Description
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a quick and delicious appetizer featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with flavorful pesto and melted cheeses. Perfectly baked until golden brown and optionally garnished with fresh basil, they make an elegant addition to any gathering or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Rolls and Filling
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking during baking.
- Unroll and Arrange Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart and do not overlap.
- Spread Pesto: Using about 1 teaspoon of pesto sauce, spread it evenly onto each triangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges to allow the dough to seal when rolled.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle approximately one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto on each triangle, followed by a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
- Add Heat (Optional): For those who like a little spice, sprinkle a small pinch of red pepper flakes over the cheese layer on each crescent triangle.
- Roll the Crescents: Starting from the wide end of the triangle, tightly roll the dough towards the pointed end to form classic crescent shapes, sealing the edges slightly if needed.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled crescents back on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of each crescent roll with olive oil to promote a golden and crisp exterior once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the crescent rolls from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm as an appealing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For a homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Use store-bought crescent dough for convenience, or substitute with homemade puff pastry if preferred.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the pesto.
- If olive oil is not available, melted butter can be brushed on top before baking for a rich flavor.
- These crescent rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
