Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a simple yet delicious treat that bursts with flavor and flaky goodness, this Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture buttery crescent roll dough wrapped around vibrant basil pesto, baked to a perfect golden crisp that makes every bite a savory delight. Whether served as an appetizer, a side for your dinner, or a savory snack, these rolls bring a delightful touch of Italian-inspired magic to your table with minimal effort. They come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making them an ideal choice for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want a crowd-pleaser that’s impressively tasty and visually inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients form the backbone of this Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe. Each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of buttery, herbaceous, and cheesy flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces): Provides the flaky, buttery base that wraps everything into perfect golden crescents.
- Basil pesto (¼ cup): Brings a fresh, aromatic burst of herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color that defines the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a salty, nutty dimension that elevates each bite.
- Egg (1, beaten): Creates a glossy, golden finish when brushed on top before baking.
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (optional garnish): Enhances presentation and can provide a hint of freshness or extra flavor.
How to Make Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Essentials
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your rolls will bake evenly and not stick to the pan, giving you that picture-perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Unroll your crescent dough from the package and gently separate it into 8 triangles. These triangles are the canvas for your pesto masterpiece, so handle them carefully to keep the edges intact for rolling.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Pesto
Spread a thin layer of basil pesto evenly over each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. This gives you that perfect balance of pesto flavor without overwhelming the delicate dough structure. If you adore cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of the pesto for an added savory kick.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll the dough up into crescent shapes. Make sure the edge seals well so the pesto doesn’t leak out while baking. Place your beautiful crescents onto the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each to allow for expansion.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This step is key for a shiny, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls turn golden brown and are baked through.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top to make your presentation pop and add a fresh herbal note right before enjoying.
How to Serve Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of grated Parmesan work wonders as garnishes. These not only brighten the rolls visually but also complement the underlying pesto flavor, making every bite linger delightfully on the palate.
Side Dishes
This Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe pairs beautifully with light salads, such as mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad to echo the Italian theme. For heartier meals, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a warm soup for a comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pesto rolls on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra pesto and cheesy dips for a festive party platter. You can also serve them stacked with layers of sliced cured meats and olives to turn this simple appetizer into an elegant antipasto spread that invites guests to nibble and savor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unbaked rolls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a sealed bag. You can also freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container. Frozen rolls can last up to 1 month without losing their delicious character.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the pesto filling, giving you nearly freshly baked flavor with minimal fuss.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto for this Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the flavor. Just be sure it’s not too oily, as excess oil can make the dough soggy while baking.
What if I don’t have refrigerated crescent roll dough?
While refrigerated crescent rolls are ideal for convenience, you could use puff pastry as a substitute. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious with pesto rolled inside.
Can I add other fillings to the rolls?
Yes! Adding mozzarella slices, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions inside each roll before baking creates exciting flavor variations that complement the pesto beautifully.
Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
This Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe is perfect for vegetarians, as it features no meat ingredients. Just double-check your pesto and crescent dough ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, these rolls remain tasty for about 2 days stored properly at room temperature. Beyond that, texture may decline but reheating can help bring them back to life.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe enough for anyone craving something quick, tasty, and irresistibly golden. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again, whether you’re preparing for guests or just treating yourself to a delicious snack. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes an instant favorite in your recipe collection!
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Crescent Rolls with Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crescent Rolls with Pesto are a quick and flavorful appetizer or side dish made by rolling buttery crescent dough with vibrant basil pesto. Baked until golden and flaky, these savory rolls are perfect for holiday spreads, potlucks, or as a tasty snack that comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese 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 make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles on a clean surface.
- Add Pesto: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto evenly over each triangle, keeping a small border around the edges to prevent spilling during rolling.
- Sprinkle Cheese: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto layer on each triangle for added richness and flavor.
- Roll the Triangles: Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll it up toward the point, forming a crescent shape, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each rolled crescent with the beaten egg mixture to give them a beautiful golden and glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the rolls are golden brown, flaky, and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for a delightful presentation.
Notes
- Add a slice of mozzarella cheese or a piece of sun-dried tomato inside each roll before rolling for an extra burst of flavor.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in the oven to restore their crispness if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
