If you love easy appetizers that look and taste gourmet, these Pesto Crescent Rolls are about to become your new favorite. Buttery, flaky crescent dough is filled with rich basil pesto, gooey melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or need an effortless side dish, this pesto crescent roll recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

With just a few ingredients, these cheesy pesto crescent rolls come together in minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, game-day spreads, or elegant holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re packed with savory flavors, thanks to the nutty, garlicky pesto and warm, melted cheese wrapped in a crisp, golden crust.

If you need a quick and impressive appetizer, these pesto crescent rolls are the answer. They require minimal effort, deliver maximum flavor, and are guaranteed to be a hit with guests. Plus, they store well—so you can even make a batch in advance and reheat them in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Next time you’re hosting a party or craving something warm and cheesy, give these buttery pesto crescent rolls a try. They’re so good, you might want to double the recipe—because they disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love These Pesto Crescent Rolls

• Super Quick & Easy – With pre-made crescent dough, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Irresistibly Flaky & Buttery – The crescent rolls bake up golden and crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside.
• Versatile & Customizable – Add extra cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or even shredded chicken for a heartier option.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve these cheesy pesto crescent rolls as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Crescent Rolls: A can of pre-made, flaky crescent rolls with a buttery texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, savory finish.
• Egg: A large egg, beaten to create a shiny glaze.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich for a creamy layer.
• Pesto Sauce: Vibrant and herb-infused for a burst of flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated and tangy to add depth.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a medium cooking sheet with parchment paper.

Open the can of crescent rolls and separate each of the 8 rolls. Slightly roll each individual crescent out with a rolling pin to make them larger.

a)

b)

Add a thin layer of cream cheese, pesto, tomato paste, and a sprinkle of cheese on each crescent roll triangle.

Roll each crescent roll all the way up carefully from the wider side.

Place the crescent rolls seam down in the pan. Repeat.

Using a pastry brush, brush each crescent roll with the beaten egg.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until browned.

STORAGE OPTIONS

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Cheese: Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Parmesan or Gruyère also add extra depth.

Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or prosciutto for a heartier bite.

Pesto: Classic basil pesto works beautifully, but try sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto for a unique flavor.

Dough: Use puff pastry for an ultra-flaky texture or pizza dough for a chewier bite.

Toppings: A sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or toasted pine nuts can elevate these rolls even more!

Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 can large crescent rolls
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large egg, beat
• 2 oz. Cream cheese
• ⅓ cup pesto sauce
• ¼ cup tomato paste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a medium cooking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Open the can of crescent rolls and separate each of the 8 rolls. Slightly roll each individual crescent out with a rolling pin to make them larger.
3. Add a thin layer of cream cheese, pesto, tomato paste, and a sprinkle of cheese on each crescent roll triangle.
4. Roll each crescent roll all the way up carefully from the wider side.
5. Place the crescent rolls seam down in the pan. Repeat.
6. Using a pastry brush, brush each crescent roll with the beaten egg.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until browned.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 307mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 8g