Save Festive, flaky crescent rolls shaped into charming Christmas trees, filled with budget-friendly cheese and herbs—perfect for holiday appetizers or snacks.
I've made these crescent roll trees for several holiday parties and they are always a hit with both kids and adults.
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 My kids love helping arrange the crescents into the tree shape each year, making it a cherished holiday tradition.
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 these festive trees fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of dough is used for these crescent trees?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough is used, which provides a flaky and tender base that's easy to shape and bake.
- → Can other cheeses be used instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Yes, cheddar or a favorite cheese blend can be substituted to suit your taste preferences.
- → How are the crescent shapes arranged to resemble Christmas trees?
The rolls are arranged in rows starting with one at the top and increasing by one each row to form a triangular tree shape, with extra rolls forming the trunk.
- → What is the purpose of the grape tomatoes in this dish?
Grape tomatoes serve as colorful 'ornaments' to decorate the crescent trees, adding a fresh and festive touch.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
While best served warm, the crescent roll trees can be assembled and refrigerated briefly before baking, but baking fresh ensures ideal flakiness.
- → Are there any common allergens in the ingredients?
Yes, this dish contains wheat (gluten) and dairy from the cheeses and dough. Check dough labels for possible egg content.