If you’re dreaming of a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels like a hug wrapped in flaky dough, you’re going to love this Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of buttery, golden crescent rolls filled with vibrant basil pesto, a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan, and a nutty crunch from pine nuts. These rolls bake up beautifully, with a glossy egg-wash finish and a little coarse sea salt that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday party or just want a delicious snack that looks as good as it tastes, these crescent rolls are irresistibly easy and incredibly festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the pillowy crescent dough that creates the perfect texture to the fresh pesto that bursts with herbal brightness.
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The base of your rolls; choose quality dough for the best flaky layers.
- 1/4 cup basil pesto: Provides a rich, herby flavor that’s the heart of this recipe—store-bought works, but homemade shines.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kiss that complements the pesto beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional): A subtle crunchy texture that enhances the nutty undertones of the pesto.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the crescent rolls a golden, glossy finish that looks irresistible.
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling): A final touch that brings out all the flavors with just the right pop of saltiness.
- Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional): Adds a beautiful, festive touch for presentation and aroma.
How to Make Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your rolls go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked, golden rolls.
Step 2: Roll Out and Portion the Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough carefully and separate it into the individual triangles as indicated on the packaging. These triangles are your blank canvases for the delicious pesto filling.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto and Add Toppings
Using a small spoon or a butter knife, spread about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of basil pesto on each triangle. Leave a small border near the edges to prevent the pesto from oozing out during baking. Then, sprinkle each triangle with the grated Parmesan cheese and add a few pine nuts if you’re using them—this brings an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Shape the Crescents
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle toward the tip to create crescent shapes. Place each crescent on the prepared baking sheet with the tip side down to keep their shape while baking.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash and Sea Salt
Give the tops of the rolls a light brush with the beaten egg; this will give you that beautiful, glossy finish we all love. Then sprinkle a little coarse sea salt over the tops—it adds just the right touch of crunchy, savory flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end because they can go from perfect to overly crisp quickly. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before moving them to a serving dish.
How to Serve Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this recipe. Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs not only add a festive green pop that is visually stunning but also infuses a subtle, fresh scent that enhances the eating experience.
Side Dishes
Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite Italian pasta dishes or a cheese and charcuterie board for a party.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday gathering or special event, arrange the rolls in a circular wreath shape on a platter. Tuck in extra sprigs of herbs and maybe some cherry tomatoes around the edges to amp up the festive vibes. This presentation will surely impress your guests before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining most of their texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds a fresh and personal touch that’s often even more flavorful than store-bought. Just be sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy rolls.
Are pine nuts necessary in the Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe?
Not at all. Pine nuts are optional but highly recommended for adding texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pesto. You can omit them if you prefer or substitute with chopped walnuts or almonds.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, you can! Use a vegan crescent roll dough if available, skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese, and swap the egg wash for a plant-based milk or olive oil brush for that golden finish.
How spicy are these rolls?
These rolls are mild by default, focusing on herbal pesto flavors. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto spread, which gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
What is the best way to serve these rolls warm?
Serve them fresh out of the oven, ideally within 30 minutes for the best buttery, flaky texture. If reheated, warming in the oven rather than the microwave will keep the rolls crisp and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers for any celebration or casual get-together. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor in every bite. The combination of flaky dough, vibrant pesto, and a sprinkle of Parmesan is just pure joy. So grab your crescent dough and pesto, and start rolling out some happiness for your friends and family today!
Print
Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holidays or parties. Tender crescent roll dough is spread with flavorful basil pesto, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, then baked to a golden brown. Finished with an egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, these rolls offer a perfect combination of savory and herbaceous flavors, ideal for serving warm with a garnish of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. These will form the base for your rolls.
- Add Filling: Spread about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of basil pesto over each crescent triangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Sprinkle Cheese and Nuts: Evenly distribute grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto layer, and add a few pine nuts on top if using, to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Roll Crescents: Carefully roll up each triangle from the wide end toward the tip, shaping them into crescent rolls. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet with the tip side down to secure the shape while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor and a festive look.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the crescent rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or rosemary sprigs if desired, for a festive and aromatic presentation.
Notes
- For a flavor variation, try using sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- These crescent rolls are best served warm to enjoy their soft texture and fragrant filling.
- Perfect as an appetizer or a complementary side dish for holiday meals or parties.
