If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with tender sautéed zucchini, fragrant herbs, creamy cheese, and the buttery goodness of crescent roll dough, it’s a savory pie that feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a beautifully golden, cheesy, and herb-kissed masterpiece that invites you to savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to an essential lineup of ingredients that build texture, flavor, and that irresistible Italian spirit. Each item plays a key role in balancing freshness, creaminess, and flaky richness.
- 2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter: Adds a rich, velvety foundation perfect for sautéing zucchini and onions.
- 4 cups thinly sliced zucchini: The star veggie offering mild flavor and soft texture after cooking.
- 1 cup chopped onions: Brings sweetness and depth as they caramelize gently.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes: Adds a fresh herbal brightness to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle, warming touch of spice.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle hint of garlicky goodness throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves: Offers classic Italian herbaceous notes.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano leaves: Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the flavor profile.
- 2 LAND O LAKES® Eggs, well beaten: Binds the filling ingredients with a creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded Muenster or mozzarella cheese (8 oz): Melts beautifully to create luscious, gooey pockets of flavor.
- 1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls: Provides a buttery, flaky crust that holds it all together.
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the filling mixture.
How to Make Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing your zucchini thinly and chopping the onions. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the zucchini and onion. Sauté until they’re tender and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness. This step is key to concentrating flavors and ensuring the pie’s filling isn’t watery.
Step 2: Season the Filling
Once your vegetables are softened, sprinkle in the dried parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Stir everything to combine evenly so those classic Italian herbs get absorbed by the zucchini and onions, creating a vibrant, aromatic base.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Mustard
Remove the pan from heat and let the veggie mixture cool just slightly. Then transfer it to a large bowl where you’ll stir in the beaten eggs and yellow mustard. These ingredients are essential to binding the filling and adding a subtle tang that lifts every bite.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded Muenster or mozzarella cheese last—this cheesy layer ensures your Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe is irresistibly melty, creamy, and rich. Don’t rush this step; gently combine everything for the best texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Unroll the Pillsbury crescent dough onto a well-greased pie plate. Press the triangles together to form a solid crust that will hold your filling like a warm Italian embrace. Pour in the zucchini and cheese filling evenly over the dough and fold the edges over to seal the pie.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your assembled pie into a preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. This final baking step locks in all the flavors and delivers the flaky, buttery crust that complements the tender zucchini and bubbling cheese filling.
How to Serve Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle your Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate each slice for that authentic Italian finish.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and mozzarella caprese salad. These sides complement the richness of the pie while keeping the meal balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pie into wedges for a classic look, or cut smaller squares for appetizer-style servings at your next gathering. You can also serve it alongside roasted garlic aioli or marinara sauce as a dipping option, making it both elegant and fun for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavors and textures, ready for a quick reheat or cold slice.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will hold well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, so you don’t lose that signature crescent roll flakiness and cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can enhance the flavor even more. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
What’s the best cheese to use for this pie?
Muenster or mozzarella are ideal because they melt smoothly and create that creamy texture we love. You can mix them or substitute with provolone for a slightly sharper taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it focuses on vegetables and cheese. Just be sure your crescent dough contains no animal derivatives if you want it strictly vegetarian.
How do I prevent the zucchini from making the pie soggy?
Sautéing the zucchini beforehand is crucial to reduce moisture. Make sure to cook them until tender and slightly dry, so the filling stays firm and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Is this pie suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The traditional crescent roll dough contains gluten, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you could experiment with gluten-free dough alternatives to create a similar delicious pie.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. It’s the kind of comforting yet fresh dish that feels special but is effortless to bring together. Whether for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining, this pie offers the perfect balance of cheesy, herby, and buttery goodness that everyone will rave about. So go ahead, grab those crescent rolls and fresh zucchini, and start baking a slice of Italian sunshine today!
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Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie Recipe
This Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make savory pie featuring tender sautéed zucchini and onions, combined with aromatic herbs, cheese, and wrapped in buttery crescent dough. It makes a perfect lunch or light dinner option that brings Italian flavors to your table with a golden, flaky crust and a cheesy zucchini filling.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter
- 4 cups thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 LAND O LAKES® Eggs, well beaten
- 2 cups shredded Muenster or mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
Crust
- 1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, melt the LAND O LAKES® Butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced zucchini and chopped onions, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. Stir in the dried parsley flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to infuse the mixture with rich Italian flavors.
- Mix Eggs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-beaten eggs and shredded Muenster or mozzarella cheese. Add the sautéed zucchini mixture and yellow mustard, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a cohesive filling.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls and press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, sealing the perforations to form a solid crust base for the pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the zucchini and cheese filling evenly into the crescent roll crust, spreading it to the edges for uniform cooking and presentation.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. To ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly, you can check the center after 30 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash for a slightly different flavor.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the crescent dough edges lightly with melted butter before baking.
- Make sure to sauté the zucchini and onions well to reduce moisture and avoid a soggy crust.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
