This fun and festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a delicious treat that shines at any holiday gathering! Made with fluffy crescent rolls and stuffed with gooey cheese, it’s as tasty as it is pretty.
Honestly, who can resist a cheesy tree? I love to serve it with some marinara sauce for dipping. It’s super easy to make, so you can spend more time eating and less time cooking! 🎄🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This forms the base of your tree. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry can work too. Just make sure to cut it into triangles similar to crescent rolls.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ricotta or Greek yogurt as substitutes, which can provide a nice tangy flavor.
Cheeses: I love the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for richness. You could swap in cheddar or a vegan cheese if you want a different taste or have dairy restrictions.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives flavor and helps with a golden crust. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Garlic and Parsley: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance flavor. Dried herbs can be a quick alternative, though fresh is always more vibrant.
How Do You Create the Perfect Tree Shape?
Shaping your crescent roll tree is a fun part of this recipe. Start with a single crescent roll at the top, then build it down in rows. Each row should consist of one more roll than the last—1 at the top, followed by 2, then 3, and so on.
- Make sure to space them a bit to allow for puffing while baking.
- Try to keep the rolls leveled to resemble a triangle for a more realistic tree look.
- Once baked, brushing with butter adds a nice shine and flavor, making it look even more festive!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Crescent Roll Christmas Tree will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Open the cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Lay them out flat and ready for filling!
4. Fill the Dough:
Take about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture and spoon it onto the wide end of each crescent triangle, making sure not to overfill.
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting at the wide end, gently roll the dough toward the pointed end, enclosing the cheese filling as you go. Place the mini rolled crescents aside.
6. Shape the Christmas Tree:
On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the filled crescent rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one crescent at the top, then place 2 crescents side-by-side below, followed by 3, then 4, creating a triangular tree shape.
7. Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with an additional pinch of parsley. Use a brush to generously coat each crescent roll with the butter mixture for a golden finish.
8. Bake the Tree:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescents are beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
9. Garnish Your Creation:
Once out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the tree if you like. Add sprigs of fresh parsley in between the rolls to represent tree branches.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your Crescent Roll Christmas Tree to a serving platter while it’s still warm. If you like, serve it with marinara sauce on the side for delicious dipping. Enjoy!
Spread holiday cheer with this delightful, cheesy treat! 🎄🧀
Can I Use Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can prepare the cheese filling and roll the crescents ahead of time! Just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake them fresh on the day of your gathering for the best results!
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This Christmas tree pairs perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also serve it with warm cheese sauce, pesto, or a flavorful aioli for an extra kick!
