I suggest checking out the original Pinspiration for the Beef Dip Rolls. MamaLovesFood has some great ideas for different savoury and sweet combinations featuring Pillsbury Crescent Rolls I am sure they are all scrumptious!!  Go here --> MamaLovesFood <-- and scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page to the other recipes. 

Mmmmmm... after writing this post, I am thinking I will have to go out and buy some more Crescent Rolls!