Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to prepare for baking the crescent rolls evenly.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles, ensuring each piece is ready for filling.
- 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.
- Add Mozzarella: Place half of a mozzarella stick horizontally at the base of each crescent roll triangle to provide a melty, cheesy center.
- 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.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the cheese and tomatoes on each crescent triangle to impart a sweet tangy glaze.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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