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Caramelized Onion Roast Beef Rolls Recipe

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4.4 from 90 reviews

Caramelized Onion Roast Beef Rolls are savory crescent roll dough bundles filled with tender deli roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these golden-baked rolls combine rich flavors and a flaky, buttery crust for a delightful treat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Roast Beef Rolls

  • All-purpose flour, for work surface
  • 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 10 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 pound deli roast beef, shaved or thinly sliced

Butter Topping

  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions begin to soften and brown. Add the kosher salt and black pepper, reduce the heat to medium, and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Lightly flour your work surface. Remove the crescent roll dough from the tubes and unroll it. Pinch the seams together to create one large rectangle.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Layer the provolone cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the sliced roast beef, and then spread the cooled caramelized onions on top. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a very sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place each roll upright in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 43-45 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Prepare and Apply Butter Topping: While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the kosher salt and freshly chopped parsley. When the rolls are almost done, remove them from the oven and brush the salted butter mixture generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Using a sharp knife when slicing the rolled dough ensures clean cuts and neat rolls.
  • Cool the caramelized onions completely before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
  • These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
  • For a spicier variation, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the caramelized onions.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore the flaky texture.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American