Save to Pinterest 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 a holiday favorite in our family for its fun presentation and delicious flavor.
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.
- Make 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.
- Shape tree:
- 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 1315 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush again:
- 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 to Pinterest Our whole family gathers around to make these crescent roll trees every Christmas Eve, creating wonderful memories.
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 to Pinterest These crescent roll trees are a festive addition to any holiday table and easy to customize with your favorite fillings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the crescent rolls into Christmas trees?
Roll the crescent dough triangles with filling and arrange them on a baking sheet in rows forming a tree shape: start with one at the top, increase rows to five at the base, and use remaining rolls as the trunk.
- → What cheeses can be used if I don’t have mozzarella?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any favorite cheese blend work well as substitutes for mozzarella in the filling.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crescent trees in advance, keep them chilled, and bake fresh just before serving to maintain flakiness.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor in this dish?
Fresh parsley and a mix of Italian dried herbs complement the cheeses and garlic, adding bright, aromatic notes.
- → Are there suggested accompaniments?
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or add cooked bacon or spinach to the filling for variety and extra flavor.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 13–15 minutes until golden brown and flaky.