Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that practically shouts “celebration,” look no further than these Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto. Imagine warm, flaky crescents wrapped around vibrant green basil pesto, with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a golden, buttery finish. They’re easy enough to whip up on a whim, yet special enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a cozy brunch, or just craving something deliciously savory, these rolls are guaranteed to bring a burst of joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto truly shine is their simplicity: just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in flavor and texture. Don’t skip any if you want to capture that irresistible combination of tender pastry and herby goodness!
- Crescent roll dough: The buttery, flaky base that makes these rolls so irresistible and easy to assemble.
- Basil pesto: This vibrant spread infuses the rolls with garlicky, herbal notes and a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps the pesto cling to the dough.
- Olive oil (for brushing): Gives the rolls a beautiful sheen and an extra hint of richness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash – optional): For a glossy, golden finish that makes these rolls look bakery-worthy.
- Coarse sea salt or sesame seeds (optional): A finishing touch for crunch and flavor that elevates each bite.
How to Make Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting everything ready before you start rolling keeps your workflow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Gently pop open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines into triangles. The triangles are your blank canvas—soon to be transformed into golden, pesto-filled delights!
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto over each triangle. Be generous, but not too heavy—just enough so every bite of your Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto bursts with herby flavor without making the dough soggy.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Parmesan
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle it over the pesto. This step is optional, but highly recommended for an extra savory punch. The cheese melts into the pesto, creating little pockets of umami richness.
Step 5: Roll and Shape
Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each triangle toward the point, forming that classic crescent shape. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to puff up as they bake.
Step 6: Brush and Top
If you love a glossy finish, brush each roll lightly with a beaten egg or a drizzle of olive oil. For extra flair, sprinkle with coarse sea salt or sesame seeds. These touches make your Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto look bakery-worthy and add a little crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. The aroma alone will let you know something delicious is about to happen. Allow them to cool slightly before serving so the pesto flavors can settle in.
How to Serve Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Garnishes
Once your Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are out of the oven, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves make for a beautiful finishing touch. You can even drizzle a tiny bit more pesto on top for extra color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, a warming bowl of soup, or an antipasto platter. They’re versatile enough to complement everything from classic tomato soup to a hearty Italian stew, making them the ultimate party sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto in a wreath shape for the holidays, or stack them on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering. For individual servings, pop a roll into a napkin-lined basket at each place setting—guests will love the special touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto left (they disappear fast!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The rolls stay soft and flavorful—perfect for a quick snack.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings back their lovely texture and revives the aromatic pesto flavor. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crisp!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds a fresh, personal touch to your Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto. Just make sure it’s not too runny, as you want the pesto to stay put while baking.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for a gooey surprise inside each roll.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
For a vegan version, use plant-based crescent roll dough, skip the egg wash, and try a dairy-free pesto and cheese substitute. Brush with olive oil for a golden finish!
Can I add extra fillings?
Definitely! A tiny cube of mozzarella or a slice of sun-dried tomato rolled up with the pesto adds amazing flavor and a little “wow” factor. Just don’t overfill, or the rolls may not seal properly.
Are Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto good for making ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto with friends and family. They’re simple, full of bold flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give them a try at your next gathering—you might just find a new favorite tradition!
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Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a quick and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Made with buttery crescent roll dough, aromatic basil pesto, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds, these golden-brown bites pair beautifully with a variety of dips and salads. Their savory flavor and easy preparation make them an ideal snack or side dish to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup prepared basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash – optional)
- Coarse sea salt or sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Unroll and Separate Dough: Take the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into individual triangle shapes as per the package instructions.
- Spread Pesto and Add Cheese: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto evenly over each triangle. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Roll into Crescents: Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough up toward the pointed end to form crescent shapes. Place each rolled crescent onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Brush and Garnish: If you like, brush each crescent roll lightly with the beaten egg or olive oil to help achieve a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sea salt or sesame seeds on top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm as an appetizer or alongside your favorite meal.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought basil pesto depending on your preference and convenience.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a small cube of mozzarella cheese or a slice of sun-dried tomato inside the dough before rolling.
- Serve these crescent rolls warm for the best taste and texture as an appetizer or delicious side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
