Festive Crescent Rolls with Pesto

Flaky, golden, and filled with herby goodness, pesto crescent rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. This easy recipe transforms basic dough into something irresistibly flavorful.

Whether served fresh from the oven or packed in a lunchbox, pesto crescent rolls deliver savory satisfaction in every bite. They’re fast, customizable, and perfect for weeknight cravings or weekend entertaining.

Key Ingredients That Make These Pesto Crescent Rolls Irresistible

• Refrigerated crescent dough – The soft, buttery base that bakes into golden, flaky perfection with minimal effort.
• Pesto – Adds a punch of basil, garlic, and Parmesan flavor, seeping into the layers of dough for an aromatic bite.
• Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese – Finely grated for a salty, umami-rich topping that melts beautifully over the pesto.

How to Make These Buttery Beauties

Preheat your oven and pop open that classic crescent roll canister—always a satisfying start. Unroll the dough and separate it into triangles as marked.

Brush each triangle generously with pesto, making sure to spread it to the edges. Then sprinkle the cheese evenly on top, so every roll gets a savory hit in every layer.

Starting from the wide end of the triangle, roll them tightly toward the tip to form classic crescent shapes. Arrange them on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven until golden and fragrant.

Recipe Tips & Creative Twists for Your Crescent Rolls

Want to elevate the flavor even more? Try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives with the pesto before spreading. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick without overwhelming the herbaceous flavors.

For a nut-free version, whip up a quick pesto using basil, garlic, olive oil, and cheese only—no pine nuts required. This makes the rolls safe for more guests while keeping all that bold, garlicky flavor.

Switching cheeses is another way to play—Asiago or sharp cheddar can both bring unique depth. If you want a melty center, tuck in a cube of mozzarella before rolling.

Keeping Your Rolls Fresh: Storing, Reheating & Enjoying Later

Leftover pesto crescent rolls keep well for up to a week in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, which restores their crisp edges and gooey center.

Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush—the texture softens too much. These rolls also freeze beautifully; just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for best results.

Pesto Crescent Rolls

Elevate the simplicity of refrigerated crescent dough with a rich layer of pesto and a delicate dusting of cheese. These rolls are effortlessly transformed into a warm, savory treat ideal for gatherings or a quick appetizer.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 1 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent dough
• ¼ cup pesto either homemade or store-bought

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Unroll the crescent dough and detach it along the perforated lines to form triangles. Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of pesto over each piece. Distribute the cheese evenly across all triangles.
• Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward its pointed tip. Arrange the formed rolls on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the exterior turns a rich golden hue. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If nut allergies are a concern, opt for a homemade nut-free pesto to ensure safety. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven to restore their crisp texture.