Ah, there’s just something magical about crescent rolls, isn’t there? Soft, flaky, and buttery on the outside, and when you add a pop of pesto in the center, it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite. These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are the perfect dish to impress your guests—whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or simply want to indulge in a cozy, savory snack. They’re a delicious twist on the classic crescent roll, bringing fresh herbs and a punch of garlicky pesto right to your table. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.
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So, why will you love this recipe? Let’s break it down!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about flavor—although, let’s be honest, it’s full of it. It’s about creating a beautiful moment of indulgence with little effort. Here’s why these Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto will steal the show:
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these crescent rolls come together in no time. You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull this off—just roll them up, bake, and enjoy!
Impress Your Guests: You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to wow your friends and family. These rolls look and taste gourmet, and you can serve them as a fancy appetizer or side dish that’s sure to get rave reviews.
Fresh, Herby Flavor: The pesto adds such a fresh, vibrant taste that balances beautifully with the buttery, flaky crescent rolls. It’s like the perfect little bite of savory heaven.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a holiday feast or just enjoying a quiet dinner, these rolls fit right in. They’re festive, flavorful, and can be paired with so many different dishes.
Customizable: You can tweak the pesto to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add some extra garlic, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes, or use a different nut, it’s easy to personalize this dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto:
Crescent Rolls: The buttery, flaky base that makes these so irresistible. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, they’re the perfect vessel for all the delicious pesto.
Pesto: The hero of this recipe! Pesto brings in all that fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. You can use store-bought pesto or whip up your own for a more personalized touch.
Parmesan Cheese: A little extra cheesy goodness that takes these rolls over the top. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that perfectly complements the pesto.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must in pesto, but you can also sprinkle a little extra on top of the rolls for that added depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil over the rolls before baking ensures they get that golden, crispy finish.
Optional Garnish: Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for that finishing touch.
Instructions
Here’s how to make these flavorful Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This will give it enough time to get nice and hot for those rolls.
Prepare the Pesto: If you’re using store-bought pesto, you’re all set. If you’re making your own, blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts (or walnuts), and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roll Out the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently separate the triangles and lay them out flat.
Spread the Pesto: Spread a generous amount of pesto onto each crescent roll triangle, focusing on the wide end where you’ll roll them up. You want just enough pesto so every bite has a burst of flavor.
Roll Them Up: Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each triangle into a crescent shape. Place them on the baking sheet with the points tucked underneath.
Add Cheese and Garlic: Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the top of each roll, and if you like garlic, add a little garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the rolls into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan, then serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 180
(Full nutrition details available in the recipe card)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
These rolls are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Pair with Pasta: Serve these rolls alongside your favorite pasta dish for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Light Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the pesto rolls.
Soup: These rolls make an amazing side to a hearty soup—think tomato basil, minestrone, or even a creamy potato soup.
As an Appetizer: These rolls are fantastic served as an appetizer at any gathering. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Homemade Pesto: If you have fresh basil on hand, making your own pesto adds a personalized touch. You can even add other herbs, like parsley or arugula, for a different flavor profile.
Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving.
Freeze for Later: These rolls freeze beautifully. Prepare them, freeze unbaked, and then bake directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep that crispy exterior.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use mozzarella, ricotta, or even goat cheese for a different twist.
Q2: Can I use a store-bought dough?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought crescent dough works just fine for this recipe, making it quick and easy.
Q3: Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
A3: Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as long as you’re using vegetarian pesto and cheese.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best when reheated in the oven.
Q5: Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
A5: Yes, you can freeze them unbaked! Just prepare, freeze, and then bake them directly from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Q6: Can I use a different type of pesto?
A6: Yes! You can swap out the classic basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or even a kale pesto for a fun twist.
Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough, and you’re all set to enjoy these rolls without the gluten.
Q8: Can I add protein to these rolls?
A8: Absolutely! Add some cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage to make these rolls a bit heartier.
Q9: Can I make these rolls in advance?
A9: Yes! Prepare the rolls and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
Q10: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A10: Definitely! Store-bought pesto is a great shortcut if you’re short on time but still want that fresh flavor.
Conclusion
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery goodness and fresh, herby flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a fun snack, they’re sure to impress. So why not give this simple yet delicious recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. Soft crescent rolls filled with creamy pesto, tomato paste, and melted mozzarella make the perfect addition to any holiday or special meal. Serve them as an appetizer or side, and enjoy a bite of flavor in every roll!
Ingredients
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1 can large crescent rolls
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 large egg, beaten
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2 oz cream cheese
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1/3 cup pesto sauce
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1/4 cup tomato paste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Open the can of crescent rolls and separate each of the 8 rolls. Use a rolling pin to slightly roll each crescent out to make them larger.
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Spread a thin layer of cream cheese, pesto sauce, tomato paste, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on each crescent roll triangle.
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Roll each crescent roll carefully from the wider side and place them seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat for all the rolls.
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Brush each crescent roll with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg