At my house, crescent rolls are a staple. I bake them up as-is for a quick dinner roll, use them as a crust on a makeshift potpie or even pop open a tube or two for these appetizer recipes. These rolls are just a great canvas for so many easy dishes.
Like most folks, I rely on the same brand for my favorite shortcut recipes over and over again. That’s right: I always buy Pillsbury crescent rolls. I don’t want to mess up my family’s favorite veggie pizza by buying another brand that might change the flavor. But I also wonder, what if I could make that veggie pizza even better with another brand?
How We Tested for the Best Crescent Rolls
That’s where this taste test comes in. To test if Pillsbury is really the king of crescents, I had our Test Kitchen bake up five popular crescent roll brands to see them side-by-side in a blind taste test.
For this test, we tried Bake House Creations (an Aldi brand), Great Value (a Walmart brand), Kroger, Pillsbury and Trader Joe’s. All were baked according to their package instructions and testers were kept in the dark about the details until after the scores were tallied.
The Winner: Aldi Crescent Rolls
The winner of the taste test was Bake House Creations crescent rolls—an Aldi-exclusive brand. Aldi scored 8.7 out of 10—a full point higher than its next best competition.
What made these crescent rolls so special? Well, at first blush, these biscuits looked really pretty. They had that picture-perfect crescent look, and they baked up nice and puffy making us all want to dive into the basket to grab one (or two).
And taking those bites was just as satisfying. When we broke into the rolls, we found them to be flaky, moist and fluffy. We got some nice olive oil flavor from the buns (many other crescent rolls tasted of fake butter) and a good, slightly chewy texture. Simply put, they were everything we were looking for in a crescent roll: totally delicious on their own and certainly a worthy base for so many great crescent dough-based recipes.
Editor’s note: I’d like to tell you this was a major shock to us, but Aldi performs pretty darn well in our blind tests. Aldi took a top spot when it came to canned biscuits but also got high praise with cake mix, peanut butter cups and potato chips.
The Bottom Line
In this test, we learned that Pillsbury crescent rolls weren’t at the top of our list. Instead, a budget grocer came in and took the top spot. This demonstrates, like so many of our taste tests, that generics and lower-cost options can compete with the best. In this case, Aldi delivered the most satisfying rolly by far—flaky, moist and wonderfully tasty.
Of course, if you’re a Pillsbury devotee, don’t let this test rattle you. Those crescents tasted perfectly fine, but couldn’t beat the flavor of our winning brand.
Use Our Favorite Brand with These Crescent Recipes
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Lasagna Cups
I love lasagna and garlic bread, so it only made sense to put them together in these fun little cups. Have one as an appetizer or two for a meal! —Angelique Douglas, Maryville, Illinois
Turkey Lattice Pie
With its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish is as appealing as it is tasty. It's easy to make, too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough. —Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Party Pesto Pinwheels
I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Italian Brunch Torte
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Dilly Veggie Pizza
This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover veggies. It's a cinch to prep and you can change the mixture to match your kids' taste buds. Always popular at special events, it's just as yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Chicken Crescent Wreath
Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Sweet Sausage Rolls
Refrigerated dough makes these appetizers a snap to prepare. Sausage gives them a little smoky heat, while honey and brown sugar lend a touch of sweetness. It all adds up to a finger food that's downright addicting! —Lori Cabuno, Canfield, Ohio
Mini Sausage Quiches
These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Sausage and Egg Pizza
I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio
Calzone Pinwheels
Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio
Broccoli Beef Braids
Each slice of this fast-to-fix, golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Apple Dumpling Bake
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Pepperoni Roll-Ups
Here is a fast appetizer recipe that goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Crescent Turkey Casserole
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but won’t take much time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Brunch Pizza Squares
I love using convenience items, like the crescent rolls in this easy recipe. When I serve it to guests, they always ask me for the recipe. To hurry along the preparation of this dish, I frequently brown a few pounds of sausage ahead of time and keep it in the freezer.—LaChelle Olivet, Pace, Florida
Sausage Chive Pinwheels
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves, and sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels never even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Burrito Bake
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Champion Chicken Puffs
My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs. These tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Kids of all ages will love making—and munching—this hearty meal-in-one made with convenient crescent rolls and frozen hash browns. It's even great for camping! —Rae Truax, Mattawa, Washington
Pinwheel Steak Potpie
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Turkey Bundles
This recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
Quick Cherry Turnovers
Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa
Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Pastries
We always have leftover mashed sweet potatoes after our Thanksgiving feast. I take what’s left to make an indulgent filling for sweet potato empanadas. Convenient crescent roll dough makes this recipe easy as pie. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Mom's Chocolate Bread
My mom made this divine chocolaty bread only for holidays or special requests, but it makes any old morning even better. I always think of our family when I smell it baking. —Rachel Rhodes, Bedford, Pennsylvania
Mini Pizza Cups
Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make, little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Artichoke Crescent Appetizers
This colorful appetizer is one of my potluck go-to's. My family loves it served either warm or cold. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Pizza Roll-Ups
Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-size pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Roasted Red Pepper Triangles
I sandwich full-flavored meats, cheeses and veggies between layers of flaky crescent dough for this sensational treat. We like to have marinara sauce on hand for dipping. —Amy Bell, Arlington, Tennessee
Chicken Club Pizza
A co-worker shared how to swap in crescent rolls for pizza crust. I used that idea to turn an awesome sandwich recipe into an even more fabulous pizza. After baking, top with shredded lettuce. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Ring
A classic cordon bleu has chicken, cheese and ham. To change it up, roll everything inside crescent dough for a hand-held meal. —Stella Culotta, Pasadena, Maryland
Mini Crescent Burgers
A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri
Guacamole Appetizer Squares
For ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and always eat snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
Pigs in a Blanket
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Pizza Ring
Mom made a ring with chicken and broccoli one night. I said I’d rather have pizza. That’s how this recipe was born! —Tricia Richardson, Springdale, Arkansas
Sausage & Crescent Roll Casserole
I made this tasty breakfast casserole with crescent rolls for a baby shower. It saved me; preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Cranberry-Brie Tartlets
My family hosts a holiday drop-in each year, and that's where these crescent tartlets made their first appearance. They're easy to make, but look like a gourmet treat. —Cindy Davis, Bonita Springs, Florida
Brunch Pizza
Whenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Chorizo & Egg Breakfast Ring
People go crazy when I bring this loaded crescent ring to parties. I can bake it at home and take it anywhere. Of course, everyone's happy when we have it for dinner, too! —Frances Blackwelder, Grand Junction, Colorado
Ham 'n' Swiss Envelopes
These clever envelopes will make people eager to look inside. The hot pockets shaped with refrigerated dough are stuffed with a delicious ham and cheese filling. —Tammy Burgess, Loveland, Ohio
Crescent Samosas
Tender, buttery crescents surround a delicious filling, making these appetizers a real standout. No one will guess that they're light! —Jennifer Kemp, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
Mushroom Bread
Mom’s best party food included baked crescent dough, piled with mushrooms and cheese. I borrowed her idea and serve with garlic butter or hot sauce. —Jenny Mikulich, Monticello, Illinois
Make-Ahead Sausage Pinwheels
Filled with sausage, sweet pepper and cream cheese, these roll-ups are excellent for unexpected visitors, a cocktail party or a halftime snack. Besides being easy to make, they can be done way ahead and kept in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them into a hot oven! —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Easy Cranberry-Pecan Sticky Buns
These gooey breakfast buns will have your whole family happily licking their fingers! The recipe is easy to prepare using refrigerated crescent dough, dried cranberries, pecans and other kitchen staples. —Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Crab Crescent Triangles
When some friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe for them. The comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Very Cherry Crescent Ring
My mother used to prepare this pretty coffee cake on Christmas Eve for our family to enjoy the next morning after opening gifts. It's an easy way to add an elegant touch to a holiday breakfast or brunch. —Karen Sevensky, Hackettstown, New Jersey
Cheese & Sausage Breakfast Pizza
My unusual breakfast pizza with salsa and sausage is a big crowd pleaser at church events. Try it with a dash of sweet and spicy Tiger Sauce. —Kelly Buckley, Norton, Kansas
Double-Crusted Sausage Egg Casserole
This breakfast has become our Christmas tradition. I love being able to assemble and refrigerate the casserole the night before. Then I just pop it into the oven to bake while we open gifts in the morning. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California
Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets
My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Cherry Dew Dumplings
I’ve never seen a recipe like this one, where filled crescent dough and Mountain Dew are baked together. It’s such a treat. I have to confess, sometimes we eat it for breakfast. —Heidi Swope, Toledo, Ohio
Pork & Shrimp Pinwheels
Here's my homemade version of the dim sum I enjoy in restaurants. The little pinwheels can either be fried or baked. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Sweet & Spicy Asian Chicken Petites
We love Asian flavors and finger foods. Using chicken, crescent rolls, Sriracha and chili sauce, I made an appetizer that encourages second helpings. —Jeanette Nelson, Bridgeport, WV
S'mores Crescent Rolls
Here’s how to score indoor s’mores: Grab crescent dough and Nutella. Invite the kids to help with this rolled-up version of the campfire classic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Lisa Kaminski