Save Festive, flaky crescent rolls shaped into charming Christmas trees, filled with budget-friendly cheese and herbs—perfect for holiday appetizers or snacks.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family due to its ease and festive appearance.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Filling: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Filling: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Filling: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Filling: 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Filling: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- Filling: 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Filling: 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Filling: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Decoration: 16 grape tomatoes or small cherry tomatoes (for ornaments)
- Decoration: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare butter-herb mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare dough:
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Brush dough:
- Brush each triangle lightly with the butter-herb mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each triangle.
- Roll crescents:
- Roll up each triangle from wide end to tip to form a crescent.
- Arrange crescents:
- Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree: create a triangle by starting with one roll at the top, then two underneath, then three, and so on, ending with a row of five at the base. Position remaining rolls as the trunk beneath the tree shape.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with butter-herb mixture:
- Remove from oven. While warm, brush with remaining butter-herb mixture.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with grape tomatoes as ornaments and sprinkle with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm.
Save This recipe brings the whole family together, especially when decorating the crescent roll trees with tomato ornaments.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, mixing bowls
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), possibly eggs (check crescent roll dough label). Double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Save Enjoy this festive appetizer that’s sure to impress without breaking your budget.
Common Questions
- → What type of dough is used for the crescent trees?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough cans provide a flaky and tender base that's easy to shape.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Yes, mozzarella and Parmesan work well, but swapping mozzarella for cheddar or your preferred cheeses adds variety.
- → How do I shape the crescents into Christmas trees?
Arrange rolled crescents in triangular rows on a baking sheet, gradually increasing the number per row to form a tree shape.
- → What herbs are included in the filling mixture?
Fresh parsley, Italian herbs, and minced garlic blend with butter to enhance flavor inside and on top of the rolls.
- → Are there suggested toppings or decorations?
Grape or small cherry tomatoes serve as festive ornaments, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a finishing touch.
- → Can I add other ingredients for variety?
Yes, additions like cooked crumbled bacon or spinach can be included for a different flavor profile.