Description
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky, golden crescent roll dough filled with vibrant pesto sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. They bake quickly to a crispy, cheesy perfection and can be garnished with fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
dough
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or your favorite brand)
Fillings and toppings
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Dough Triangles: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them on the baking sheet without overlapping to allow even baking.
- Spread Pesto Sauce: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of pesto sauce onto each dough triangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto on each triangle, then add a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness.
- Add Heat (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top of the cheese to add a subtle spicy kick.
- Roll the Crescent Rolls: Begin rolling each triangle tightly from the wide end towards the pointed end to create the classic crescent shape filled with pesto and cheese.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion while baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to not overfill the crescent dough to prevent leaks while baking.
- For a homemade pesto, blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses if preferred.
- The olive oil brushing step helps create a beautiful golden crust but can be omitted for a lighter finish.
- These crescent rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.
