Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Filled with fresh pesto, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, they offer a delightful combination of flavors wrapped in buttery crescent dough.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce tube crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 4 mozzarella sticks
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate each triangle.
2. Step 2: Spread the basil pesto over the widest part of each triangle, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch space at the top.
3. Step 3: Place half of a mozzarella stick at the base of each crescent roll triangle.
4. Step 4: Add about a teaspoon of diced cherry tomatoes along the cheese stick towards the pointy end of each triangle.
5. Step 5: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over each cheese stick and tomatoes.
6. Step 6: Gently roll up the crescent rolls and place them in an 8″ or 9″ square baking dish.
7. Step 7: Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, then pour this mixture evenly over the crescent rolls.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dough is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil pesto for a more vibrant flavor or substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
• Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Swap mozzarella sticks with shredded mozzarella if preferred, just spread evenly before rolling.
• Serve warm with extra balsamic glaze on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jarred pesto instead of homemade?

Yes, jarred pesto works perfectly and saves time. Choose a good-quality pesto for the best taste.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the crescent rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before putting them in the oven to ensure even baking.

Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 72 reviews

These Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring buttery crescent dough filled with fresh basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Rolls

• 8 ounce tube crescent roll dough

Filling

• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 4 mozzarella sticks
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Topping

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to prepare for baking the crescent rolls evenly.
2. Prepare Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles, ensuring each piece is ready for filling.
3. Spread Pesto: Evenly divide the 1/4 cup of basil pesto and spread it onto the widest part of each crescent triangle, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch space at the top edge to allow for rolling.
4. Add Mozzarella: Place half of a mozzarella stick horizontally at the base of each crescent roll triangle to provide a melty, cheesy center.
5. Add Tomatoes: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of diced cherry tomatoes along the cheese stick, moving toward the pointy end of the triangle for added freshness and flavor.
6. Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the cheese and tomatoes on each crescent triangle to impart a sweet tangy glaze.
7. Roll Crescents: Carefully roll up each triangle from the wide base toward the pointy tip, encasing the filling inside, then place them seam side down in an 8 or 9 inch square baking dish.
8. Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt the 1/4 cup butter in a small pan, stir in the minced garlic, and pour this garlic butter evenly over the unbaked crescent rolls to enhance flavor and promote browning.
9. Bake: Place the filled crescent rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Use fresh basil pesto for the best aromatic flavor.
• The mozzarella sticks can be halved or cut to fit the crescent triangles perfectly.
• Cherry tomatoes add a bright, fresh contrast but can be omitted if desired.
• Brush the garlic butter evenly to ensure all rolls get a golden crust and garlic flavor.
• Serve warm for optimal cheese meltiness and taste.
• Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang, but substitute with balsamic vinegar reduction if unavailable.

Keywords: basil pesto crescent rolls, mozzarella crescent rolls, appetizer, Italian appetizer, baked crescent rolls, garlic butter crescent rolls