Crescentina is a type of puffed bread made with flour, lard, salt, milk and a leavening agent (sometimes with the addition of cracklings). The dough is fried in lard and served hot. Although very delicious on its own, crescentina is usually served with fresh soft cheeses and cold cuts typical for the region, or with jam and chocolate-hazelnut spreads in the sweet version.

It is typical for Bologna, but similar dishes can be found throughout the Emilia Romagna region, and the name varies depending on the city: gnocco fritto in Modena, pinzino in Ferrara, torta fritta in Parma, chisulen in Piacenza.