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

Scale

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)

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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.