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 quickly became my go-to holiday appetizer because it impresses guests without breaking the bank or requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Filling: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley), 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Decoration: 16 grape tomatoes or small cherry tomatoes (for ornaments), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter minced garlic chopped parsley Italian herbs salt and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Step 4:
- Brush each triangle lightly with the butter-herb mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each triangle.
- Step 5:
- Roll up each triangle from wide end to tip to form a crescent.
- Step 6:
- 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.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 8:
- Remove from oven. While warm brush with remaining butter-herb mixture.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with grape tomatoes as ornaments and sprinkle with additional parsley if desired.
- Step 10:
- Serve warm.
Save Making these trees has become a cherished holiday tradition with my family gathering around the oven excited to decorate and enjoy.
Notes
Add cooked crumbled bacon or cooked spinach for variety. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Swap mozzarella for cheddar or your favorite cheese blend.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Pastry brush Mixing bowls
Nutritional Information
Calories 185 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 17 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save These crescent roll trees bring festive flair to any holiday table and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every year.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of cheese works best in this dish?
Mozzarella and Parmesan blend well, providing a creamy and savory flavor that complements the herbs.
- → Can I prepare these crescent trees in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, then brush with the butter-herb mixture before baking.
- → What herbs enhance the filling’s flavor?
Fresh parsley and dried Italian herbs add brightness and a balanced aromatic profile to the cheesy filling.
- → How do I achieve the tree shape with the rolls?
Arrange the rolls in rows starting with one at the top and increasing by one each row to form a triangle, placing remaining rolls as the trunk below.
- → Are there variations to the filling suggested?
Yes, substitutions like cheddar cheese or additions like cooked bacon or spinach add variety and richness.