The Most Festive Pesto Crescent Rolls Recipe for Any Gathering

Whipping up these festive crescent rolls with pesto promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll spark excitement at any gathering.

Soft, pillowy dough meets vibrant green sauce in a match made in kitchen heaven.

Herbs dance through flaky layers, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary side into something spectacular.

Delicate and packed with flavor, these rolls bring a touch of gourmet magic to your meal.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions, these crescent rolls elevate every moment with their irresistible charm.

Prepare to impress and savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creation.

Why Festive Crescent Rolls With Pesto Are a Treat

• Boost Party Vibes: These cheesy pesto crescent rolls transform any gathering into a delightful celebration, making them perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these rolls are a speedy solution for hungry guests who want something delicious without complicated cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining the classic crescent roll with zesty pesto and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
• Versatile Flavor Fusion: Easily customizable with different herbs, cheeses, or additional toppings, these rolls can be adapted to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining their core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Festive Crescent Rolls With Pesto

• Crescent Roll Dough: A soft and flaky pastry that forms the foundation of these festive rolls.
• Pesto: A flavorful green sauce that adds a rich herbal taste to the crescent rolls.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide a creamy and savory element that melts beautifully inside the rolls.

• Egg: Helps create a golden and shiny exterior when brushed on the rolls.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Steps to Bake Pesto Crescent Rolls Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you get the crescent rolls ready.

Step 2: Unveil Dough

Gently unroll the crescent roll package onto a clean baking sheet.

Carefully separate each triangle of soft dough.

Step 3: Spread Herbaceous Layer

Create a delightful base by spreading a light, even coating of pesto across each dough triangle.

Use the back of a spoon to distribute smoothly.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese Blend

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Step 5: Craft Crescent Shapes

Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle into a classic crescent shape.

Tuck and curve the edges for a perfect curve.

Step 6: Add Golden Glaze

Whisk an egg and use a pastry brush to paint a beautiful golden sheen across the surface of each rolled crescent.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crescents turn a gorgeous golden brown and look irresistibly crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Finish

Remove the crescents from the oven. Optional: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the warm, aromatic crescents to a serving platter. Enjoy immediately as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or delightful side dish.

Notes for Flaky and Savory Crescent Rolls

• Pat pesto dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent dough from becoming wet.
• Grate cheese finely and sprinkle evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
• Use room temperature pesto and eggs for smoother spreading and better dough texture.
• Prepare rolls ahead and refrigerate before baking to maintain shape and enhance flavor melding.
• Substitute crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry for a similar delicious result.

Creative Swaps for Festive Crescent Rolls

• Herbed Olive Crescents: Replace pesto with olive tapenade, sprinkle dried oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Spinach Rolls: Use gluten-free crescent dough, swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese, add chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Version: Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños, spread inside crescents, top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Vegan Herb Rolls: Create crescents using plant-based dough, spread cashew-based pesto, add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.

Pairings for Pesto Crescent Rolls

Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herbal pesto and cheesy flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.

Create a light tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad that echoes the pesto’s ingredients and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy crescent rolls.

Add prosciutto, salami, and olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired spread that highlights the Italian-style flavors of the pesto crescent rolls.

Offer a smooth, herb-infused tomato soup as a dipping companion that enhances the pesto’s herbal notes and provides a comforting warmth.

Storing Crescent Rolls for the Party

• Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Wrap cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Arrange rolls on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Warm rolls for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough and lose their crispy edges.

FAQs

• What ingredients are needed for these Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto?

You’ll need crescent roll dough, pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, an egg for brushing, and optional fresh basil leaves for garnish.

• Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of rolling and brushing with egg, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Are these crescent rolls vegetarian?

Yes, these crescent rolls are vegetarian, using cheese and pesto as the main filling ingredients. Just ensure your pesto doesn’t contain meat products.

Festive Crescent Rolls With Pesto Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Elevate holiday gatherings with these festive crescent rolls with pesto, blending rich herbal flavors and buttery pastry in one irresistible bite. Guests will savor each golden, flaky layer infused with aromatic basil and parmesan, creating a memorable side that sparks conversation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Carefully unfurl the crescent roll dough and gently separate into individual triangular sections.
3. Apply a delicate layer of vibrant pesto across the entire surface of each dough triangle.
4. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto-coated dough.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide base to the pointed tip, creating a classic curved crescent shape.
6. Delicately coat the exterior of each roll with beaten egg using a pastry brush to ensure a rich, golden exterior.
7. Position the prepared crescents on the baking sheet, allowing slight spacing between each roll.
8. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a deep golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to set.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh, chopped basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately while warm and crispy, perfect as a savory appetizer or complementary side dish.

Notes

• Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto to elevate the flavor profile and ensure a rich, aromatic taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like fontina or provolone for unique flavor combinations that complement the pesto.
• Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste.
• Enhance the rolls by adding thin slices of prosciutto or sun-dried tomatoes before rolling for an extra gourmet touch and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg