Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
There’s something magical about fresh, buttery crescent rolls—add in the herby goodness of pesto, and you’ve got a festive treat that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are flaky, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of rich pesto and golden, tender dough. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious, these rolls are the way to go. Trust me, every bite will have you saying, “Why haven’t I made these sooner?”
Why You’ll Love Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Here’s why these rolls will quickly become your new favorite festive treat:
Versatile: Serve these rolls as a side at dinner, an appetizer for a gathering, or a snack while watching your favorite movie. They’re perfect for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: All the flavors of a gourmet appetizer without breaking the bank. You only need a few simple ingredients to make these rolls irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With store-bought crescent roll dough, you can have these festive bites ready in no time—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
Customizable: Not a fan of pesto? You can easily switch it up by using sun-dried tomato pesto, garlic butter, or even a bit of cheese for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: These crescent rolls are guaranteed to disappear in seconds. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Ready to roll? Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious, pesto-filled crescent rolls:
Crescent Roll Dough: The soft, buttery dough is the base for this recipe. It bakes up perfectly golden and flaky every time.
Pesto: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, the pesto is the star of this dish. It brings all the herby, garlicky goodness to the rolls.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that takes these rolls to the next level.
Olive Oil: Brushed on top of the rolls before baking, the olive oil ensures a golden, crispy finish and enhances the flavor.
Fresh Basil (Optional): If you have it on hand, fresh basil leaves can be placed inside the roll for an extra burst of flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get rolling with these savory treats:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the rolls bake evenly and turn out golden and crispy.
Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently separate the dough into triangles, making sure not to tear the dough.
Spread the Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto on each triangle. Be generous, but don’t overdo it—just enough to coat the dough and add flavor.
Roll It Up: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough up tightly towards the pointed end, forming a crescent shape.
Add Parmesan and Olive Oil: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, then brush them with a bit of olive oil for a crispy, golden finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top or add a little more Parmesan cheese.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and watch them disappear in no time. These rolls are perfect as a side dish or a light snack!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 180-220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
How to Serve Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
These festive crescent rolls are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to pair them with something else, here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a light salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a creamy dip like ranch, garlic butter, or even a balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Perfect alongside pasta or a charcuterie board at a holiday gathering.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- You can use homemade pesto for an even fresher flavor if you have the time.
- If you prefer a milder pesto flavor, mix a bit of cream cheese into the pesto before spreading it on the dough.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the rolls before baking.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry as an alternative to crescent roll dough. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just brush with olive oil and bake when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I make these rolls with a different filling?
Absolutely! You can try fillings like cheese, ham, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a little bit of pesto and mozzarella for a twist. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese if you prefer something different. - Can I make these rolls without pesto?
Of course! You can use garlic butter, cheese, or even a tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile. - Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works perfectly, but if you have the time, homemade pesto will elevate the flavor even more. - How can I make these rolls spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto, or include a layer of sliced jalapeños inside the roll for a spicy kick. - Can I use a different oil for brushing the rolls?
Yes! You can use melted butter or even garlic-infused olive oil for a richer flavor. - How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave to restore the crispy texture.
Conclusion
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery dough and rich, aromatic pesto. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or a snack, they’re sure to impress and disappear quickly. The ease of making them paired with the big flavors makes them a must-try. Go ahead, bake these up, and treat yourself to the deliciousness!
PrintFestive Crescent Rolls with Pesto
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a delicious twist on a classic. The flaky, buttery crescent rolls are filled with aromatic pesto, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for any holiday or gathering!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
– 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet and separate the dough into triangles.
3. Spread a thin layer of pesto over each crescent dough triangle.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto.
5. Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end, and form a crescent shape.
6. Brush each roll with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
9. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
– You can add additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
– These rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
– For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and a vegan pesto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
