The Top Crescent Rolls: Results from Our Taste Test

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Crescent rolls often hold a special place at the dining table, much like chips at a Mexican restaurant: they can tempt even the most restrained appetites. Their warm, inviting aroma makes it difficult to resist indulging before the main course arrives.

Ready-to-bake crescent rolls are popular for good reason; they require minimal preparation and bake quickly. To identify the best options available, we conducted a tasting of five different brands, ultimately highlighting three that consistently impressed.

Testing Methodology

For our taste test, we selected five brands of crescent rolls commonly found in grocery store refrigerators, ensuring a variety of options based on popularity and availability. Each brand was baked according to the package instructions, with baking temperatures set at either 375℉ or 350℉ for nonstick sheets, for a duration of 10 to 13 minutes.

Tasters evaluated each roll based on flavor and texture. We asked them to assess the butteriness, sweetness, and saltiness for flavor, while texture was judged on flakiness, airiness, and overall tenderness. To ensure fairness, the rolls were not brushed with additional butter prior to baking and were tasted on their own.

Among the five brands we sampled, two did not perform well, receiving notably low scores for both flavor and texture. These varieties were described as bland and lacking character, prompting comparisons to the term “claggy,” often used in baking critiques. On a brighter note, our top three crescent rolls each made a memorable impression, making them worthy of any festive gathering.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Trader Joe’s Organic Crescent Rolls

Known for its affordable products and unique offerings, Trader Joe’s has yet again impressed with its Organic Crescent Rolls. These rolls excel in taste, boasting a balanced profile with mild sweetness and light toasty, nutty undertones.

The texture of these rolls set them apart; they featured a crisp exterior and were airy, revealing visible layers of flakiness upon each bite. Their delicate nature makes them an excellent pairing for richer dishes, whether served alongside a festive holiday prime rib or a comforting weeknight stew.

Best Classic: Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls

Pillsbury has secured its reputation as a go-to brand for ready-made dough products, and its Original Crescent Rolls have been a favorite since their introduction in 1965. Reviewers consistently praised the flaky yet soft texture and pleasantly salted flavor, often noting a biscuit-like quality.

In terms of visual appeal, these rolls excelled, showcasing a golden-brown exterior, a notable advantage over some of the competition. To elevate their flavor for special gatherings, consider pairing these rolls with a flavored compound butter.

Honorable Mention: Publix Original Crescent Rolls

Not to be outdone, Publix also impressed taste testers, particularly for those who prefer a sweeter roll. A favorite among shoppers in the South and Southeast, these crescent rolls were noted for their brioche-like sweetness and a springy, chewy texture that delighted reviewers.

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www.foodandwine.com