Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto

Looking for an appetizer that’s both beautiful and mouthwatering? These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent rolls, stuffed with savory, herb-packed pesto sauce, and topped with melted cheese—all golden-brown and oh-so-delicious. These are the kind of bites that disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”

They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you want to elevate your snack game. They’re easy to make, but they look so fancy that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to be the star of your next party with these! Ready to bake up some festive magic? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto

Simple Yet Elegant

These rolls combine the richness of buttery crescent dough with the fresh, vibrant flavors of pesto. They look fancy enough to impress guests but are quick and simple to make. You’ll be shocked by how easy it is to create such a flavorful appetizer!

Flavor Packed

The pesto adds an herby, garlicky punch, and when paired with the melted cheese and flaky crescent dough, it’s like a little bite of heaven. It’s a savory combo that will make your taste buds dance.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, serving appetizers for a party, or looking for a fun family snack, these rolls fit the bill. They’re versatile enough to serve at casual gatherings or festive celebrations.

Customizable

You can make these rolls your own by swapping out the pesto for different spreads—sun-dried tomato pesto, olive tapenade, or even a spicy harissa paste. Want to add a bit of crunch? Toss in some pine nuts or toasted seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Crescent Rolls:

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh mozzarella (shredded or sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

For the Pesto:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Pine nuts (or walnuts if you prefer)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto baked and ready to wow everyone!

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your pesto sauce!

Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package (usually 375°F/190°C). Open the crescent roll dough package and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles.

Step 3: Add Pesto and Cheese

Spread a thin layer of pesto onto each crescent triangle, leaving a small border at the edges. Add a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto. You can also add extra cheese inside the roll if you prefer more cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Roll Them Up

Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough up tightly toward the pointed end, ensuring that the cheese and pesto stay inside. Arrange each roll on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for expansion as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake according to the crescent roll package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 310mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto

These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a fun snack. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

As an Appetizer

These rolls are ideal for any gathering. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a charcuterie board for a well-rounded spread that your guests will love.

With a Side of Dipping Sauce

Add an extra layer of flavor by serving these rolls with a side of extra pesto, marinara sauce, or even a tangy balsamic glaze for dipping.

For a Quick Snack

Sometimes, you just need a quick snack that satisfies, and these pesto rolls are perfect for that. Pair them with a hot cup of soup or some sliced veggies on the side for a delicious bite any time of day.

For a Party Platter

Make a batch of these rolls and arrange them beautifully on a platter. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, making it the perfect eye-catching dish for any party.

Additional Tips

• Make It Veggie-Friendly: If you have vegetarians or plant-based eaters at your party, make sure to swap out the cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also add some roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add Crunch: If you want an added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top before serving.
• Frozen Crescent Dough: If you prefer, you can use frozen crescent dough or even puff pastry for a different texture. Both work beautifully with the pesto.
• Pesto Variations: While classic basil pesto is amazing, feel free to try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a unique twist on this dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prep these rolls ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a convenient option, and it will still taste great in these rolls. Just be sure to choose a good-quality pesto for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze these rolls before baking?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the rolls before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven, and bake from frozen for a few extra minutes.

Q3: How do I store leftover rolls?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to bring back that crispy texture.

Q4: Can I make these rolls without cheese?
A4: Yes! You can leave out the cheese and still enjoy these rolls with just the pesto. It’ll be lighter, but still packed with flavor.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Definitely! Try using provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Mozzarella is great, but feel free to get creative!

Q6: Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
A6: Yes, homemade dough will work just as well if you’re feeling adventurous and want to make these rolls from scratch.

Q7: How do I make the pesto ahead of time?
A7: You can prepare the pesto ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Q8: Can I add extra toppings to the rolls?
A8: For sure! You can top the rolls with extra herbs, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Q9: Can I make these rolls spicy?
A9: Yes! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the rolls for a spicy kick.

Q10: Are these rolls gluten-free?
A10: Unfortunately, traditional crescent dough isn’t gluten-free. However, you can try using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are an effortless yet impressive appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving something savory, these pesto-filled delights will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The blend of flaky dough, creamy cheese, and herbaceous pesto makes each bite an absolute treat. Give these a try, and let the festive magic unfold!

Print