If you’re looking for a simple, showstopping appetizer that wows everyone from kids to foodies, look no further than Crescent Rolls with Pesto. These golden, baked beauties wrap herby pesto and gooey cheese inside buttery, flaky dough for a heavenly bite every time. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a cozy dinner, or just want a delicious snack, these rolls do it all with only minutes of prep and a handful of flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in these Crescent Rolls with Pesto works its magic to create irresistible flavor and texture. With just a few things from your fridge and pantry, you’ll taste crisp, cheesy, and herby goodness in every layered bite.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut to pillowy, flaky, golden rolls that bake up perfectly every time.
- Basil pesto: Either homemade or store-bought, this infuses every roll with fragrant, garlicky, herb-packed flavor that’s classic yet bold.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create the ultimate cheese-pull and creamy contrast to the pesto.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty edge and helps the filling taste extra rich.
- Egg (beaten): Brushed on top as an egg wash for a gorgeous, glossy, bakery-style finish.
- Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning: Sprinkle on top for an aromatic boost and instant Italian vibes.
How to Make Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your Crescent Rolls with Pesto from sticking.
Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Carefully pop open your can of crescent dough. Unroll it onto a very lightly floured surface and gently separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. If you need to, pinch any seams that look a little thin or uneven.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, gently spread about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of pesto onto each triangle. Leave a small border around the edges so the pesto doesn’t spill out while rolling. The aroma alone at this stage is unbeatable!
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the pesto, and then add a pinch of freshly grated Parmesan for nutty, salty depth. Don’t overload them, but be generous—this combo is unbelievably satisfying when melted inside the roll.
Step 5: Roll Up the Triangles
Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll it toward the tip to form that signature crescent shape. The pesto and cheese will swirl beautifully inside, making every bite a surprise of flavor.
Step 6: Arrange, Brush, and Season
Place each filled crescent onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops with beaten egg for that golden color. For an extra punch, sprinkle with a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you like.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Slide your tray into the oven and bake the Crescent Rolls with Pesto for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for golden, puffy rolls with oozing cheese and toasted edges. Let them cool just a little so you don’t burn your tongue, then serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Crescent Rolls with Pesto
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way. Try scattering a few torn basil leaves or a dusting of extra Parmesan over the warm rolls, or drizzle just a touch of olive oil for shine. These tiny touches make your Crescent Rolls with Pesto look like they came straight from an Italian bistro.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair perfectly with fresh salads dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, a hot bowl of tomato soup, or even a simple antipasto platter for easy entertaining. If you’re serving them at a party, they play nicely with crisp veggies and dips too!
Creative Ways to Present
To really make them the star of your gathering, arrange Crescent Rolls with Pesto in a circle on a platter for a festive wreath effect, or thread warm rolls onto skewers for a playful party treat. For a dinner side, pile them into a bread basket and watch how fast they disappear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Crescent Rolls with Pesto, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to two days at room temperature—perfect for grabbing a quick snack!
Freezing
You can freeze any baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked texture, simply pop leftover Crescent Rolls with Pesto in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. You can also warm one or two in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, though the oven option keeps them nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh, homemade pesto will give your Crescent Rolls with Pesto an even brighter, garden-fresh flavor. Just be sure to use a pesto that isn’t too runny, so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
What other cheeses work in this recipe?
You can play around with the cheese filling! Try provolone, fontina, or even a bit of crumbled goat cheese for a tangy surprise in every roll.
Can Crescent Rolls with Pesto be made dairy-free?
Yes, just use your favorite dairy-free pesto and vegan cheeses. There are great shredded mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives out there that melt beautifully and taste fantastic.
How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling while baking?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and always pinch the tip of the triangle into the dough to secure it underneath each roll before baking. Placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet helps, too.
Are there fun variations for the filling?
Totally! Add a slice of prosciutto before rolling, use sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist, or tuck in a few chopped olives. The filling options are endless, and every batch can be a little different!
Final Thoughts
If you need an appetizer that’s both easy and absolutely crowd-pleasing, Crescent Rolls with Pesto will quickly become your new essential. Each roll bursts with cheesy, herby flavor that’s impossible to resist, whether served at a family get-together or a dinner for two. Try them once and you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a delightful combination of flaky crescent dough filled with flavorful basil pesto and gooey cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish, these rolls are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Pesto Filling:
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spread pesto on each triangle, top with cheeses, and roll up from wide end to point.
- Bake: Place rolls on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seasoning, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm
- Great as an appetizer or side dish
- Variations: try different pesto flavors or add prosciutto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
