If you’re looking to add some spooky fun to your Halloween party menu, this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe is an absolute must-try. These winding, gooey, and savory “intestines” made from stuffed crescent rolls filled with flavorful ground turkey, gooey mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce are not only delightfully creepy but incredibly delicious. The perfect mix of festive and tasty, this recipe will have everyone at your gathering asking for seconds while admiring your creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the eerie appearance; the ingredients for this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe are simple yet essential. Each component plays a big role in bringing the flavors, textures, and colors to life, making this dish as satisfying as it is fun to eat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Brings a sweet sharpness that balances the meatiness.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and moist protein that absorbs all seasonings beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt: Enhances all the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herby touch reminiscent of classic Italian dishes.
- 1 cup marinara pasta sauce, plus more for brushing: Keeps the filling saucy and helps create that “bloody” effect on top.
- 2 tubes crescent roll sheets: The versatile, flaky dough that wraps everything up into intestine-like shapes.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping: Melty cheese that ties the filling and dough together with cheesy goodness.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: For brushing the rolls to get that golden, garlicky 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 for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey and cook thoroughly until browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. As it cooks, season with garlic powder, season salt, and dried oregano to deepen the savory notes. Finally, stir in a full cup of marinara sauce for moisture and a punch of tomato flavor, then take the pan off the heat and let the filling cool slightly so it won’t melt your crescent dough too soon.
Step 2: Prepare Your Crescent Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out your crescent dough sheets on a clean surface and slice each sheet into three long strips. These strips will become your intestines, so size matters here—thin enough to twist easily but thick enough to hold the filling securely.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella straight down the center of each dough strip—that’s our cheesy core. Spoon the ground turkey mixture evenly over the cheese, then carefully bring the dough edges up and over the filling, pinching tightly to seal all sides. Now comes the fun part: place the filled strips onto your baking sheet and twist them into winding, wavy shapes that look like creepy intestines. Leave some space between each, as they will puff up during baking.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter Glaze and Bake
Mix the melted butter with an extra teaspoon of garlic powder, then brush it generously all over the shaped rolls. Pop the tray into the oven for 15 minutes to let the dough bake to a beautiful golden brown. When you pull them out, give the rolls a light brush of additional marinara sauce to create a “bloody” glaze that enhances the spooky appearance.
Step 5: Final Bake for Extra Gooey Goodness
Scatter any leftover turkey filling around the rolls on the baking sheet, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, then return the tray to the oven for 5 to 7 more minutes. This finishing touch lets the cheese melt perfectly and adds gooey pockets of flavor that make this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe irresistible. Once done, serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
How to Serve Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe
Garnishes
Want to make your Halloween Icky Intestines pop even more? Scatter some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a hint of green that contrasts with the “gory” reds. A drizzle of spicy sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a fiery kick that some guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the crescent rolls. Alternatively, serve it alongside a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup for a fully festive Halloween feast that balances creepy and comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For party presentation, arrange the stuffed intestines in a large oval to mimic a giant stomach or a spooky monster’s insides. You can even add olive “eyeballs” or pickled jalapeños on toothpicks as “spikes” along the twists for a fun and interactive touch that will spark conversations and laughs around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days and remain tasty if you reheat properly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked stuffed crescent rolls after shaping them. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions as usual. This way, you can prep your Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe ahead of time and bake them fresh on the day.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the exterior nice and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will add a richer flavor and more fat, making the filling even juicier. You can swap it in equal amounts without changing the rest of the recipe.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry sheets or pizza dough can work as substitutes. Just adjust the baking time slightly and shape the dough as you would the crescents to achieve the same “intestine” look.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids love the spooky shape and the mild flavors of this Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe. Just be mindful of any added spicy garnishes if serving to little ones.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap ground turkey for a plant-based crumble or cooked lentils mixed with your favorite veggies to create a delicious vegetarian filling that still delivers on flavor and texture.
How do I make the “bloody” effect look more realistic?
Using extra marinara sauce for brushing after the initial bake creates a fresh, glossy red “blood” look. You can also add a few drops of beet juice or red food coloring mixed with the sauce for an even more vivid effect.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Icky Intestines (Stuffed Crescent Rolls) Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser when it comes to combining festive fun with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a spooky get-together or just want a unique twist on delicious stuffed bread, this recipe guarantees smiles, satisfied appetites, and memorable moments. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get twisting those creepy, cheesy “intestines” that everyone will be talking about long after the party ends!
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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
Celebrate Halloween with these spooky and delicious Halloween Icky Intestines made from stuffed crescent rolls filled with a savory ground turkey, red onion, and bell pepper mixture, topped with melty mozzarella and a garlicky butter glaze for a creepy yet tasty treat perfect for any festive gathering.
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
Assembly & Topping
- 2 tubes crescent roll sheets
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 and fragrant.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon season salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, stirring well to combine.
- Add Sauce and Cool: Stir in 1 cup of marinara pasta sauce, mixing thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembly.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll sheets and cut each sheet into 3 long strips, giving you a total of 6 strips.
- Assemble Intestines: Sprinkle approximately 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly along the center of each dough strip. Spoon the cooled turkey and vegetable filling on top of the cheese. Then fold the sides of the dough up and around the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
- Shape the Intestines: On the prepared baking sheet, twist and coil the stuffed crescent rolls into wavy, winding shapes that resemble intestines. Arrange with space between each to allow for expansion while baking.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Generously brush this garlic butter mixture over each shaped crescent roll to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the shaped rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown.
- Add Marinara and Cheese Topping: Remove from oven and lightly brush the crescent rolls with additional marinara sauce to create a “bloody” effect perfect for Halloween. Scatter any leftover turkey filling around the rolls and sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake Final Stage: 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 fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve these spooky Halloween Icky Intestines warm and enjoy your festive treat with friends and family!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on preference.
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Ensure to pinch the crescent dough seams tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting results.
- These intestines are best served warm on the day they are baked for optimal texture and flavor.
